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LOCAL HAZARD?
Lake Wissota is one of the largest bodies of water in Chippewa County and is a very popular recreation area during the summer. Because of the lake’s reputation for big muskies, walleyes, and smallmouth bass, it draws in anglers from around the state. However, Lake Wissota poses a threat to all humans and animals who consume fish from the lake. Mercury levels in the lake have risen to a level that is known to be hazardous to human health if fish consumption is not monitored by individuals.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources sampled walleyes from Lake Wissota and select lakes throughout Wisconsin from 1985 to 2003 by use of shocking techniques. Samples of fish muscle tissue/filet (the part that people eat) were sent to Madison, WI for analysis. It was found that most fish in Lake Wissota, and also fish throughout the entire state that were sampled, contained at least .05 ppm (parts per million) mercury. Some of the lakes issued a warning that recommended that walleyes over 20” in length not be eaten by expecting mothers and children under the age of 15 to avoid health risks. Although the mercury levels in Lake Wissota were significant, it was only recommended that people consuming fish from the lake follow the statewide safe eating guidelines. The focus of this project is on Lake Wissota in Chippewa county, however, most lakes in Wisconsin are under the statewide mercury alert. Other local bodies of water that are included in the high alert are Lake Altoona, Eau Claire Lake, and the entire Chippewa River system downstream from the Holcombe dam to its confluence with the Mississippi River.
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