Oregon Public Broadcasting

Toxic contaminants are moving up the food chain in the Columbia River Basin.  That's according to the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Four Indian tribes with fishing rights say the report should be “a call to action” for the Obama Administration. Correspondent Tom Banse reports.

To get the big picture, scientists at the EPA synthesized sediment and tissue sampling data collected in the Columbia River by a variety of agencies. 

They zeroed in on four main toxics.  Levels of the banned pesticide DDT and the industrial chemical PCB’s are going down.

But EPA Regional Administrator Elin Miller said during a conference call that mercury readings are going up -- as are another class of pollutants.

Elin Miller: “PBDE flame retardants and other emerging contaminants of concern -- like pharmaceuticals and personal care products -- are a growing concern because their levels are increasing actually in fish and wildlife throughout the basin.”

EPA managers openly worry about the health of tribal members who eat a traditional diet heavy in fish. 

As for the casual eater, EPA says existing state advisories to limit consumption of certain sportfish are adequate.

Online:

EPA: “Columbia Basin State of the River Report for Toxics”