The Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the Partnership for the Saginaw Bay Watershed will be hosting a presentation by Joy Taylor-Morgan and Julie Brunner of the DNRE regarding air mercury issues and coal fired power plants in the Saginaw Bay area. The presentation is scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, at the Bay City State Recreation Area Visitors Center.

Taylor-Morgan will give a mercury overview talk, discuss why mercury is a concern, describe some environmental impact information, give an overview of human health concerns, and then discuss what Michigan is doing to address mercury emissions and regional air mercury issues. Brunner, a DNRE permit engineer, will then talk about coal-fired power plant permitting issues, the Michigan mercury utility rule, federal rules that will address coal-fired power plants, coal technologies, and provide some details about the Karn/Weadock air permit.

This presentation is the fifth in a series of discussions focused on toxic pollutants in Saginaw Bay, a priority issue identified through the Saginaw River and Bay Remedial Action Plan.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environment, natural resources and related economic interests for current and future generations. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/dnre.

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