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| Introduction |
There has been a lot of talk about mercury, especially as it relates to coal-fired power plants.
That's because the issue of mercury – where it comes from and its impact – is complex. We at Santee Cooper know there are questions, and we want to address them responsibly and accurately.
Here's the good news: mercury isn't as daunting as some would have you believe.
But because the issue of mercury is of interest to many people, we would like to shed some light on the topic.
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The U.S. Very Strictly Regulates Mercury Emissions
The EPA has conducted extensive studies on mercury deposited in our waterways as it relates to sources of mercury emissions. These studies were then used to develop regulations governing mercury emissions at the federal and state levels.13
As strict as the federal regulations are, in South Carolina, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has set restrictions in the draft permit for the Pee Dee Energy Campus that are up to 40% more strict than what was required by the EPA.14
The point is that the EPA regulations about mercury emissions are strict, and South Carolina DHEC's are even more so. We can and should feel confident that mercury levels and their impact are minimal.
As regulations continue to become more strict, Santee Cooper is confident that we're protective of human health and environment, and that we'll continue to comply with these changing regulations – fulfilling our mission to be the state's leading resource for improving the quality of life for the people of South Carolina.
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13 The EPA Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR), which set federal mercury emissions limits, was vacated by the federal courts in March 2008. The Santee Cooper facilities emissions were below those strict levels. When the new regulations are issued, Santee Cooper will take any necessary steps to meet the new regulations.
14 Electric Utilities Environmental Conference, Tucson, Ariz., January 21-24, 2007, http://rmb-consulting.com/papers/A%20Patchwork%20Program-An%20Overview%20of%20State%20Mercury%20Regulations.pdf
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