History and Progress of DEQ’s Mercury Programs Albert E. Hindrichs.

History and Progress of

DEQ’s Mercury Programs

Albert E. Hindrichs

• Purpose of DEQ’s mercury program with regard to water

• History of fish tissue sampling projects

• Status of Louisiana waters

• Other agency and NGO involvement

• Data availability on the Web

Presentation Overview

• The purpose of LDEQ’s mercury program for water is to sample biota, sediments, and water in order to determine the extent of contamination and establish health advisories when necessary.

• Fish are targeted for sampling, because fish consumption is the primary route of exposure for humans and wildlife.

Purpose of LDEQ’s Mercury Program

• Sampling began in 1989-1990 at 5 stations on the Ouachita River

• The second sampling program, concluded in June 1993, was also on the Ouachita - 4 stations were added

• Largemouth bass from twelve North Louisiana lakes were sampled in fall 1993

LDEQ’s Sampling Program for

Mercury in Fish

• Current study began in July 1994 as a joint effort between USGS and LDEQ

• LDEQ continued the study in 1995 without USGS assistance

• Will Tucker, with DEQ’s Acadiana Regional Office, was assigned as the full time coordinator in 1996

• The mercury sampling program currently has three full time field personnel assigned to collect fish and other data

• LDEQ’s current annual budget for the mercury program is approximately $500,000

LDEQ’s Sampling Program for

Mercury in Fish

• To date (September 2004) 498 sites on 300 water bodies have been sampled in Louisiana

• Advisory areas are resampled every two years

• All other sites are sampled once every 4-5 years

• Approximately 100 sites are sampled every year

LDEQ’s Sampling Program for

Mercury in Fish

• There are currently 37 mercury related fish consumption advisories, covering 90 different water bodies, in Louisiana.

• Advisories are not laws or bans. They are precautionary measures or recommendations.

• All advisories vary…many are targeted only at sensitive populations (pregnant women and small children) and/or certain species of fish. LDHH uses a limited meals approach when drafting advisories.

• Choupique (bowfin) and largemouth bass typically have the highest concentrations of mercury and, therefore, the most advisories.

Advisory Status for Louisiana Waters

• DEQ, in conjunction with Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (DWF) manage the Mercury Contaminant Study

• DEQ is the lead agency, responsible for sampling, data management, yearly reports, and grant funds for research

• DHH is responsible for assessment of data in terms of health risks and the initiation of advisories.

• DWF is responsible for some off-shore sampling in the Gulf and jointly issues advisories with DEQ and DHH.

Other Agency Involvement

• DEQ has worked with several NGOs regarding the scope of the problem, drafting of public reports, and possible sources– Audubon Society

– LEAN

– Sierra Club

– Atchafalaya Basin Foundation

NGO Involvement

• Fish Tissue Monitoring

– sediments, water, plants

• Air Deposition Study

• Air Permitting

• Water Permitting

• Recycling

• Remediation

Continuing or Expanded DEQ

Initiatives

• DEQ’s public Website:

http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/surveillance/ mercury/index.htm

– Annual Mercury Reports

– Summary of issues on mercury in fish

– Advisories

– Site locations and site specific data

– Raw data updated weekly

– Frequently asked questions

Data Availability on the DEQ Public

Website

• Louisiana currently has 37 fish consumption advisories covering 90 different water bodies.

• LDEQ is currently sampling approximately 100 new and old sites per year.

• LDEQ, LDHH and LDWF continue to work together on testing and establishing advisories.

Conclusions

For more information regarding mercury in

Louisiana water and fish please contact:

Albert E. Hindrichs

[email protected]

(225) 219-3590