SEATTLE (AP) — Washington waters are supposed to be clean enough to protect people who eat fish from it, but the state standard assumes people can safely eat less than 8 ounces of fish a month.
State environmental regulators think that’s too low. Many residents likely eat more than the current rate of 6.5 grams a day. So the state is recommending a rate that would protect people who eat at least 24 times that amount.
How much fish Washington residents consume is important because it helps drives water quality standards and pollution control. A higher fish consumption rate means fewer toxic pollutants would be allowed in state waters — and likely tougher requirements for polluters.
Several tribes are pushing for a state standard that protects people who eat the most fish.
