Gold ore processing is one of the greatest sources of mercury emissions in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
About 20 facilities in the country refine gold. The EPA wants to lower levels of mercury emitted from the plants by 73 percent from 2007 levels, it said. Nevada is accomplishing the goal and other states should use the methods that state has piloted, the EPA said.
When mercury is released into the air, it migrates into water and becomes methylmercury. Water borne mercury enters fish, and endangers those who eat the tainted fish. Some freshwater fish in the United States are unsafe to eat. Mercury is especially dangerous to children and unborn children, potentially damaging their neurological systems.
“Taking mercury out of the air makes our communities safer for everyone,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation in a press release. “Our proposal will further progress that has already been made to limit mercury emissions from this industry.”
