How do the results from this study relate to current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considerations for a new national mercury regulation?
Short answer: Decisions by the EPA regarding a new national mercury emissions regulation will be significantly aided by the improved scientific understanding provided by this study of how mercury sources, watershed cycling, and stream-based food webs interact. Previous to this study, a very limited number of studies had delved into the details of what controls mercury contamination levels in stream ecosystems. Long answer: Section 112 of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) identify seven priority air pollutants, of which mercury is one, and require the EPA to identify the sources of 90% of each pollutant and subject these sources to maximum achievable control technologies. Current considerations for mercury by the EPA are specific to coal and oil fired electric utilities. Our study results relate to CAAA Section112(d)(2) which specify that “any non-air quality health and environmental impacts” can be considered before making a determination on standards for new or existing sources
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