DEQ issues warning about eating Tar Creek area fish

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The state Department of Environmental Quality is warning residents around Tar Creek about the dangers of eating contaminated fish. <br><br>DEQ says people should eat only boneless,

Friday, July 18th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The state Department of Environmental Quality is warning residents around Tar Creek about the dangers of eating contaminated fish.

DEQ says people should eat only boneless, skinless fillets of fish caught in and near the Tar Creek Superfund site.

A study shows some bottom-feeding fish from the Neosho and Spring rivers and four Tar Creek ponds had unsafe levels of the heavy metals lead, cadmium and zinc.

But metal levels were below the safety standard if the bones and skin were removed. Sport fish that swim above the bottom were also safe.

DEQ says the best approach is to eat only boneless, skinless fillets of all species, not just bottom feeders like carp, buffalo and catfish.