These images of mutated trout were buried in the appendix of a
scientific report by mining company JR Simplot whose mining
operations have polluted creeks in Southern Idaho. Incredibly
the company's report concluded that it would be safe to allow
selenium , a metal byproduct of mining that is toxic to fish and
birds, to remain in area creeks at higher levels than are now
permitted under regulatory guidelines. The EPA was initially
inclined to go along with the report's findings until somebody
pointed out the mutated trout. Further scientific review has now
found the companies research, "wanting." LINK (Via:The NY Times)
Selenium pollution is one of the byproducts of phosphate mining.
Believe it or not southern Idaho has 17 Superfund sites as a
result of phospate mining by Simplot, Agrium, Monsanto and
Rhodia. Patagonia's The Cleanest Line featured a piece a year
ago by Jeremiah Watts that focused on this issue and the groups
working to protect southeast Idaho’s waters, wildlife, and
wildlands.