As we get closer to at least a draft on a decision on a new fish consumption rate, Chris Dunagan in the Kitsap Sun writes about how clean water impacts tribal members and their food. Issues like the fish consumption rate and cancer risk rate will play a large roll in how new water quality standards are figured.
The issue of cancer risk from seafood is complicated and difficult to explain, said Paul McCollum, natural resources director for the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe. But tribal members have a right to be told about the risks of eating shellfish from their traditional areas.
“For tribal folks, it is a built-in part of their life,” McCollum said. “They need something to eat, and there really should not be an increased cancer risk. But we know in this day and age that there is a pretty significant risk of cancer for everybody.”
The Associated Press also had an update this weekend on the ongoing water quality process.
