1.   In previous studies, researchers blamed emissions from industrial plants near Augusta for elevated mercury levels in fish in creeks on the Savannah River Site in South Carolina.

2.   Tests in most states have found fish with elevated mercury levels.

3.   Tests in most states have found some fish with elevated mercury levels, especially the larger predatory fish most prized by sportsmen.

4.   When approached by the Register, representatives from the oil and gas industry did not challenge the studies that showed elevated mercury levels around rigs.

5.   Gribbon said no elevated mercury has been detected in firefighters, who are getting special medical evaluations because of their search and rescue roles at the scene.

6.   Since then, elevated mercury levels have been found on and around Isle Royale.