Star Tribune Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:43:27 GMT
3M chemical found in nine more metro lakes
Stormwater runoff could be behind the elevated levels of PFOS; 11 other lakes studied showed little or no trace of it. A chemical formerly manufactured by 3M has been found at elevated levels in nine more metro area lakes, according to a study released Tuesday, and is likely entering the waters through stormwater runoff. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) collected 381 fish from 20 lakes and two river reaches last spring and summer. They were analyzed them for PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and related compounds. 3M manufactured the chemical for decades for use in Scotchgard, firefighting foams and other products before ceasing production in 2002. The metro lakes study began after the surprise discovery last spring of relatively high levels of PFOS in bluegills from Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. Scientists couldn't explain the source of the contamination, because the lake is not near any known areas where 3M manufactured or disposed of the chemical. ...The lakes with elevated levels of PFOS in fish are: Lake Johanna (Arden Hills), Cedar (Minneapolis), Harriet, Hiawatha, Jane, Keller, Powers, Red Rock and Tanners. Waters with little or no trace of PFOS are Cedar (Scott County), Centerville, Colby, Green Mountain, Hydes, Independence, Nokomis, Peltier, Upper Prior, Sarah and Silver.
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