Clean Water In the News

The first of September marks the day Matt Frank begins his appointment as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Gov. Jim Doyle has applauded Frank as a "passionate protector of the state 's natural resources. " One of the most serious threats to Wisconsin 's water resources is mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants, which poses a serious health threat to Wisconsin families and is destroying our ability to enjoy our lakes and rivers.

Exposure to mercury can cause attention and language deficits, impaired memory and impaired visual and motor function in children. In adults, mercury exposure can adversely affect fertility and blood pressure regulation and contribute to heart-rate changes and cardiovascular disease.

New research from the DNR shows that mercury in some counties is increasing. A recent report indicates mercury levels in walleye have increased as much as 19 percent from 1982-2005 in 19 southern counties.

It 's time Wisconsin joined other states in using the best available technology to reduce mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants by 90 percent by 2012. Secretary Frank should start strong by addressing this critical issue and ensuring that our rivers are clean and our fish are uncontaminated.

-- Beth McDaniel, clean water associate, Wisconsin Environment, Madison