Mercury Problem in Lake is 'Disturbing,' Local Expert Says

A newly released study from Environment Ohio says this state's power plants emit more mercury pollution than plants in 48 other states.

"Every square inch of the Great Lakes is under a mercury advisory," a press release from the agency says.

About two-thirds of airborne mercury comes from coal-fired power plants. That mercury then falls into the waterways by way of rain or snow, then builds up in fish and enters the food chain.

"That's disturbing," said of Strongsville, the city's former recycling coordinator and currently a member of the Great Lakes Energy Development Task Force. "On a clear day, you can see the haze hanging over Lake Erie. That's from the mercury."

Environment Ohio, a citizen-based advocacy group working to protect Lake Erie and other natural resources, says mercury is a "dangerous neurotoxin" that harms children. Exposure can lead to problems in verbal and motor skills, as well as reduced IQ.

"Parents in Ohio shouldn't have to worry that their children's bodies are toxic dumping grounds," Paul Rolfe, field associate for Environment Ohio, said in a news release.

Oliveros said the obvious solution is to require power plants to clean up their emissions, but cautions that will be costly to both customers and Ohio's tax base.

"We have to balance the cost of correction with how it affects the region," he said. "It will add to the cost of electricity."

That will raise residents' bills and drive businesses away from Ohio, he said.

And while Oliveros champions off-shore wind power and other forms of renewable energy, he said they "will never replace coal" entirely.

Still, he said officials can't overlook the health risks of mercury.

"It can affect IQ, and if we want this region to succeed in the future, we have to be smarter, not less intelligent," he said.