Northern Outside Streams Becoming Too Salty

A government study of northern states says many urban streams have become salty enough to harm aquatic life—except in Alaska. The U.S. Geological Survey studied urban streams and groundwater in 20 states, including Alaska, for levels of chloride, a component of salt. In more that 40 percent of the streams tested, the agency found chloride levels above federal recommendations designed to protect aquatic life. Most of those streams, however, are in the Northeastern part of the country and around the Great Lakes.Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO – JuneauDownload Audio (MP3)