Fish consumption bans still in effect for area lakes

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, there are currently bans on fish consumption from two popular area fishing holes. Although both bans are over ten years old, there has been no written notice rescinding the orders, so fisherman should be wary when consuming fish from Daingerfield Lake and Ellison Creek Reservoir. The advisory for Lake Daingerfield, located in Daingerfield State Park, affects only the largemouth bass in the area. In 2002, largemouth bass from the lake indicated the presence of mercury “at levels that may pose a threat to human health if consumed,” according to the notice posted on the Texas Department of State Health Services website. The advisory suggests that adults limit consumption of largemouth bass from Lake Daingerfield to two eightounce meals per month. Children should eat no more than two four-ounce meals per month of largemouth bass from that lake. For Ellison Creek Reservoir, or Lone Star Lake, samples taken in 2005 indicated the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, at concentrations exceeding health assessment guidelines. PCBs are man-made chemicals that were once used commercially as lubricants and coolants. When consumed, PCBs can affect the immune system, reproductive organs, stomach, and other organs, as well as possibly increasing the risk of cancer. All types of fish in Ellison Creek Reservoir are affected, according to the Consumption Advisory on the DSHS website, and should not be consumed. To continue reading this article, purchase the December 31st edition of the Steel Country Bee, or go to our online e-edition at: http://www.etypeservices.com/Daingerfield%20BeeID312/default.aspx