Researchers in south Florida found that a 90% reduction in mercury emissions has resulted in a rapid decline in the levels of mercury in the fish.

Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection released a study in 2003 that found that a 90% reduction in emissions from local sources resulted in a 75% decrease in mercury levels in fish in the Everglades in just one decade!

This could mean that by introducing more protective guidelines on mercury emissions from power plants and other sources in Georgia, we may be able to restore our ability to eat fish from the rivers without worrying about harming ourselves or our children in just a few decades.

The studies conducted in the Everglades show that local controls are important to reducing mercury in our rivers and fish, here and now. Local controls can make a difference locally!

In 2006, the state of Georgia adopted somewhat more stringent mercury emissions regulations for coal burning power plants.  However, these regulations fail to adequately regulate smaller coal-fired plants, several of which are located close to the Ogeechee and Canoochee Rivers.

Additionally, 3 NEW coal-fired power plants have been proposed in South Georgia. 

Here are some simple steps you can take today to keep mercury out of our rivers, coast, fish and families:

1.  Call Gov. Perdue and ask him to tell EPD not to issue new permits for coal plants.

2. Take the pledge today to reduce the amount of electricity that you use.

SOURCES:
Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 2004. Mercury Program. www.dep.state.fl.us/labs/mercury

Mercury transitions in the Everglades. 2003. Geotimes. http://www.agiweb.org/geotimes/nov03/WebExtra112103.htm



Last updated on February 7, 2010 by Ogeechee Riverkeeper