Mercury
Safe Communities and Safe Schools Mercury Reduction bill iIntroduced Friday May 7, 2004
Tammy Baldwin's bill focuses on the safe disposal and recycling of products containing mercury. Bill Support Letter [PDF 49KB]
A Mercury Pollutant Minimization Program is required when treatment plant effluent exceeds 1.3 ng/L using low-level mercury analytical procedures. A temporary variance to the water quality criteria is granted in exchange for planning and implementing the mercury minimization program.
Mercury is a hazardous material that causes serious environmental and health problems. Although it is found naturally, problems arise from its release from man-made products and energy production. Once mercury is released into the environment, it cycles and converts to the toxic form, methylmercury, and is virtually impossible to remove.
Mercury is a persistent, bioaccumulative pollutant. Its use is unnecessary since there are many mercury-free alternatives. The Department of Natural Resources is working cooperatively with many Wisconsin communities to keep mercury out of the environment through recycling and promotion of mercury-free alternatives.
For a complete description of mercury and mercury reduction, refer to the Wisconsin Mercury Sourcebook [exit DNR].
