Mercury Reduction Information

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil. It exists in several forms: elemental or metallic mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, and organic mercury compounds. Mercury is an element in the Earth’s crust. Humans cannot create or destroy mercury. Pure mercury is a liquid metal, sometimes referred to as quicksilver that volatizes readily. It has traditionally been used to make products like thermometers, switches, and some light bulbs.

The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality (DENR), has issued a statewide total maximum daily load (TMDL) for mercury. The ultimate goal of the TMDL is to ensure safe levels of mercury in fish throughout North Carolina for human consumption.

The Town of Greenevers Sewer System (satellite) will follow the Mercury Minimization Plan (MMP) established by the Town of Wallace Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant.  The MMP will evaluate the potential for non-domestic (industrial/commerical) users of the sewer system to contribute mercury into the collection system. The town will survey and evaluate common sources of mercury in an effort to reduce the chances of mercury being discharged to the environment.

For more information regarding mercury reduction please see the handout provided below.