High Levels of Cancer-Causing Chemicals Found in Donna Lake

PCBs used in insulation for electrical equipment

HIDALGO COUNTY - Federal officials warn everyone not to eat fish caught in Donna Lake or the irrigation canals, because they contain high levels of chemicals known to cause cancer.

The government has yet to figure where the chemicals are coming from. But they have designated the area as a Superfund area. This means finding financing for the cleanup is a top priority.

The chemicals, called PCBs or Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyls, are used as insulation for electrical equipment.

Fish in the canal have tested positive for PCB levels more than 1,500 times higher than the concentration thought to pose a health risk to an adult. That's according to a report by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Signs have been posted to warn people not to eat the fish, but it doesn't stop most people.

The EPA will be in the Valley soon to talk to officials in Donna about their plan to clean up the lake. You can count on NEWSCHANNEL 5 to be at that meeting.