Pennsylvania Listed #3 On States With Highest In Mercury Pollution
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A new report by an environmental group finds that Pennsylvania power plants produce more mercury pollution than nearly every other state.
According to the most recent emissions data compiled by the EPA, Caroline Kory of the group Penn Environment says that Pennnsylvania ranks third on the nation's mercury production list.
"Coal-fired power plants are the largest source of mercury pollution in Pennsylvania," she says. "They emit mercury into our air which then falls into our waterways from rain or snow, where it builds up in fish and enters our food chain."
Mercury can wreak havoc on the brain, especially in children. Currently, the Delaware River is under an advisory for mercury.
Penn Environment's report is released as the EPA considers finalizing a new standard that would would reduce power plant emissions of mercury by more than 90 percent.
Reported by Paul Kurtz, KYW Newsradio 1060
