Oceana | Protecting the World's Oceans

Ask Representative Wamp to support HR 2065, the Mercury Pollution Reduction Act of 2009.

The bill would stop the use and release of mercury at chlor-alkali plants, including the local Olin Corp. plant.  The plant is among four chemical plants in the US that have not committed to stop using outdated mercury-cell technology to make chlorine and caustic soda.  Even though 95 percent of US chlorine is made without the use of mercury, these four plants continue to use old technology and collectively release over one ton of mercury into our air and water every year. 

When released to the environment, mercury ends up in our oceans, contaminating seafood. Humans and other creatures exposed to high levels of mercury in fish can experience health effects, such as delayed neurological development in children.