RALEIGH, N.C. — A rare public health warning is drawing attention to several waterways across Wake County, where officials advise residents not to eat any fish caught in certain areas due to long-standing contamination concerns.
According to a recent report from Axios Raleigh, fish found in parts of Brier Creek, Crabtree Creek, Lake Crabtree, and connected waterways contain elevated levels of toxic chemicals, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mercury. These contaminants can accumulate in fish tissue over time and pose health risks to people who consume them. (Axios)
Why Are Fish Advisories Being Issued?
The warning stems from pollution linked to the former Ward Transformer facility near Raleigh-Durham International Airport. During the 1960s and 1970s, chemicals from the site entered nearby streams and eventually spread into larger waterways throughout western Wake County. The site later became a federal Superfund cleanup location after investigations found widespread PCB contamination. (Axios)
PCBs were banned in the United States in 1979 because of their harmful effects on human health and the environment. These chemicals remain in sediments and aquatic ecosystems for decades, where they can accumulate in fish and other wildlife. (Axios)
Which Waterways Are Affected?
Several Wake County waterways have long-standing fish consumption advisories, including:
- Brier Creek Reservoir
- Portions of Brier Creek
- Little Brier Creek
- Lake Crabtree
- Crabtree Creek
- Portions of the Neuse River downstream of Crabtree Creek
Some locations carry the strongest advisory possible: Do Not Eat Any Fish. Other waterways have restrictions on species such as carp, catfish, and largemouth bass due to contamination levels. (The INDY)
Health Risks from Contaminated Fish
Experts warn that long-term exposure to PCBs and mercury can affect the nervous system, immune system, reproductive health, and child development. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children are considered the most vulnerable populations. Predatory fish such as catfish and bass often contain the highest levels because contaminants accumulate as they move up the food chain. (Axios)
Many Anglers Remain Unaware
Despite advisory signs posted around many affected waterways, studies have shown that a significant number of local anglers are unaware of fish consumption warnings. Researchers have found that some people continue to eat fish caught in contaminated waters without knowing the potential health risks. (Axios)
What Happens Next?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to monitor PCB levels around the former Ward Transformer site and nearby waterways. Officials say fish tissue sampling and environmental monitoring will continue for years as cleanup efforts are evaluated. Meanwhile, state and federal agencies are also examining newer concerns involving PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” which are increasingly being detected in fish across North Carolina waterways. (Axios)
What Residents Should Do
If you fish in Wake County, health officials recommend checking the latest North Carolina fish consumption advisories before eating your catch. Advisory information is updated periodically as new testing data becomes available. (epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov)
For many local anglers, catch-and-release fishing remains a safe way to enjoy Wake County’s lakes and streams while avoiding potential health risks associated with contaminated fish.
The Bottom Line
Wake County’s waterways offer excellent recreational fishing opportunities, but contamination from decades-old industrial pollution continues to impact fish safety in some locations. Residents should stay informed, follow advisory signs, and review state guidance before consuming fish caught in local waters. (Axios)
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