JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Jul 17, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A Missouri state agency
says it delayed releasing a report on high levels of E. coli bacteria in a lake
because officials did not want to cause "panic."
The Department of Natural Resources refused to allow residents who live near the
Lake of the Ozarks to see the report for a month, The Kansas City Star reported
Thursday. The E. coli spike just before Memorial Day was caused by heavy rains
in May that washed into the lake.
"We wanted to make sure we understood the problem," said Susanne Medley, a
department spokeswoman. "Business and tourism was a consideration. We didn't
want to panic the people."
By the time the department reported on E. coli levels in the lake June 26, the
levels had gone down.
"All the reasons DNR gave for not releasing the report have to do with the
economy," said Ken Midkiff, an environmental writer and activist. "The
Department of Natural Resources is supposed to protect water quality and the
environment."
E. coli bacteria, usually spread by eating tainted food, causes an infection
that can be life-threatening.
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