In December, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control issued a stunning announcement: the concrete cap at the former McNamara & Peepe lumber mill in Glendale has failed to contain groundwater contaminated with the highly toxic wood preservative pentachlorophenol. The 1998 Remedial Action Plan has been rescinded, and the agency will now develop a new plan to remediate and/or control the contamination. 

In November, Humboldt Baykeeper filed an appeal to the California Coastal Commission of Mercer Fraser's asphalt plant at Big Lagoon. Mercer-Fraser Co. has waived the deadline for the appeal hearing. We will keep you informed of next steps.

Photo: Asphalt plant east of Big Lagoon operating under a temporary permit in 2017.

In October, the State of California issued an official fish advisory for Humboldt Bay using data from Humboldt Baykeeper's recent study of mercury in fish and shellfish. The advisory addresses eight species of fish, some of which are safe to eat up to seven times a week.

Only leopard shark is listed as unsafe to consume in any amount. 

UPDATED! Humboldt Baykeeper has been testing mercury levels in local fish since July 2016 with funding from the California Environmental Protection Agency. We’ve found that most local fish are safe to eat in moderation—with a few exceptions.

Click HERE for the Final Report

Click HERE for the updated Guidelines

Comiendo Pescado Con Seguridad Pautas para Humboldt Bay

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Learn how to avoid domoic acid and other toxins

The Dungeness crab season is finally under way! With last year's unsafe domoic acid levels, health department officials continue to recommend not eating the internal organs (known as crab butter) which concentrated toxins, including dioxins.

Click HERE to download the brochure explaining this simple method.

Call Humboldt Baykeeper at (707) 499-3678 to report a spill after business hours, or if you prefer to remain anonymous. Please take photos if possible. 

For spills in Humboldt Bay:

• Cailfornia Office of Emergency Services (800) 852-7550

For spills in or near storm drains (which drain to creeks and Humboldt Bay):

• Eureka Public Works                    (707) 441-4203
• Arcata Environmental Services    (707) 822-8184
• Humboldt County Public Works   (707) 445-7491