The DNR’s mercury reduction rule will go into effect January 1st, 2009. The rule accomplishes the 90% mercury reduction goal by the Governor two years ago. The rule will also achieve deep reductions in sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions beyond the current requirements of state and federal law.
The rule targets emissions from utilities and offers two options for meeting the 90% reduction requirement. Under the first option, which targets only mercury, coal fired power plants have until 2015 to meet the 90% reduction. The second option gives a longer window for meeting the mercury reduction (2021), but also requires dramatic reductions in sulfur dioxide (80%) and nitrogen oxide (50%). Mercury, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide are the three pollutants most responsible for smog and fish consumption advisories.
Coal fired power plants are the largest source of mercury, which is a released when coal is burned to generate electricity. Mercury settles into inland waters as it floats back down to earth, and it mixes with rain and snow to wash into our lakes and rivers. Much of this mercury is converted by bacteria in the soil and sediment into its toxic form, methylmercury.
Methylmercury is easily absorbable by animals and works up the food chain, becoming more and more concentrated as it progresses to larger species. Mercury levels in Wisconsin fish have necessitated a statewide fish advisory warning for all inland waters that urges consumers—especially children and women of childbearing age—to limit consumption of fish such as, walleye or northern, which tend to have higher levels of mercury.
Source: Wisconsin Association of Lakes
No comments:
Post a Comment