NC Conservation Network - FryingPanTower.Com

70% of the mercury released in the state comes from coal-fired power plants.

According to EPA’s best study, most mercury falls to earth near where it is released.

North Carolina’s rivers and estuaries are particularly sensitive to mercury, and North Carolina’s fish are contaminated. The state has tested over 1,000 largemouth bass across the state and found unsafe levels of mercury everywhere. The State Health Director lists 22 species of fish in North Carolina as unsafe for women of childbearing age and children to eat.

Young children and the babies of pregnant mothers who eat mercury-laden fish are at risk of neurological damage – lowered intelligence, permanent learning and thinking problems.

Current rules will cut plant emissions roughly 65% by 2013; that’s not enough.

Controls are available to cut over 90% of mercury emissions by 2010.

If borne entirely by residential customers – no cost to industry – a 90% cut would cost just 33 cents to 77 cents per household per month (or less than $10 a year).

If borne entirely by the utilities, a 90% cut would cost less than 2 percent of their annual profits.

It may take years for reductions to result in cleaner rivers and fish. We need to start now.

North Carolina ranks 10th in the United States for the highest mercury emissions, with 3,038 pounds of mercury emitted in 2003.

Both Duke Power and Progress Energy appear on the list of the top 20 mercury emitting energy companies in the nation.

Under the 2002 Clean Smokestacks Act, North Carolina utilities will reduce mercury emissions by as much as 65% as a side benefit of other pollution controls.

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can affect the brain, heart and immune system.

Mercury poses particular risks for developing fetuses and children. Even low-level exposure can cause learning disabilities, developmental delays, and other serious problems.

Scientists estimate th