CALIFORNIA IN BRIEF : SAN FRANCISCO : Copper Pollution in Bay Widespread

Concentrations of copper, which is toxic to fish and other marine life, exceed federal standards throughout most of San Francisco Bay, the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board said. Although authorities have long been aware that pollutants have exceeded federal standards at specific locations in the bay, the study marked the first time that high background levels have been found to be widespread. The study drew water samples in April, August and December of 1989. The federal standard for copper is 2.9 parts per billion. Levels as high as 7.2 p.p.b. were recorded.