June 20, 2005

The final report from the Mercury Electric Utility Workgroup has been finalized and is available on the Department of Environmental Quality’s Web site. The report contains information on the history and sources of Mercury, its impact on the environment, and recommendations for Mercury reductions from coal-fired power plants in Michigan.

The workgroup was formed by the DEQ at the request of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm to study the issue of Mercury emissions in our state. DEQ Director Steven E. Chester will now review the final report and develop the DEQ’s recommendations on the best course of action to reduce Mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. Director Chester will then share his recommendations with Governor Granholm.

The final report will be available at http://www.mi.gov/deqair.

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

Revised June 20, 2005 by Alice Stimpson acting for Pat Watson