MERCURY CONTAMINATION CONNECTED TO LITTLE KANAWHA RIVER

(11/07/2006)

State environmental and health officials are inviting the public to discuss the potential dangers of mercury emissions that could affect West Virginia residents. Locally, the Bureau for Public Health, Division of Natural Resources and Department of Environmental Protection issued a fish consumption advisory related to the amount of Mercury in the Little Kanawha River two years ago. Mercury contamination could cause a problem for individuals if too many fish are consumed. Those participating in the Charleston meeting on November 28th will discuss the findings of a recent Department of Environmental Protection study. That study looked at the technologies used to limit mercury air emissions from coal-fired power plants and other industries as well as the public's exposure risk. The US Environmental Protection Agency lists mercury as a pollutant of concern because of its persistence in the environment, its potential to accumulate in the body over long periods of time and it's toxic to humans. The DEP has until January First to propose regulatory changes regarding mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants and other sources.

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