Preliminary laboratory reports on the sediment and water samples indicate the Elk City area has no detectable levels of contamination in the sediments, and low levels of contamination in the water that are not a threat to human health.
Preliminary reports indicate that the area is safe for recreational users of the water.
The primary contaminant of concern in bunker fuel, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, does not accumulate in edible fish tissue. Final results of the water and sediment samples will be submitted to DEQ March 5. After that, DEQ will issue a report with conclusions about the impact to the environment. The sampling on the second round was also expanded to include macro-invertebrate samples taken from under rocks in selected areas of the river. These organisms, such as mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies, are one indicator of a river's health.