Montana DEQ discovers ‘forever chemicals’ in 3 bodies of water in Bozeman

BOZEMAN — Lots of of on a regular basis merchandise are made up of what the Montana DEQ calls ‘Perpetually Chemical substances’. They’ve been present in a number of our bodies of water in Bozeman.

Chris Morin says he’s been fishing his entire life. Right this moment, he was out with some associates fishing the East Gallatin River.

“I feel this space has in all probability been affected by a runoff for many years,” mentioned Morin.

He was shocked to search out out that the Montana DEQ discovered dangerous contaminants within the water.

“Dangerous to what?” mentioned Morin.

Abby Ebert, a water high quality specialist with the Montana Division of Environmental High quality mentioned ‘eternally chemical substances’, often known as PFAS are nonetheless being studied. Nonetheless, they do know this…

“Publicity to sure PFAS can result in well being issues together with adjustments within the liver, elevated cardiovascular ranges, ldl cholesterol points, reproductive points in girls, developmental results in youngsters, and elevated threat of kidney and testicular most cancers,” mentioned Ebert.

Ebert says PFAS stands for Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. They’re referred to as ‘eternally chemical substances’ as a result of they don’t simply break down. The chemical substances had been discovered within the East Gallatin River, Mandeville Creek by Bozeman Excessive Faculty, and at Thompson Creek North of Belgrade.

Ebert mentioned PFAS that present up in our surroundings could be traced again to as early because the Forties.

“They’ve been utilized in a number of shopper households and industrial merchandise like cookware, meals packaging, stain repellents, waterproof clothes, and firefighting foams,” mentioned Ebert.

Ebert says now that the DEQ has recognized PFAS in our surroundings they usually’re finding out well being dangers.

“One potential affect is fish consumption,” mentioned Ebert.

By monitoring fish tissue, the DEQ will have the ability to higher perceive the affect on human well being.

Chris Morin says this received’t cease him from doing what he likes to do.

“It’s not going to cease me from fishing right here or every other creeks,” mentioned Morin. “I feel it’s essential to acknowledge what the options are particularly in a state like Montana. We wish to maintain it stunning.”

The Montana DEQ says at present no ingesting water or public water provides are affected by PFAS.