OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The state Department of Ecology has released a new fish consumption rule that contains a more protective cancer risk rate.

The new draft rule released Wednesday provides a foundation for the state's efforts to reduce and control toxics in the environment.

The rule says that water quality standards should be based on a daily average fish consumption rate of 175 grams and a one-in-1-million cancer risk rate.

The federal Clean Water Act requires states to establish standards for how clean lakes, rivers and marine waters need to be for the health of people and fish, and to control pollution limits for businesses and cities.

Public hearings on the proposed rule are scheduled in Seattle on April 5 and Spokane on April 6.

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