Mercury Air Issues

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:  Mercury (symbol Hg) is a heavy, silvery-white metal sometimes called quicksilver. It is the only metal that is liquid at ordinary temperatures and is naturally found in rocks and other environmental media. While it has been historically released to the environment by natural events like volcanic eruptions and weathering of minerals, human and industrial activities, including those that use mercury directly or burn mercury bearing fossil fuels like coal, have increased the amount of mercury in the environment. Mercury is a persistent, bioaccumulative neurotoxin. Studies indicate an increased risk to a developing fetus upon exposure to methylmercury via maternal fish consumption. Mercury released from anthropogenic (man-made) and natural sources can be deposited in the environment, a portion of which is converted to methylmercury in aquatic systems before finding its way into fish.

MDEQ is in the process of developing new air pollution control rules (SOAHR 2005-038 EQ) to address mercury emissions from coal fired electric utilities. Draft rule package updates, meeting agendas, meeting notes, copies of presentations, comments and summaries will be available for downloading from the Mercury Rules Workgroup  webpage.

Reports and other information:
On January 30, 2008, a team of MDEQ staff from the air, water, pollution prevention and remediation programs, called the MDEQ Mercury Strategy Workgroup (MSWG), released their report entitled, MDEQ Mercury Strategy Staff Report   along with its Appendices .  The "MSWG Staff Report" was drafted in response to a charge from MDEQ Director Chester to develop a strategy that eliminates anthropogenic or human mercury use and release to Michigan's environment.  This comprehensive mercury report includes 67 recommendations, along with the workgroup's 10 top priority actions identified.  The desired outcome is to make Michigan's fish safe to eat and allow state-wide fish consumption advisories relating to mercury to be removed.  Getting there involves working cooperatively with a multitude of stakeholders.  On January 30, 2008, the MDEQ issued a press release requesting public input on identifying partnerships for involvement in implementing the recommendations and which actions should receive priority attention.  The public comment period has been extended to April 16, 2008, and c omments can be submitted by mail, email, or fax to Sheila Blais, MDEQ, Air Quality Division, 525 West Allegan Street, 3rd Floor North, P.O. Box 30260, Lansing, MI 48909; blaiss@michigan.gov; 517-241-7499 (fax).    A copy of the MSWG Strategy's Executive Summary  and its 67 recommendations is also available.

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Additional information on the various MDEQ mercury programs, including links to the appropriate divisions can be found at www.michigan.gov/deq , and click on the " Mercury " icon located in the left navigation bar.

Electric Utility Workgroup Final Report
MDEQ Comments EPA's Proposed FIP, Feb, 2007
MDEQ Comments EPA's Utility Hg Reductions Proposals, June, 2004
EPA's Utility Mercury Reductions Rule
Federal Register: January 30, 2004
Federal Register: March 16, 2004

Related Links:
Pollution Prevention
Fish Contaminants
Alternatives to Mercury
Switch Removal
Recycled Materials Market Directory

Additional Mercury Information:
Identification of Atmospheric Mercury Sources in the Great Lakes
Mercury Monitoring Workshop March 2003
July 2005 Mercury Monitoring Activity Report
Great Lakes Protection Fund 1st Annual Report
Great Lakes Protection Fund 2nd Annual Report