Mercury In The News: Local articles generating public awareness and revealing the sources of mercury levels in Oregon waters
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Emits an estimated 2500 lbs of Mercury each year
In 2004 it was the third largest emitter of Mercury in the Nation (DEQ, 2014)
In 2004 it was the third largest emitter of Mercury in the Nation (DEQ, 2014)
300,000 cubic yards of mine waste is leaching mercury into the Coast Fork of the Willamette River (DEQ, 2014). In a 2005 study of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River scientists have discovered a direct relationship between wetlands and Methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations. The results show that dissolved Mercury in the water, both anthropogenic and naturally occurring, is converted to MeHg more quickly in wetlands. The Coast Fork near Cottage Grove has the highest observed levels of the neurotoxin and supports evidence that the nearby excavation of Mercury at the Black Butte Mine has significantly impacted water, sediment and fish tissues (Hope, 2005). |
Emits approximately 165 lbs of Mercury each year (DEQ, 2014)
Lake Owyhee and the Owyhee River, in southeastern Oregon, have naturally occurring mercury (Hg) deposits, due to volcanic activity throughout the region. However, due to nearby mining, artificial sources of mercury deposits have made it into the water system. "The volcanic geology of the watershed contains many localized natural sources of mercury (Hg), present as near surface cinnabar, hydrothermal ore bodies, and tuffaceous olivine deposits, and elevated Hg concentrations have been observed in volcanic rock located near Lake Owyhee. Mining and amalgamation recovery of gold and silver around Silver City, Idaho, also released significant quantities of Hg (up to 7.6 lbs/day from 1860 to 1920) into the Jordan Creek sub basin. The specific and diffuse sources of Hg in the watershed have caused public health concern arising from Hg bioaccumulation in watershed fish. The Oregon Health Division has issued fish consumption advisories for Lake Owyhee and several tributaries of the Owyhee River because of high observed concentrations of Hg in fish tissues" (Craft, 2000, pg. 30).