CATAMOUNT LAKE

Routine sampling has shown at least one fish from the species listed below in this lake met or exceeded the mercury action level of 0.5 parts per million set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.  Eating fish that exceed this level may cause health problems, especially for the unborn fetus and small children.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has categorized the fish according to mercury levels.  To find out the recommended amounts of fish that may be consumed, find the fish and size you caught and follow the recommendations described below, in terms of the number of meals per month for each group of people.

Catamount Lake- The fish consumption advisory for Catamount Lake recommends that children aged 6 or younger do not consume any northern pike larger than 36 inches and consume only one meal per month of northern pike smaller than 36 inches. For pregnant women, nursing women, and women who plan on becoming pregnant, the recommendation is a limit of one meal per month of northern pike of any size. For the general population, the recommendation is a limit of one meal per month of northern pike larger than 36 inches and two meals per month for northern pike smaller than 36 inches.

Risk recommendations are based on:

Meal size for adults = 8 ounces

Meal size for children = 4 ounces.

If the fish species and size you caught are not listed above, either the Department hasn't tested them or they were found to be safe to eat.   For questions regarding mercury in fish call the Water Quality Control Division (303 692-3500).  For questions about human health and mercury call the Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology Division (303 692-2700).