Province Lake Community,
As-per our previous email dated November 5th, the Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) had analyzed non-viable loon eggs from nesting areas on the lake and had found elevated levels of contaminants (PCBs, Chlordane).
Both PCBs and Chlordane are “forever chemicals” – once they enter the environment, they do not break down (even after decades).
PCBs were used in many industrial processes. However, once their environmental and health impacts were known they were banned for most uses in 1978. You can read more about PCBs here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polychlorinated_biphenyl
Similarly, Chlordane was used as a pesticide until it was banned in 1988 after its environmental and health impacts were determined. You can read more about Chlordane here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlordane
It is currently unclear why Province Lake would have higher than expected levels of these long-banned chemicals.
At the below link, please find a copy of the LPC’s press release regarding these results. Elevated levels were also found at Pool Pond, in Rindge NH.
The LPC’s recommendation is that tests be performed on fish from the lake, as the loon egg testing is a good bioindicator of what may be happening in other species.
This work has yet to be scheduled or performed. Individuals will need to make an informed personal decision about whether it is safe to consume fish from the lake.
Kind regards,
The Province Lake Board