June 11, 2007
Dear Secretary Hassett & members of
the NR Board,
Thank you for giving the public the
opportunity to testify and submit public comments regarding the state’s mercury
rules.
The Wisconsin DNR can be applauded for
much of the work it has done regarding mercury pollution. As we increasingly understand the danger of
mercury pollution in our environment and food supply, it is critical the DNR
move forward with rules that utilize the best available technology to reduce
mercury from coal-fired power plants.
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can
affect the kidneys, heart, and nervous system. Exposure is especially dangerous
for children, and women of childbearing age, although it can also be dangerous
for adults. 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. The main
avenue of exposure to mercury is through eating fish. Mercury is released into
the air from power plants or other industries, and it mixes with rain and snow
to enter our lakes and rivers. Once there, much of this mercury is converted to
an easily absorbable form by bacteria in the soil and sediment. Then, it works
its way up the food chain, becoming more and more concentrated as it
progresses, until it is ingested by humans in the form of recreationally or
commercially caught fish. The largest source of mercury pollution in Wisconsin is coal-fired
power plants, accounting for approximately 65 percent of mercury emissions in
the state.
As you know, the Department of Natural
Resources has issued a fish consumption advisory for every body of water in the
state. This means that children and women of childbearing age are advised to
limit their consumption of species like bass and walleye to no more than one
meal per month. They are advised to avoid some species, like muskies,
altogether because of high levels of mercury contamination. Wisconsinites
should not have to worry about health risks when eating fish caught in our
lakes and rivers. In 2005, the Department of Health and Family Services
conducted a study of mercury levels in Wisconsin
residents. They found that 13 percent of women had unsafe levels of mercury in
their bloodstreams, enough to put a developing child at risk of learning
disabilities and developmental disorders. We have to act now.
Technology already exists that would
reduce mercury emissions from power plants by 90 percent or more. Wisconsin
Environment is asking that you establish rules that will reduce mercury
emissions from coal-fired power plants by 90 percent by 2012. Any rule that
acts less quickly or requires a less stringent reduction will unnecessarily
sacrifice the public health of Wisconsinites and our environment. Help us make
sure that we get the best possible rule to ensure the safety and health of our
children and to preserve Wisconsin’s
heritage of enjoying our lakes and rivers.
Sincerely,
Dan Kohler
Director, Wisconsin Environment
