State, industry agree to mercury compromise

by Stephanie Hemphill, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Key industries in Minnesota have agreed to reduce mercury pollution.

Mercury has been a tough pollutant to deal with. But after years of research, utilities now have ways to capture mercury from their stacks.

Now, taconite mines are building on that technology to find ways to reduce their mercury output.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's David Thornton says the industries that emit the most mercury have all agreed to specific reduction goals. He says the list includes dental offices, recyclers, and crematories.

"I think this issue is one that people have realized is very important to Minnesotans."

Only ten-percent of the mercury that falls on Minnesota lakes and rivers comes from Minnesota sources. Officials say international efforts are under way -- including sharing new technologies -- to encourage other countries to reduce mercury emissions.