Wisconsin Plant to Stop Using Mercury

A chlorine plant that is Wisconsin's largest source of mercury pollution plans to switch to another process by 2009.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that environmental officials at ERCO Worldwide in Port Edwards, Wis., will cut mercury emissions by 28% in the state.

Al Shea, head of air quality regulation for the Department of Natural Resources reported that this is a positive step forward for the environment.

Though scientists warn mercury may linger for years, Carl Watras of the University of Wisconsin-Madison reported that the levels found in fish in some waterways could drop significantly within a few years.

However, David P. Krabbenhoft of the U.S. Geological Survey told The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that due to the complex interaction between mercury and the environment, some fish could remain contaminated for hundreds of years.

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel