MDH Issues Warning For 2 Twin Cities Metro Water Bodies

ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota Department of Health is warning certain residents not to eat fish caught in two bodies of water in the Twin Cities metro area due to a mixture of pollutants

New data shows per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the fish in the Mississippi River between the Ford Dam in St. Paul to the Hastings Dam.

The pollutants were also found in the fish of Lake Rebecca near Hastings.

People who should especially avoid eating fish are children, pregnant women, and women who are or plan on breastfeeding

"The updated fish consumption guidance for Lake Rebecca and Pool 2 applies only to higher risk populations at this time,” MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff said.

"It’s important to note that with PFAS, the risk is based on long-term exposure, not the kind of short-term exposure you might have from a few meals."

PFAS are a family of human-made chemicals that have been widely used for decades and do not break down in the environment. Over time, PFAS can build up in a person’s body. Children’s immune systems are most sensitive. Exposure to some PFAS is associated with certain types of cancer.

Huff noted fish are a source of low-fat protein, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish may promote heart and overall health. While there are health benefits to eating fish, there can be risks associated with eating certain amounts of fish from certain lakes and waterways. Minnesota’s fish consumption guidance helps people lower their exposure to contaminants in fish while still getting the health benefits of eating fish.

"Even with the new recommendations, fishing can still be enjoyed at Lake Rebecca and Pool 2 on a catch-and-release basis," said Department of Natural Resources fisheries manager Brian Nerbonne.

"Here in the land of 10,000 lakes, there are plenty of places to fish, so people who do want to eat the fish they catch can find alternative water bodies. Our Fishing in the Neighborhood guide lists opportunities in the surrounding area where people can fish close to where they live."

Officials recommend these alternative places to fish in the metro:

• Lower St. Croix River (south of Stillwater)
• Lake Nokomis
• Rogers Lake
• Bald Eagle Lake
• White Bear Lake