Virginia DEQ/Air Pollution Control Board/State Advisory Board Mercury Page
In 2004 the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board (APCB) tasked the State Advisory Board (SAB) to review clean coal technologies with an emphasis on mercury emissions and control technologies applicable to coal-fueled electrical generating units. The SAB, with DEQ staff support, prepared a report for the APCB.
In 2006 the SAB prepared a report on mercury emissions and controls from non-electrical generating units.
The reports, related documents, and pertinent outside references are included or linked below. Since the preparation of the SAB report these pages have been updated to reflect new developments and materials. This page's emphasis is on air emissions of mercury, particularly from coal combustion but some of the links and citations provided address other aspects of mercury and the environment.
The reader is cautioned that the SAB reports and supporting documents do not constitute findings and policies of the APCB or the DEQ. Inclusion of reports and links to outside organizations do not imply APCB or DEQ endorsement of any findings, recommendations, or policies of those entities.
SAB Reports and Supporting Documents
- SAB Coal Combustion Mercury Report (October 8, 2004)
The report consists of three parts. The written document contains a discussion of the health effects of mercury, along with information about anticipated regulations regarding mercury control. It is followed by a table comparing emissions from state-of-the-art coal burning units with the emissions levels that can be achieved in natural gas combustion plants, recognizing that both fuel sources are vital to overall electrical utility generation in the US. The third part is the table which summarizes available control technologies for a variety of pollutants, including mercury. A slide presentation is also provided.
- Comparison Chart Draft
- Control Technology Matrix
- AP-42 Mercury Emissions Factors
- Mercury Emissions and Available Control Technologies for Combustion Sources
- Fact Sheet on Power Plant Emissions of Mercury in Virginia (July 13, 2004)
- SAB Mercury Contols for Non-Electrical Generating Units (November 2006)
Other Virginia DEQ Mercury-Related Pages
- Virginia Mercury Study
- DEQ Water Program: Mercury Advisory Committee
- DEQ Office of Pollution Prevention: Mercury Reduction in Virginia
- Mercury Switch Program
- Director's Corner: Mercury in the environment--How DEQ is responding
International Organizations
United Nations Environment Programme: Global Mercury Assessment Homepage
The UNEP Global Mercury Assessment Report provides a comprehensive review of mercury chemistry, toxicology, exposure and risk, environmental impacts, sources and cycling, production and use, prevention and control of releases, and initiatives and policies. Those interested in mercury waste minimization, substitution, and pollution controls (including controls on air emissions) should pay attention to Chapter 8 of the report.