The EPA, in its latest move since April, announced that it will propose a rule in 2011 and issue a final rule in 2012 to protect waterways by reducing mercury from dental offices.
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Under the new rules, dental offices will be able to use existing technology to meet the proposed requirements. Amalgam separators can separate out 95 percent of the mercury normally discharged to the local waste treatment plant. The separator captures the mercury, which is then recycled and reused.
In August, new regulations requiring reductions of mercury emission from cement plants were issued When fully implemented in 2013, EPA estimates annual mercury emissions will be reduced by 92 percent.
In July, a Final Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) for Elemental Mercury Used in Flow Meters, Natural Gas Manometers, and Pyrometers was issued. The Agency requires 90 days' notice prior to U.S. manufacture, import or processing of elemental mercury for use in flow meters, natural gas manometers, and pyrometers.
In April, the agency proposed adding the gold mine ore processing and production area source category to the list of source categories subject to regulation under the hazardous air pollutant section of the Clean Air Act (CAA) due to their mercury emissions. EPA also proposed national mercury emission standards for this category based on the emissions level of the best performing facilities which are well controlled for mercury.
