Agency completes its test on Rainy Creek trout

The Environmental Protection Agency’s testing of water and fish on Rainy Creek  of the effects of Libby Amphibole Asbestos (LAA) on  fish and eggs is complete, but the results still are yet unknown, according to the site project manager.

Christina Progess, the OU-3 (W.R. Grace Mine) site manager for the EPA, told Lincoln County Commissioners the tests on trout and eggs are complete and the agency is awaiting the results of those tests.

This spring, fish placed in baskets were retained and they were placed in Rainy Creek during the spring run-off period. In another test, eggs were placed in a similar setting and scientists want to measure the effects on both the fish and eggs and subsequent trout fry after hatching.

“We’ve completed the collection of species on Rainy Creek, and right now, we are awaiting the toxicity tests from the lab,” Progess said.

On Monday, Victor Ketellapper, the Libby Site Team Leader, said toxicity results are not expected back for another six months.

The agency also is looking at doing an amphibian study to reveal the toxicity levels and the effects on them.