GLIN==> Mercury in Lake Erie

First Energy's Lake Shore Plant in Cleveland, Ohio has petitioned the Ohio
EPA for a variance seeking to violate new more stringent mercury standards
that are scheduled to go into effect in November 2010.


First Energy has been meeting the existing standard of 14 parts per trillion
(on average) but says it will be cost prohibitive to meet the new standard.
The company's variance requests the EPA to retain the old standard or
eliminate the mercury standard entirely. 


Mercury is known to harm to the central nervous system.  3.1 parts per
Trillion is the acceptable limit for human consumption. Mercury is known to
accumulate in the tissues of animals and fish that humans consume.  The new
standard of 1.3 parts per trillion is deemed the acceptable limit for
wildlife, including birds and fish.


This request has a very limited public comment period - ending November 7,
2008


The Sierra Club has created an online petition to address this issue.


https://secure2.convio.net/sierra/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserA
ction&id=1161


Please sign the petition and contact the Ohio EPA and your elected officials
to help protect Lake Erie.

 

Kathryn Hanratty

PO Box 1064

Chardon, Ohio 44024

440-477-5468

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