GENEVA - - The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has granted the city of Geneva a mercury variance to increase the allowed level of mercury in the city's water system, Geneva Wastewater Superintendent Gary Hydinger said.
While the OEPA's optimum mercury level is 1.3 parts per billion (ppb), the level has been raised in Geneva to 10 ppb, which represents the amount of mercury already discharged by the water plant, Hydinger said.
"Realistically, there are very few places that can meet the 1.3 ppb standard," Hydinger said.
Hydinger said Geneva should be able to meet the goal of 10 ppb more than 95 percent of the time.
"It is a much more attainable goal than 1.3 ppb," Hydinger said.
Cowles Creek, which flows into Lake Erie, was addressed specifically by OEPA because lowering the water quality in the creek may be damaging to wildlife, especially fish, OEPA reports.
"Even at this level, the mercury will not harm fish or animals that drink from the city's streams," he said.
"It is important to say that in no way will the mercury level go up in Cowles Creek, or in Geneva, because of this variance," OEPA spokesman Mike Settles said. "There is a safe amount of mercury in the system now, and that won't change," he said.
Geneva's mercury level reprieve is only as good as the city's commitment to preventing mercury from entering the water supply.
The city, in partnership with UH Geneva Medical Center, has instituted educational programs and mercury management practices for the residential, commercial and industrial users of the wastewater system. Dentists, doctors and veterinarians are specific targets for the mercury management education programs, Hydinger said.
"It is amazing where mercury shows up. People used to keep jars of mercury in their basements," Hydinger said. "We want to make people aware of the possible sources of mercury in the water," he said.
Mercury is found in glass thermometers and in light dimmer switches, Hydinger said.
"If you find a jar of mercury in an old basement, don't move it. Don't touch it. Call us first. If one tablespoon of mercury is spilled, a hazardous materials crew must be dispatched to clean it up," Hydinger said. "That is when cleanup and removal (of the mercury) goes into the thousands of dollars," he said.
For more information about mercury or to have mercury removed, call Hydinger at the Geneva Wastewater Treatment Plant (440 466-4228).
Local News
Geneva gets mercury variance through OEPA
- Local News
-
-
Six ready to interview for Buckeye’s super job
The Buckeye Local Board of Education will conduct interviews with six superintendent hopefuls next week, said Board President Jacqueline Hillyer.
-
Shooting suspect to be tried as adult
A 17-year-old will be tried as an adult in the school shooting deaths of three students, a juvenile court judge ruled Thursday after hearing a sheriff’s deputy describe how the teen wore a T-shirt with the word “Killer” and admitted shooting people.
-
Ohio EPA takes AIM at site of hazardous wastes
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency staff members returned this week to the site of the now-bankrupt Ashtabula Iron and Metal on West 30th Street to take samples of the unknown liquids and analyze hazardous wastes, asbestos and other potential health and environmental concerns.
-
Commissioners look at selling nursing beds
Commissioners have retained the services of a law firm that specializes in the sale of excess nursing home beds as the board looks at ways to raise additional revenues.
-
Conneaut looks at demolition funds
The city is making preparations to secure its share of nearly $692,000 in demolition funds expected to be Ashtabula County’s portion of a multi-billion dollar settlement with national mortgage lenders.
-
Volunteers get more help than needed at rescue spot
Despite their good intentions, Edward and Mary proved more hindrance than help to the Conneaut KeyBank employees lending a helping hand Thursday to a farm animal rescue operation in Kingsville Township.
-
220 graduate at Lakeside
Thursday night was a time of pomp, circumstance and smiles as 220 seniors graduated from Lakeside High School.
-
Lost money?
There is no map, and “X” may not mark the spot, but hundreds of Ashtabula County residents may have unclaimed cash ready and waiting for them through the Ohio Department of Commerce.
-
Lane to be tried as adult in Chardon High shooting
A 17-year-old boy will be tried as an adult in the school shooting deaths of three students, a juvenile court judge ruled Thursday.
-
Happy Hearts School holds commencement for its Class of 2012
As commencement exercises go in Ashtabula County, the one at Happy Hearts School was small, with just five students.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Six ready to interview for Buckeye’s super job
