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Study: Chlorine Manufacturing Has Low Mercury Emissions

June 13, 2008

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has completed a study to better characterize fugitive mercury emissions from chlorine manufactures that use mercury cell technology. Five such facilities exist nationwide. Study findings show that mercury emissions average about 0.2 tons per year per facility.

EPA is proposing to require manufacturers of chlorine using mercury cell technology to take additional steps to prevent mercury emissions. The agency would require plants not already monitoring mercury emissions to do so. Also, a plant would be required to perform "work practices." such as implementing an inspection program for equipment problems, leaking equipment, liquid mercury accumulations, and spills.

EPA will accept comments for 60 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register.

For more information, visit www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t3fs.html.