Let me explain. These included mercury, ozone and particulate matter. DEP has considered wildly successful a program they have had to collect old mercury thermometers because of concern the mercury could get into our water systems. They were wildly ecstatic because they collected 7000 thermometers last year statewide. Curt Pollman, a national expert on mercury air deposition, especially in water bodies, testified that as little as 20 lbs of mercury released by the Suwannee American cement plant would impact adversely mercury levels in fish in the Ichetucknee River.
Mercury causes severe neurological damage to the developing fetus and child.
Particulate matter and Ozone. Not only would this have adverse effects on peoples health, especially the young and very old, it would have tremendous economic impacts as well. For example, part of California's power crisis is the result of their being restricted by the EPA from any further power plants because of excessive air pollution. Several of south Florida's cities have been sanctioned by EPA and have had to have mandatory vehicle emission inspections, a costly , not to mention aggravating experience for car owners. Yours truly, Kathleen Cantwell, MD Chair Suwannee-St.