Mercury and Wastewater Treatment Plants

Wastewater treatment plants face a big dilemma when it comes to mercury. Many are faced with permits to control the levels of mercury that leave their plants, but it is much too costly to remove mercury at the treatment plant itself (millions of dollars per pound to reach regulatory expectations). The only way to control mercury entering a wastewater treatment plant is to prevent its release from mercury-containing products 'up stream'. Wastewater treatment plants around Wisconsin have taken the initiative to develop mercury reduction activities in their communities to prevent improper disposal of mercury-containing items and to promote the use of mercury-free alternatives.

• Mercury in Wastewater Rule
• Municipal Mercury Pollutant Minimization Program
• Sampling/Testing Analysis
• Laboratory Certification and Low-Level Mercury