To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

CHARLOTTE – The fish consumption warnings along the Catawba River basin are staying in effect.

A recent state and local study of several fish species shows high traces of mercury and PCBs.

PCBs are known to be potentially cancerous.

Catawba River Keeper David Merryman said the chemicals came from coolants, lubricants in transformers, capacitors and other electrical equipment.

“It is very likely that Duke [Energy] is a eventual source of the PCBs we are now finding in the Catawba River,” said Merryman. “It is nearly impossible to source them all to one entity.”

The study shows that the PCB and mercury levels are higher in the southern portion of the Catawba River basin. Traces of the chemical were found in Lake Norman, but not enough to cause a fish advisory warning.