EPA clamps down on mines’ emissions
RENO -- Conservationists are hailing a new federal rule to cut emissions of the toxic metal mercury from the nation's gold mines, calling it a long overdue measure to protect the health of people and the environment.
The regulations announced Friday will reduce airborne mercury pollution from the mines to about 1,200 pounds a year, a 77 percent reduction from 2007 levels, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The rule represents the first national standard for mercury air emissions from gold mines, the seventh largest source of such pollution in the country.
Fourteen of the nation's 20 or so gold mines are in Nevada, the richest gold mining state in the country. The rule also affects mines in Alaska, California, Colorado, Montana, South Dakota and Washington.
"It's high time the gold industry is required to limit mercury emissions that have long been a danger to children's health," said Bonnie Gestring, spokeswoman for Earthworks, an environmental group focused on mining issues. "The industry has been enjoying record profits, while releasing needlessly high amounts of mercury pollution."
