New sampling data, collected by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC), has indicated that seven southeastern Idaho streams have extremely high levels of selenium in fish. All 21 fish collected by GYC had high levels, with many having amounts 2 to 4 times greater than EPA’s proposed selenium standards. Water, aquatic plants and aquatic insects were also collected as part of the sampling.

The data collection was commissioned by area landowners concerned about the effects of open-pit phosphate mining on fish and water quality in streams in the Blackfoot River and Salt River Watersheds. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has already posted fish consumption advisories in East Mill Creek where selenium levels are lower than in the seven streams tested in this sampling. Because of high levels of selenium in fish from the seven streams studied, GYC feels that additional fish consumption advisories should be posted.

“Without question, fish in these streams are being impacted by nearby phosphate mines,” said Marv Hoyt, Idaho Director of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. “The mining releases selenium into adjacent and nearby streams and groundwater which impacts fish, and can harm humans who eat large amounts of fish.”

Sage Creek, which winds through the Sage Creek Roadless Area in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, had high levels of selenium in fish, aquatic insects and water. Selenium contamination in female fish causes fry to be born dead or with lethal deformities and illnesses, and fishermen who consume contaminated fish can, over time, be exposed to toxic levels of the mineral.

The economies of communities near these waters are intricately tied to sport fishing. In 2003, anglers spent $438 million while fishing in Idaho. Nearly $200 million was spent at local businesses for food and lodging. To learn more about this and related issues, please visit www.thephosphaterisk.com .

If you have a Yellowstone experience you’d like to share, make your may now to the FlyFish.com Montana,Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Utah forum .