Mississippi outlet due to reopen after toxic spill
August 13, 1980
Shell Beach, La.
Levels of pentachlorophenon (PCP) in the Mississippi River gulf outlet are so low that the Coast Guard probably will reopen the waterway and other rich seafood grounds to vessel traffic and fishing within days. This will allow the shrimping season to open on time, says the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The gulf outlet, a major traffic artery between the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, was closed July 22 when a ship collision dumped 25 ,000 pounds of PCP into the water.