Winds of Change Newsletter, December 2005     See sidebar for table of contents

WV Ranked 7th in Mercury Emissions

A report from a Washington, DC, advocacy group shows that West Virginias power plants emitted nearly 4,000 pounds of mercury in 2003 the seventh-highest amount in the nation. The report was released by the nonprofit Public Interest Research Group.

The John Amos (coal-fired power) plant in Putnam County ranked 15th nationally for mercury emissions. Putnam Countys mercury emissions were the highest in the state, followed by Mason County and Monongalia County.

That study showed that total toxic emissions into West Virginias air and water increased by almost 11 percent in 2003. Mercury settles in waterways and accumulates in fish. In humans who eat those fish, the metal can cause neurological and developmental problems.

Texas had the highest power plant mercury emissions with more than 9,000 pounds.