New York State joins mercury fight: Northeast states seek cut in toxic pollution from Midwest power plants

 

Apr 12 - McClatchy-Tribune Business News Formerly Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News - Brian Nearing Albany Times Union, N.Y.

 

New York joined six other Northeastern states Wednesday to recommend reductions in toxic mercury that winds up in their waters, most of it spewed by coal-burning power plants in the Ohio River Valley.

The draft plan calls for reducing mercury reaching state waters by more than 90 percent, which is what's needed to render freshwater fish safe to eat again. The proposal, which includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, should go to the federal Environmental Protection Agency this summer.

It is the latest salvo from states that contend the Bush administration's approach to cutting mercury pollution from Midwest power plants is too weak.

"It is the first step to spur the federal government," said Maureen Wren, a spokeswoman for the state Health Department.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports up to 300,000 newborns annually are at risk of development disability because of prebirth exposure to mercury.

In New York, more than 80 water bodies have restricted advisories for fish consumption based on elevated levels of mercury. Most are in the Adirondacks and Catskills; parts of the Hudson and Susquehanna Rivers and Lake Champlain are also affected.

According to the EPA's 1999 National Emissions Inventory, coal-fired electric power plants account for about 40 percent of total U.S. man-made mercury emissions, making them the largest human-caused source.

DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said the report "highlights the need for implementation of a comprehensive, nationwide mercury reduction strategy that would improve the natural resources not only in New York, but in all states."

Adirondack Council Executive Director Brian L. Houseal said, "Since the federal government has failed to take the appropriate actions on mercury pollution, New York must use every method possible to end the damage caused by mercury and protect the vital tourism economy of the Adirondack Park."

The draft report is available online at http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dow/mercrytmdl.html  and at www.neiwpcc.org/mercury . Public comments are accepted until May 25 in hearings set for Ballston Spa, Syracuse and Westchester County. Brian Nearing can be reached at 454-5094 or by e-mail at bnearing@timesunion.com.