Environmental Toxins: PCBs Found in Excrement of Hatchery Fish

PCBS have been found during testing of excrement from fish from the Big Springs Trout Hatchery in Montana. While other recent tests of the trout from the hatchery have showed negative results, the most recent positivie result is of much concern to state officials. Don Skaar from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks says that he is "dumbfounded" by the results. While PCB levels are not high enough to merit disposing of the fish, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will make the final decision about the fishes's fate.

Tests find PCBs in excrement of hatchery fish

Skaar says that the contaminated fish likely were exposed to PCBs through their water supply. PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are a mixture of synthetic and organic compounds that were used in many products until a congressional ban in 1977. Most Americans have detectable amounts of PCBs in their blood.