Dear friends,

For over 150 years industry in the Pacific Northwest has provided work for the Portland communities. The Port of Portland and other industries have made the city what it is today. Unfortunately this came with a hefty price tag in environmental degradation. The Willamette River in the metro area is now considered one of the most polluted sites in the country.
The same factories that provided jobs were also responsible for the vast amounts of pollutants in the river.

The EPA found that the most immediate threat stems from PCBs and other pollutants found in fish. They have therefore issued fish advisories that warn people to limit their fish consumption.

The danger of these toxins should never be underestimated. There are also a multitude of other natural and man-made pollutants in sediments and waters.
The links in the side bar will help you make an informed decision about fish consumption and skin contact with waters and sediments in the river.

Sincerely,

Tanja Djupedal