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LOWER COEUR D'ALENE RIVER, IDAHO. A MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS OF BLM LANDS, 1990
Description:
This study was intended to provide guidance to BLM for future management of the Lower Coeur dAlene River area, Idaho (17010301, 17010303), giving full consideration to the potential environmental and human health issues in the river and its lateral lakes caused by the presence of large quantities of mining wastes. The study included a Level 1 endangerment assessment which evaluated the impact of lead, zinc, and cadmium on 3 principle receptor groups: fish, waterfowl, and sportsmen, through consumption of fish. This assessment concludes that fish and waterfowl are chronically impacted showing elevated metal levels in their internal organs and to a much lesser extent in edible tissues. Sportsmen were not felt to be significantly at risk through the consumption of locally obtained fish based on an analysis of gamefish consumption. Special note was made of direct soil ingestion by small children as a potential pathway for significant contaminant uptake. However, for occasional recreational users, this is likely to be an uncommon and non-recurring type of exposure. Shafer and Associates and Roy F. Weston, Inc. 1990. Technical Bulletin 90-8. Bureau of Land Management, Boise, ID.