Elevated PCB levels found in Silver Lake fish

By Anthony FydenPrint Story | Email Story
Silver Lake in Pittsfield, with the former GE plant in the background (EPA photo)
Fish in Pittsfield's Silver Lake show elevated levels of PCB contamination, although they are lower than the levels found in fish in the nearby Housatonic River, according to a new Environmental Protection Agency report. A variety of fish were tested, including largemouth bass, yellow perch, white sucker, pumpkinseed sunfish, and golden shiner. The fish were collected using boat electro-shocking methods. "Fish tissue results showed a range of total PCB concentrations from 24-168 parts per million (ppm)," an EPA release stated. "Fish tissue concentrations were predictably related to size class and feeding strategy." The data will be used to help determine whether the fish should be completely removed before a "cap" is placed on the bottom of the lake. The planned capping, along with the removal of 400 yards of highly contaminated sediment from the lake, is part of the Consent Decree settlement among the city, other government agencies, and GE, over PCB contamination in the area. Along with the EPA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection participated in the testing. Before a final decision is made on the fate of the fish, more testing will need to be done. "[U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife] will conduct a one-day follow-up survey later this summer or fall to gather additional information on the relative numbers and size classes per species present in the lake" the release stated. "This information will be used to help determine the relative PCB biomass in the lake and the composition of the future fish community after cap placement." The 26-acre lake is one of 25 areas outside the Housatonic River being evaluated for cleanup as part of the General Electric Pittsfield/Housatonic River PCB remediation project. GE plant discharges resulted in PCB contamination of the lake sediments.
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Dalton Announces New Supplier for Energy Program

DALTON, Mass. – The Town of Dalton has signed a thirty-four month contract with a new supplier, First Point Power.
 
Beginning with the January 2026 meter reads, the Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program will have a new rate of $0.13042 per kWh. The Program will also continue to offer an optional 100 percent green product, which is derived from National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), at a rate of $0.13142 per kWh.
 
For Dalton residents and businesses who are enrolled in the Town's Program, the current rate of $0.13849 per kWh will expire with the January 2026 meter reads and the new rate of $0.13042 per kWh will take effect. This represents a decrease of $5 per month on the supply side of the bill given average usage of 600 kWh. Additionally, this new rate is 3 percent lower than Eversource's Residential Basic Service rate of $0.13493 per kWh. Residents can expect to see an
average savings of $3 per month for the month of January 2026. Eversource's Basic Service rates
will change on Feb. 1, 2026.
 
Dalton launched its electricity program in January 2015 in an effort to develop an energy program that would be stable and affordable. From inception through June 2025, the Program has saved residents and small businesses over $1.7 million in electricity costs as compared to Eversource Basic Service.
 
It is important to note that no action is required by current participants. This change will be seen on the February 2026 bills. All accounts currently enrolled in the Program will remain with their current product offering and see the new rate and First Point Power printed under the "Supplier Services" section of their monthly bill.
 
The Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program has no fees or charges. However, anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. Ratepayers should verify terms before switching.
 
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