EPA Region 10 Mercury Strategy Framework - Environmental ...

EPA Region 10Mercury Strategy FrameworkIntroductionMercury is a metal that is found in the environment inseveral forms, all of which are toxic. It enters theenvironment as a result of natural processes (e.g. volcaniceruptions) and human activities such as combustion of fossilfuels; especially coal, and mining.Mercury is also very mobile in the environment, and can beconverted to other forms. Of particular concern is mercury’sconversion by bacteria to methyl mercury, which is highlytoxic and can be concentrated (bioaccumulated) inindividual organisms. Methyl mercury can also biomagnifyup the food chain, and reach high concentrations in toppredators. As a result, the most widespread humanexposure to mercury is through the consumption ofcontaminated fish.In 2006, EPA published the National Mercury Roadmapwhich lays out EPA’s national strategy for addressingmercury problems. It identified six major areas of focus tocharacterize and control mercury sources and to provideoutreach and education for the public.In 2007, EPA Region 10 established a Strategic Plan for theRegion to guide our work from 2007 - 2011. Included inthe plan’s Strategic Endeavors was a goal to addressmercury problems which have become more widelyrecognized within the Region. In order to achieve this goal,Region 10 established a Regional Mercury Workgroupwhich was tasked with developing a regional mercurystrategy (Strategy).Over a one year period the multi-program workgroupdeveloped a draft strategy bearing in mind that fewadditional resources would be available. Drafts of thestrategy were reviewed within EPA both in Region 10 andnationally, and external comments were sought on twooccasions. A number of external entities provided inputwhich improved the draft Strategy, including the U.S.Geological Survey, National Parks Service, Idaho NationalLaboratory, Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, Nez Perce Tribe, Pt.Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, and the States of Alaska, Oregon,Nevada and Washington.The purpose of the Strategy is to reduce human exposure tomercury. Although we acknowledge the ecological impactsof mercury, they are not the immediate driver of theStrategy. We expect that efforts to characterize mercurysources, fate and transport processes, and ultimately toreduce mercury levels, will be beneficial to minimizingecological impacts as well as reducing human health risk.As the Strategy is implemented and updated over time, weexpect that more information and direction regardingecological impacts will be incorporated.While Region 10 is currently involved in many ongoingactivities to address mercury contamination, the major focusof this Strategy is to identify areas where new or greaterEPA emphasis will increase our understanding and controlof mercury problems in the Region.The Strategy identifies eight key activities for Regionalfocus, with preliminary suggestions for specific work.More detailed workplans for each of these activities will bedeveloped by the appropriate programs, and will becomeadditions to this document. Available resources will be alimiting factor in implementing all activities. At present, nonew funds or other resources are available for Strategyimplementation.Implementation of this Strategy is expected to begin in theJanuary of 2009. In general the intent is that this version ofthe Strategy will provide direction for the next 2-3 years. Itis expected that our knowledge of issues will advancesignificantly during this timeframe such that additionalwork and refinements to the Strategy will be needed overtime. The Strategy is expected to be revised in the future toaccommodate new information.As noted above, the Strategy was developed with invaluableinput from many individuals across the Northwest andAlaska. The input we received helped set the direction andspecific role for EPA in the activities. We invite theparticipation of our sister federal agencies, state partners,and tribal governments and others to join together with EPAto achieve the ambitious outcomes that we have framed inthis Strategy. Without collaboration in this effort, EPAalone will not succeed.Mercury Strategy Framework - Page 1