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.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
This is actually a question. Where can I get fish tested? I would like to get fish in our lake tested and I don't know who to contact. Please let me know if you have any idea.
Thank you,
Karen Wilsey
customcanvas@npgcable.com
DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.
The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center.
The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents.
"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager.
The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.
The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.
It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event.
Cassidy Flynn scattered five hits in a complete-game effort in the circle as Lenox upset top-seeded Hoosac Valley, 3-2, in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament. click for more
Brayden Durant struck out seven and walked one in a complete-game effort on the mound Saturday to pitch the Drury baseball team to a 6-0 win over Keefe Tech in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament at Joe Wolfe Field. click for more
Jason Codey struck out 13, walked two and allowed just an infield single as the Generals earned a 7-1 win over Wahconah to claim their third straight regional title. click for more
Gracelyn Wright struck out eight, and Genevieve Lagess went 3-for-5 with four runs batted in as the Hurricanes beat Monson, 17-3, to claim their first Western Mass title in four years. click for more
