What DEQ Is Doing About Mercury Pollution in Idaho?
DEQ has been involved in a number of mercury studies since 2005 aimed at answering, to the extent possible, three critical questions: • How widespread is mercury in streams, rivers, and lakes in Idaho? • What concentrations of mercury do we see in water, fish, and soil in Idaho? • What are the predominant sources of mercury? > Link to completed mercury studies that will aid in answering one or more of the above questions. DEQ is working collaboratively with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, surrounding state environmental protection agencies, public drinking water systems, the medical community, schools, and others to reduce mercury sources in Idaho. Specific activities include: Mercury Deposition Network: DEQ currently has three wet deposition monitors located in Idaho. These sites are part of the Mercury Deposition Network (MDN). The MDN is a monitoring network currently comprised of more than 85 sites in North America. Its purpose is to develop information on spatial and sea
