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. . . Study of rive:t;'s ecosystem d~~~~~g~~ce,caution The latest finding by researchers studying lation plunged as dam5 altered river flows the San Juan River ecosystem suggest.s that throughout the West. Some A-LP support- oil and gas development in the Colorado' ers rail that livelihoods and economic c1evel- Plateau may indeed be harming fish in the opment should not be held hostage by two river, but probably not as directly as had obscure 'fish. But the fish are really indica- b~~n thought. The finding makes the' tors of environmental change. Even people allelllpt to assess ,blame for the decline of who don't believe specie5 are worthj~ilVing . two endangered fish more complex than for their oWn sake ought to consider the ever. reasons some species are threatened. Those Test.s have focused on whether polycyclic reasons could have implications that go well aromatic hydrocarbons, which come from beyond the species themselves. The govern- oil and gas wells, are to blame for precan- ment-sponsored research now under way cerous mutations and lesions in the tissues can shed light on these causes and effects. of some fish. So far, the 'evidence indicates Another lesson is that ecosystems are the levels of PAHs are too low to be toxic. fragile and complex. When human activity The findings support the industry's con- interferes with ecosystem5, unexpected tention that PAHs bind tightly to dirt and do result.s may occur. Identifying the offending not move far from leaking oil and gas wells. activities requires good sdence, and good That still-preliminary' conclusion repre- science involves diligence and caution. sent.s a significant. advance in our under- Accusers should marshal their evidence standing of the ri\ter.Butit does not settle before setting out to blame oil and gas the mailer. The same biologists say fish drillers for contaminating water with PAHs could be 'Setting sick. from a combination of or farmers' for contaminating waterways pollutant.s. including selenium, arsenic and with selenium. heavy metals, that appear to come from Once the evidence is gathered, govern- soils along the Animas, La Plata and San ment, industry and individuals need to lis- Juan rivers. The scientists believe selenium, ten to it and respond appropriately. If sd- a toxic element abundant in San Juan irri- ence is to be applied meaningfully, the rec- gation.return water, could be compotinding ommendations of ,biologist.s and other . ill'. t~.ts. ~lo\vjPAfI'fqv~ISioliLftSh ra:~e. -:S~9fi.\~ onr<<lrs.ofi~research ~ll;stb~ ~iilrSt~ome ml:taI\ in.ltlielrim.cah re~c;t'lWVeiJ:~rio~w~lgh(:i:Har"appei1ed eaillier with PAHs: Some fISh larvae appear to get this year when proponent.s of the Ani,mas- , sick when dumped into a soup of water with La Plata Project, seeking to overcome long- contaminant.s typical of those found in the standing environmental objections, set a SanJuan., ,.' : :.'.' . . new annual depletion rate for the Animas One lesson. to draw from ibis r~search is of 51,700 acre-feet - the maximum allowed that the Endangered Species Act is not the under a biological~ opinio~ ~ued by the evil monster opportent.s make it out to be. U.S. FISh and Wildlife Semce to 1991. The research.is taking place'hi. response. to Research into the San Juan River ecosys- the act, whiah requires a'program to help tern should continue with all deliberate the Colorado sqllawfiSh 'and the razorback speed. It is worthwhile work. The fISh are -licker, two warm-water natives whose popu- worth the effort. So are the rest of liS. ., " , . ~ .: I , '/ . I , \ . . . . .::!q l.