Benzene levels at City Beach exceed federal standards

The Whitefish City Council learned Monday about pollution in Whitefish Lake and Whitefish River caused by a gasoline-related compound.

Whitefish Lake Institute director Mike Koopal said samples exceed federal drinking water standards, 5 micrograms per liter, and recommended action.

The institute has continued its study of gasoline pollution in the lake caused by motor boats, Koopal said. Sampling near City Beach on Fourth of July this year found benzene levels exceeding the federal standards.

"This is a concern because children occasionally swallow water while swimming, and benzene can also be inhaled or absorbed through the skin," he said.

Koopal recommended the city install a catchment system at the boat ramp so people can safely drain their oily bilges without further contaminating the lake.

Water samples taken at State Park also exceeded federal drinking water standards. Lake water samples taken in the past two years did not contain benzene levels exceeding the federal standard, and benzene levels elsewhere in the lake were not as high.
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