Reducing human and wildlife exposure to mercury in Michigan has been and continues to be a priority for the MDEQ.  Over the past several decades, the MDEQ has implemented a variety of activities that include monitoring, regulations and policies for identifying, preventing, or eliminating the use and release of this toxic pollutant.  The Mercury Strategy Workgroup (MSWG), consisting of MDEQ staff representing Air , Water, Waste, Pollution Prevention , and Land Remediation , along with a representative from the MDCH , has developed and released the  MDEQ Mercury Strategy Staff Report and its Appendices .  Included in the report are 67 recommended action steps towards the goal of eliminating anthropogenic mercury use and releases in Michigan.  A separate document with just the executive summary and recommendations is also available. 

Mercury In Air
The Air Quality Division (AQD) oversees the protection of Michigan's air quality through ambient monitoring, permitting, and the development of air pollution control laws and rules.  In addition, the AQD's Toxics Unit evaluates the human health impacts of mercury and other toxic air pollutants, and develops, coordinates, and implements the Air Toxics Program for the protection of the Great Lakes ecosystem and inland lakes.  The AQD has also been instrumental in putting together several workgroups that address mercury issues.  The Michigan's Mercury Electric Utility Workgroup was charged to develop a Michigan emissions reduction strategy for coal-fire

Mercury in Water
The Water Bureau (WB) oversees the protection for Michigan's water programs through the development of water quality standards  and permitting activities, such as the Mercury Permitting Strategy .  The WB also does water quality monitoring of sediments, water chemistry, aquatic life, and wildlife contaminant studies.  Under the Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program , edible portion fish contaminant data is used by the Michigan Department of Community Health to develop the Michigan Fish Advisory , whole fish data are used to track contaminant trends, and caged fish data are used to identify sources of pollutants and evaluate spatial trends of contaminant concentrations.  These types of sampling ensure the viability of Michigan's aquatic ecosystems, that water quality standards are being met and that surface waters meet designated uses.  In addition, the WB provides technical assistance and project oversight on sediment remediation projects, often involving mercury contamination.

Mercury in Waste 
The Waste and Hazardous Materials Division administers a diverse number of pollution prevention programs through the regulation of solid, liquid, medical, and hazardous waste.  Mercury is classified as a hazardous waste   constituent regulated under the Hazardous Waste Rules , which identifies and imposes management standards on generators, transporters and treatment, storage and disposal facilities managing hazardous waste in Michigan.  Universal wastes are specific types of hazardous waste (including some mercury-containing wastes) generated by manufacturing industries, businesses, agencies, hospitals, and other waste generators, who have chosen to handle these items in accordance with the Universal Waste Regulations .  Mercury and mercury-containing items derived from households are regulated as solid waste .  Disposal of household generated mercury-containing wastes in landfills is currently not prohibited.  A predominant source of mercury from waste is found in landfills when mercury emissions are released during the transport of waste, on the surface of the working area, and from landfill gas.  As an alternative to landfill disposal, there are pollution prevention programs  that provide safe disposal of mercury and mercury-containing items.

Mercury Pollution Prevention
Pollution Prevention (P2) is the elimination and/or reduction in the generation of waste at its source.  Numerous mercury P2 activities have taken place throughout Michigan over the past 15 years.  The Environmental Science and Services Division (ESSD) provides non-regulatory assistance to businesses, institutions and the public to improve further mercury reduction through P2 by developing education/outreach materials, assisting in Michigan legislation limiting mercury use , and voluntary partnership programs .  ESSD also administers mercury reduction programs, initiatives , and proper mercury disposal  methods in compliance with federal and state universal waste rules.  For information on how to properly dispose of mercury and mercury-containing devices, such as fluorescent light bulbs, click here.  Removing mercury from mercury-containing devices before they are landfilled prevents releases to air or groundwater.  However, once the mercury is removed, it must be properly managed to prevent further releases to land, water, or air.  These types of measures lessen the volume or toxicity of mercury waste, as well as the application of source reduction techniques resulting in the use of fewer mercury products and, therefore, less potential for mercury releases to the environment.  To date, probably the most effective P2 technique has been ‘product substitution,' where mercury-containing devices or products  are replaced by safer mercury-free alternatives .  The ESSD also provides a valuable support function by helping other divisions integrate P2 into permits and Supplemental Environmental Projects.

Photo from Wikipedia.org 

Mercury Remediation
Mercury releases may have occurred from historical manufacturing operations in Michigan and may continue to leach to groundwater or surface water from historical manufacturing or disposal practices, or result from chemical or biological process involved in contaminant natural attenuation process.  Releases of mercury from sites of environmental contamination are considered mercury legacy sites and are addressed by the state Mercury Clean-up Standards .  The Remediation and Redevelopment Division (RRD) administers programs that involve the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties to achieve a healthier, cleaner, and more productive environment for Michigan's citizens.  The primary legislative authority for the state cleanup program is Part 201 and any area where contamination exceeds the state clean-up criteria is a Part 201 facility .

Mercury and Your Health
The Michigan Department of Community Health ( MDCH ) notes that fish are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, are low in saturated fat, and can help prevent heart disease in adults.  The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are also good for brain function in unborn and breast-fed babies and children.  The Michigan Fish Consumption Advisory , developed by the MDCH, provides consumption advice by waterbody, fish species, and fish length, showing which fish are okay to eat and how often they can be eaten.  Other advice is included in the Avoid Mercury in Fish and Seafood: Shopping and Restaurant Guide   and A Family Guide to Eating Fish .  In addition, the MDCH has rules requiring clinical laboratories to report all clinical test results of mercury in blood and urine.  Like other public health surveillance systems, this reporting requirement includes collection of sufficient information about tested individuals and their health care providers to conduct follow-up to identify the source of exposure, which then triggers public health actions to mitigate exposures to others, if appropriate.   MDCH also provides training, guidance and assistance relating to Mercury Spill Clean Up.  The Mercury Spill Questions & Answers  document also provides important information.