New Jersey adopts nation´s strictest mercury and arsenic standards

Nov. 17 -- New Jersey power plants and industries will face the nation´s strongest mercury and arsenic standards starting in 2006.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection adopted the rules this month to reduce mercury emissions from the state´s 10 coal-fired power plants by 90 percent by the end of 2007. Power plants have the option of meeting the standard by 2012 if they also significantly reduce sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions.

The state´s six iron and steel manufacturers must cut mercury emissions by 75 percent by the end of 2009. Five municipal solid waste incinerators must reduce mercury emissions at least 95 percent below 1990 levels in 2011.

Maximum arsenic concentrations in drinking water will be 5 parts per billion, effective January 23, 2006. The state monitors arsenic contamination at more than 600 public community water systems and 900 noncommumity systems, which combined serve 85 percent of the state. The DEP predicts that 34 community and 101 noncommunity systems will exceed 5 parts per billion.