EPA’s proposal is expected to reduce annual mercury emissions to about 1,390 pounds a year – a 73% reduction from 2007 levels. This action will build on reductions from Nevada’s program for controlling mercury emissions from precious metal mining.
There are about 20 facilities in the US that extract gold from ore that will be subject to the proposed rule. EPA said that some facilities in Nevada already are making progress towards the proposed reductions under that state’s program.
Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator of office of air and radiation at EPA, said: “Taking mercury out of the air makes our communities safer for everyone. Our proposal will further progress that has already been made to limit mercury emissions from this industry.”
