January 30, 2008

The Department of Environmental Quality has released a comprehensive strategy to eliminate the use and release of mercury to Michigan's environment. The DEQ's Mercury Strategy Staff Report contains specific recommendations to ensure the protection of Michigan's wildlife and citizens from this persistent toxic pollutant by proposing a comprehensive approach to controlling mercury, including environmental monitoring, inventory development, collaborations and partnerships, information and outreach, and regulatory controls.

The strategy report provides an overview of the mercury problem, identifies current sources that contribute to mercury releases, and identifies various methods for reducing and eliminating the sources. It also outlines Michigan's rules, regulations, policies, and monitoring activities for mercury and chronicles various actions undertaken thus far to prevent the use and release of mercury.

"This strategy brings Michigan to the forefront as a leader in mercury elimination," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "We look forward to developing partnerships with groups across Michigan to address this challenge and make the strategy a success."

The DEQ is releasing the strategy report for public input to identify partnerships for involvement in implementing the recommendations and to help prioritize action steps listed in the strategy. The report was developed by a team of DEQ staff from the air, water, waste, pollution prevention, and remediation programs in response to a request from Director Chester. The strategy report is available on the DEQ Webpage at: http://www.michigan.gov/deq.

Comments regarding partnerships and priorities on the strategy will be received until March 26, 2008, and can be submitted by mail, email, or fax to Sheila Blais, DEQ, Air Quality Division, 525 West Allegan Street, 3rd Floor North, P.O. Box 30260, Lansing, MI 48909; blaiss@michigan.gov; 517-241-7499 (fax).

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised January 30, 2008 by Pat Watson