In late 2009, SC DHEC announced that they would test for PCBs in Lake Wateree fish.  This was in response to an EPA study showing elevated PCB levels in fish from Lake Wateree. 

In early 2010, DHEC took fish samples at two locations on the lake.  This testing resulted in a new fish consumption advisory for Lake Wateree.  The advisory was issued in early May when DHEC annually updates fish consumption advisories throughout the state. The new advisory recommends limiting consumption of blue catfish and striped bass to no more than one meal per month.  Consumption of largemouth bass should be limited to no more than one meal per week.  The advisory also stated that there are no limits on consumption of black crappie. 

The fish tested consisted of the types of fish mentioned above: blue catfish, striped bass, largemouth bass, and black crappie.  Other types such as bream and channel catfish were not tested.  Since there is no data on these, no advisory limiting or not limiting consumption was issued.

PCBs are synthetic (man-made) chemicals used primarily as an insulator in electrical equipment.  PCB’s break down very slowly and as such they tend to remain in the environment for a long time.  Concerns about the health affects of PCBs caused the federal government to ban their manufacture and distribution in the late 1970’s.  Most of the PCBs present in the environment today leaked from manufacturing plants or from electrical equipment many years ago. 

The primary method for human contact with PCBs is through consumption of fish.  PCBs tend to collect in the sediment at the bottom of lakes and rivers and remain in the sediment for long periods of time.  Bottom feeder fish such as catfish and carp tend to ingest PCBs.  Larger fish that consume smaller fish will ingest PCBs in the smaller fish.  Human eating fish with PCBs will absorb the PCB’s into their body. 

DHEC’s website contains a wealth of information concerning PCBs and fish consumption advisories.  Go to 

http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/water/fish/index.htm

Health studies have shown PCBs to affect development of babies and small children.  DHEC recommends stricter limits for pregnant mothers, women wanting to become pregnant and children up to age 14.  The guidance is to limit consumption of any freshwater fish to once per week and to not eat any fish which has any type of advisory.  PCBs accumulate in the fat and oils within the fish.  The website provides guidance for preparing and cooking fish to minimize the amount of PCBs consumed.

PCB’s are considered to be a probable carcinogen by EPA.  EPA has developed guidance for consumption levels based on this. Health studies related to cancer are based on workers exposed to PCB manufacturing and use (prior to the late 70’s ban) as well as animal studies.

DHEC has stated that they do plan to post signs at Lake Wateree boat landings as a part of their effort to notify the public.

The source of the elevated levels of PCB in Lake Wateree fish remains a mystery.  Prior to May 2010, the only SC lake that had advisories for PCB was Lake Hartwell.  The source of Lake Hartwell’s PCBs stemmed from an industrial plant on one of the tributaries.  DHEC has said that they do not know of any suspect industrial plants on any of Lake Wateree’s tributaries that would provide a source of PCBs. 

There is some speculation that PCBs may be present in the upstream lakes – Fishing Creek and Wylie.  DHEC has not tested fish from these lakes for PCBs.  At present, they don’t have a definite plan to do this type of further testing, although they don’t rule it out. 

Typically, DHEC tests fish from different lakes on an annual basis to update the fish advisories and track the level of contaminants.  State budget restrictions may result in less testing in the future, but some level of repetitive testing will continue. 

There is not a good way to remove PCBs from the sediment and thus reduce the PCB levels in fish from the lake. There will likely be fish consumption advisories for certain types of Lake Wateree fish for a long time.  The public should be aware of the advisories and take reasonable precautions to safeguard their health and the health of their families.