WJJQ LOCAL NEWS
Lincoln County, Oneida County lakes appear on DNR list

Thursday, December 29, 2011

The state DNR recently released their proposed list of impaired waterways and a Lincoln County Lake appears on that list.

Bass Lake in the town of Harrison is one of the 32 lakes, rivers or streams that the DNR would like to add to the list. It appeared due to high mercury levels appearing in tissue samples from the lake's large-mouth bass population. The lake was given a medium priority designation.

Mercury, which settles in Wisconsin lakes from air pollution, is consumed by fish and accumulates in their bodies. People who eat too many mercury-laden fish are at risk of suffering from neurological damage, according to the DNR.

Wisconsin assesses its waterways every two years to determine whether the water meets national water quality goals and provides wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities as required by the federal 1972 Clean Water Act. States are required to develop a list of waters that do not meet standards and goals and a plan to improve those on the list. More than 700 rivers, streams and lakes now are on the list, according to the DNR.

Others on the proposed list for mercury include Four mile Lake and Planting ground lake all in Oneida County. Bearskin Lake appeared as a low priority due to phosphorus levels.

The DNR is seeking public comment on its list through Feb. 20.

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