YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) - The Ecology Department wants to raise the estimate of the amount of fish Washington residents eat. It's a figure used to not only protect people from consuming too many contaminants, but also to set water quality standards.
The state currently has a confusing system of two rates - an estimate of .23 ounces a day governs water quality, and an estimate of 1.9 ounces a day is used to regulate cleanup of toxic sediments.
Ecology spokeswoman Sandy Howard says the department wants to set a single, higher rate. The number will be set after public hearings, possibly by the end of the year The Association of Washington Business is concerned that a higher rate will lead to unreasonable water quality standards.
