Key points contained in comments from SELC and others to Virginia Department of Environmental Quality August 10, 2005
EPA has estimated that "roughly 60 percent of the total mercury deposited in the U.S. comes from U.S. [man-made] air emission sources"
EPA, in 1998 and again in 2000, concluded that "electric utility steam generating units are the largest domestic source of mercury emissions."
EPA's 2000 analysis noted that "Technologies available today and technologies expected to be available in the near future can eliminate most of the mercury from utilities at a cost far lower than 1 percent of utility industry revenues."
According to the EPA's Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) program, 19 Virginia power plants reported emitting 1,999 pounds of mercury, accounting for 69% of in-state mercury emissions, far above the national average.
The majority of mercury emitted into the air falls close to the source. Two studies conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have determined that sources within 60 miles of a particular water body contribute more mercury to that water body than sources farther away, despite the level of emissions from the distant sources.
An analysis of 1999 emissions shows that Dominion's Possum Point, Yorktown, and Chesterfield facilities, and other nearby power plants are among the top contributors of mercury pollution to the Chesapeake Bay. In fact, local emissions of mercury can account for 50 to 80 percent of mercury "hot spots" nationwide.
EPA's own analysis shows the federal rule finalized in May 2005 is expected to cut mercury emissions by only 59%, from 48 to almost 20 tons a year in 2025 nationwide. EPA projects that U.S. power plants will continue to emit nearly 20 tons of mercury into the air every year as late as 2030.
EPA's own analysis shows the rule is expected to cut mercury emissions by only 59%, from 48 to almost 20 tons a year in 2025. EPA projects that U.S. power plants will continue to emit nearly 20 tons of mercury into the air every year as late as 2030.
The Virginia Department of Health has issued fish consumption advisories because of mercury contamination for largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill sunfish, bowfin, longnose gar, chain pickerel, carp, redhorse sucker, white catfish, blue catfish, and yellow bullhead catfish.
Mercury pollution also poses a significant threat to Virginia's economy. In 2004, Virginia's commercial watermen landed seafood valued at more than $170 million.
In 2003, recreational fishing supported more than 10,000 Virginia jobs, led to $604 million in retail sales, $262.5 million in salaries and wages, and $11.5 million in state tax collections.
