ERG wins PFAS and metals fish tissue monitoring support contract with the State of Utah  

ERG recently won a contract with the Utah Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Quality to help evaluate the possible presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in fish and to screen fish for selenium and mercury across the state.   

This research will provide data about the prevalence of PFAS in Utah’s environment and inform public communications around fish consumption. ERG will also assist DEQ with community outreach and help produce communications materials to convey information about the results.  

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are a group of thousands of durable manmade chemicals found in some firefighting foams, stain-resistant textiles, and other consumer products. Current scientific research suggests that PFAS exposure is associated with some cancers, increased cholesterol, low birth weights, and other adverse health effects. 

“Our interdisciplinary team of ecologists and human health professionals have experience supporting a broad range of PFAS-related sampling efforts. Now, ERG is excited to support Utah’s efforts to evaluate fish tissue concentrations and further understand the possible presence and distribution of select metals and PFAS,” said Kort Kirkeby, senior biologist and director of ERG’s Ecological Services Team. 

For more information about ERG’s Ecological Services Team, visit https://www.erg.com/service/ecological-services.