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Mercury and
electricity
Mercury is a naturally occurring metallic element that is
released into the environment through both human and natural
activities. Mercury released into water from either the air or
soil is a concern as it can be transformed into its most common
organic form, methylmercury. In this form, mercury can
bioaccumulate and pose a risk to human health when there is
exposure to high enough levels through fish consumption.
Mercury is found in coal to varying degrees. When coal is
burned to produce electricity, mercury is released into the
environment. As one of the largest sources of mercury
emissions, the companies in Canada’s coal-fired electricity
generation sector are committed to reducing these releases as
part of their emission management strategies. The first priority
is to reduce the significant scientific uncertainties around the
measurement and control of mercury emissions from coal-fired
electricity generation.
CEA
Mercury Program
Building on significant efforts in previous years, in 2002
coal-fired electric generation companies in Canada, in
cooperation with governments, embarked on a three-year program
to reduce these uncertainties. The program was designed to:
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Improve emission
inventories and the development of management options through an
intensive two year coal, ash and stack sampling program;
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Promote effective
stack testing through the development of guidance material and
the support of on-site training on the Ontario Hydro Method for
employees, government representatives and contractors, on an
as-needed basis;
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Strengthen laboratory
analytical capabilities through analysis and quality assurance
programs;
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Create and maintain an
information clearing house to ensure that all parties can keep
informed on global mercury research and development activities.
The program was implemented with regular, publicly available,
reporting of results. The findings of this program provided
critical information for establishing a mercury standard for
Canada, and continues to provide such information for the
development of a standard monitoring protocol and finding
cost-effective and efficient management options for mercury
emissions over the long-term.
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