Utah runs out of funds to test fish for mercury

Officials say there is no money budgeted to test fish for mercury this year and next.

Utah's wildlife and water officials have been testing fish for mercury every year since scientists discovered the Great Salt Lake is a hot spot for the metal's toxic form.

Testing has led to fish consumption warnings at 14 spots on Utah streams and reservoirs and advice against eating three types of duck from the lake.

"That analysis is the basis for much of what we do," said the Division of Water Quality's John Whitehead, who leads the multi-agency Utah Mercury Work Group.

Until this year, the Utah Health Department performed the test with equipment it bought a few years ago for $50,000. But now the health department doesn't have the resources for fish testing.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has stepped in and is testing the fish for free when there's time.

Environmental officials have been sending batches of 50 or so frozen fish each week to the EPA's testing laboratory since December.

Results on 289 fish collected last year should be back at the end of next month. Officials will collect another 300 fish this year for testing.

Whitehead said it's likely there will be more advisories for the summer fishing season. The toxic form of mercury is called methylmercury.

"It is statistically likely we will see more advisories as we test more water bodies," he said.