VA. HEALTH OFFICIALS LIFT CATFISH WARNING

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, February 6, 1993                   TAG: 9302060118
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A5   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
VA. HEALTH OFFICIALS LIFT CATFISH WARNING
Dioxin levels in catfish from the upper James and Jackson rivers have declined significantly, the Virginia Department of Health said Friday in lifting its advisory against eating the fish.
In December 1989 the department issued the warning against eating fish taken downstream from the Westvaco Corp. paper mill in Covington.
In January 1992, after the company reduced dioxin discharges in the Jackson River to undetectable levels, it lifted the ban for rock and smallmouth bass, redbreast sunfish and bluegill.
The ban on catfish, which feed off the bottom of the river, remained in effect.
Dioxin is a highly toxic byproduct produced from the bleaching of paper-pulp. It mixes poorly with water and settles to the bottom. The chemical builds up over time in the fatty tissues of fish.
The department said some carp, which usually are not eaten, still show elevated levels of dioxin and will continue to be tested. The water itself is safe for recreational uses and consumption, the department said.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB