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Contaminants Higher Than Expected Along Royal River

 YARMOUTH, Maine (AP) _ Pollutants detected near the Bridge Street dam in Yarmouth, Maine, could factor into decisions on how to improve fishways along that section of the Royal River.

   The Portland Press Herald reports that sediment samples collected near the bridge contain elevated levels of mercury and organic compounds linked to industrial activity.

    Jeremy Bell of The Nature Conservancy, which paid for the testing, said the levels of contaminants are higher than expected. He said he hopes the scientific data will contribute to the community discussion about how to improve fish passage at the site.

    The Yarmouth City Council in September halted debate on whether to remove the Bridge Street dam amid concerns over stirring up contaminated sediments that would flow downstream.