Boyd Lake, Carter Lake Fish Contain Mercury

By Greeley Tribune, Colo.

May 4–Health and wildlife agencies said Thursday that northern Colorado residents should not eat fish caught in two Larimer County lakes due to high levels of mercury found in the fish.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Division of Wildlife announced mercury advisories for Boyd Lake and Carter Lake.

Samples taken from the fish at both lakes have more than the acceptable mercury level of 0.5 parts per million set by the health department.

Mercury poisoning can affect people of all ages, but, pregnant women and children under age 6 are especially susceptible. Symptoms can cause harm for developing nervous systems in fetuses and young children. Adults can suffer from central nervous system and cardiovascular problems.

State officials also announced an advisory for the Horseshoe Reservoir near Walsenburg for sauger and smallmouth bass. Fish consumption advisories can be found at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/wq/FishCon/FishCon.html.

— Staff Reports

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Copyright (c) 2007, Greeley Tribune, Colo.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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