State environmental officials are analyzing fish from the Staunton River with high levels of mercury.

The samples, taken in July of last year, showed mercury levels in some bass near Brookneal more than twice the state's "concern" level (0.5 parts per billion).

The state Department of Environmental Quality got the results last week. The Virginia Department of Health will decide within about two weeks whether to issue more guidelines concerning eating fish from the Staunton River.

The Staunton River already has advisories related to levels of PCBs, but this is the first time that high mercury levels have shown up there.

Fred Di Lella with DEQ's Lynchburg office says they're surprised by the results. High levels of mercury in people can cause numerous health issues, including nervous system problems and developmental delays in children.

The source of mercury-contaminated freshwater fish often is air pollution from coal-fired power plants.