Reducing Mercury in Oregon's Environment
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OEC has taken the lead to help Oregon phase out persistent poisons. Our work has focused on eliminating the discharge of mercury, one of the most toxic substances found in our environment, and the cause of numerous fish consumption advisories in lakes and rivers across Oregon.
OEC convened a multi-stakeholder Mercury Solution Team to develop a set of strategies to reduce mercury pollution. The team's recommendations are summarized in a 2001 report entitled: Mercury On the Road to Zero. [PDF 1.3 MB]
In 2001, OEC was instrumental in passing the Mercury Reduction Act [doc], significantly reducing sources of mercury pollution from consumer products such as thermostats and thermometers. OEC continues to work toward zero discharge of mercury, with the help of business partners and involved citizens. Here are a few ways we're doing that: The Toxics Reduction through Energy Efficiency for Boilers project demostrated that Oregon schools and many businesses can together save well over $1 million a year and reduce mercury emissions by 14 pounds a year just by keeping their boilers in tune. The Mercury "Switch Out" project encourages drivers to take their cars to more than 100 participating auto repair shops around Oregon, where mercury-containing hood and trunk switches are replaced for free. We're working with Northwest Automotive Trades Association (NATA) and AAA of Oregon/Idaho in partnership on this project. Click here to find a shop in your area that will replace your mercury switch for FREE! Promoting Fluorescent Lamp Recycling. Find out more about how to set up a recycling program for spent fluorescent and mercury lighting in your business or building. By demonstrating the feasibility of achieving these goals for mercury, OEC hopes to establish models for phasing out other persistent poisons.
In 2001, OEC was instrumental in passing the Mercury Reduction Act [doc], significantly reducing sources of mercury pollution from consumer products such as thermostats and thermometers. OEC continues to work toward zero discharge of mercury, with the help of business partners and involved citizens. Here are a few ways we're doing that: The Toxics Reduction through Energy Efficiency for Boilers project demostrated that Oregon schools and many businesses can together save well over $1 million a year and reduce mercury emissions by 14 pounds a year just by keeping their boilers in tune. The Mercury "Switch Out" project encourages drivers to take their cars to more than 100 participating auto repair shops around Oregon, where mercury-containing hood and trunk switches are replaced for free. We're working with Northwest Automotive Trades Association (NATA) and AAA of Oregon/Idaho in partnership on this project. Click here to find a shop in your area that will replace your mercury switch for FREE! Promoting Fluorescent Lamp Recycling. Find out more about how to set up a recycling program for spent fluorescent and mercury lighting in your business or building. By demonstrating the feasibility of achieving these goals for mercury, OEC hopes to establish models for phasing out other persistent poisons.