Water sampling finds pesticides in US city creeks

Laboratory testing of water taken from two creeks in Charlottesville, Virginia has revealed high levels of a harmful pesticide.

According to local newspaper the Daily Progress, the state's department of environmental quality (DEQ) completed biological water sampling on Meadow's Creek and Schenk's Branch.

Both were found to contain "abnormally" elevated levels of chlordane, a chemical banned over two decades ago because of its detrimental effects on plant, animal and human life.

The city's environmental administrator Kristel Riddervold stated local people are being warned to be careful.

"Our position has just been one of caution, that just cautions folks to limit their exposure," she remarked, adding that the risks of being near the substance are currently unknown.

The DEQ note it can cause headaches, dizziness, muscle twitching and convulsions and is considered "moderately to highly toxic".

Freedom Communications recently reported that a recycling plant in Acreage, Florida is being randomly tested following fears dirt it provides to the local community may contain contaminated materials.