"State Gives Coal Plants 6 Years To Reduce Mercury Emissions"

"Michigan’s 19 coal-fired power plants will need to install technology to reduce mercury emissions by 2015, according to new rules finalized this week.

Mercury is a powerful neurotoxin and coal burning power plants are the main source of mercury in the environment. The Michigan Department of Community Health has issued fish consumption advisories for all of Michigan’s inland lakes due to mercury contamination.

A 2003 report by Great Lakes state environmental agencies found that Michigan power plants release 3,316 pounds of mercury into the environment each year.

That report stated that reducing mercury emissions is a priority because of the possibility of exposure through fish consumption."

Eartha Jane Melzer reports for the Michigan Messenger October 21, 2009.