State Issues Fish Consumption Advisory At Center Hill Lake

The state announced a precautionary consumption advisory Monday for fish caught at Center Hill Lake because of high mercury levels.

The advisory specifically covers black bass such as largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass. A state study on fish tissue that began in 2021 found species in the lake to have mercury levels above the trigger of 0.3 mg/kg (parts per million).

TDEC advises that pregnant women, nursing mothers and children avoid eating the fish species included in the advisory and that all others limit consumption to one meal per month.

TDEC considers the source of mercury in Center Hill Lake to be atmospheric deposition.  According to the EPA, atmospheric deposition due to the global burning of coal is the most frequent reason for elevated levels of mercury in fish.

Other recreational activities such as boating, kayaking, swimming, wading, and catch and release fishing carry no risk. The state release said public warning signs will be displayed at lake access points warning about consumption.