New research shows the Dryden Paper Mill continues to contribute to high levels of mercury downstream in the English-Wabigoon River system.

Even though the mill hasn’t dumped mercury in the river for decades, research shows the mill’s effluent continues to cause problems.

Dr. Brian Branfireun from the University of Western Ontario says bacteria in the water is causing mercury levels to double in the fish.

He suggests if the source of the industrial sulphates and other organic matter was eliminated, then methyl-mercury levels would drop significantly.

He says these results are shocking, but not unexpected because existing science has pointed to this for decades.

The study was commissioned by Grassy Narrows First Nation, which has long been affected by mercury poisoning from the Dryden Mill.