History and Progress of DEQ’s Mercury Programs Albert E. Hindrichs.
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Transcript of History and Progress of DEQ’s Mercury Programs Albert E. Hindrichs.
• Purpose of DEQ’s mercury program with regard to water
• History of fish tissue sampling projects
• Status of Louisiana waters
• Other agency and NGO involvement
• Data availability on the Web
Presentation Overview
• The purpose of LDEQ’s mercury program for water is to sample biota, sediments, and water in order to determine the extent of contamination and establish health advisories when necessary.
• Fish are targeted for sampling, because fish consumption is the primary route of exposure for humans and wildlife.
Purpose of LDEQ’s Mercury Program
• Sampling began in 1989-1990 at 5 stations on the Ouachita River
• The second sampling program, concluded in June 1993, was also on the Ouachita - 4 stations were added
• Largemouth bass from twelve North Louisiana lakes were sampled in fall 1993
LDEQ’s Sampling Program for
Mercury in Fish
• Current study began in July 1994 as a joint effort between USGS and LDEQ
• LDEQ continued the study in 1995 without USGS assistance
• Will Tucker, with DEQ’s Acadiana Regional Office, was assigned as the full time coordinator in 1996
• The mercury sampling program currently has three full time field personnel assigned to collect fish and other data
• LDEQ’s current annual budget for the mercury program is approximately $500,000
LDEQ’s Sampling Program for
Mercury in Fish
• To date (September 2004) 498 sites on 300 water bodies have been sampled in Louisiana
• Advisory areas are resampled every two years
• All other sites are sampled once every 4-5 years
• Approximately 100 sites are sampled every year
LDEQ’s Sampling Program for
Mercury in Fish
• There are currently 37 mercury related fish consumption advisories, covering 90 different water bodies, in Louisiana.
• Advisories are not laws or bans. They are precautionary measures or recommendations.
• All advisories vary…many are targeted only at sensitive populations (pregnant women and small children) and/or certain species of fish. LDHH uses a limited meals approach when drafting advisories.
• Choupique (bowfin) and largemouth bass typically have the highest concentrations of mercury and, therefore, the most advisories.
Advisory Status for Louisiana Waters
• DEQ, in conjunction with Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (DWF) manage the Mercury Contaminant Study
• DEQ is the lead agency, responsible for sampling, data management, yearly reports, and grant funds for research
• DHH is responsible for assessment of data in terms of health risks and the initiation of advisories.
• DWF is responsible for some off-shore sampling in the Gulf and jointly issues advisories with DEQ and DHH.
Other Agency Involvement
• DEQ has worked with several NGOs regarding the scope of the problem, drafting of public reports, and possible sources– Audubon Society
– LEAN
– Sierra Club
– Atchafalaya Basin Foundation
NGO Involvement
• Fish Tissue Monitoring
– sediments, water, plants
• Air Deposition Study
• Air Permitting
• Water Permitting
• Recycling
• Remediation
Continuing or Expanded DEQ
Initiatives
• DEQ’s public Website:
http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/surveillance/ mercury/index.htm
– Annual Mercury Reports
– Summary of issues on mercury in fish
– Advisories
– Site locations and site specific data
– Raw data updated weekly
– Frequently asked questions
Data Availability on the DEQ Public
Website
• Louisiana currently has 37 fish consumption advisories covering 90 different water bodies.
• LDEQ is currently sampling approximately 100 new and old sites per year.
• LDEQ, LDHH and LDWF continue to work together on testing and establishing advisories.
Conclusions
For more information regarding mercury in
Louisiana water and fish please contact:
Albert E. Hindrichs
(225) 219-3590