Mass. reduces mercury emissions by 91 percent

BOSTON – Massachusetts’ toxic mercury air emissions have fallen by 91 percent since 1996, greatly exceeding the original goal of 75 percent, according to a study released by the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection.
The reductions have been accomplished in part by Gov. Deval L. Patrick’s administration’s comprehensive efforts targeting mercury pollution from municipal-waste combustors, coal-fired power plants, mercury-added products and other sources.
According to the study, since 1996 annual mercury emissions from municipal waste combustors declined by 96 percent and emissions from medical-waste incinerators were completely eliminated. Massachusetts has also adopted strong regulations on coal-fired power plants, requiring mercury emissions to be controlled by 95 percent by 2012. &#8226

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