A Focus on Mercury

WRAL’s newest Focal Point documentary focuses on mercury pollution in NC, a timely topic as the NC Utilities Commission held hearings this week on Duke Energy’s proposed expansion at their Cliffside Coal Power Plant.  The 30 minute show, “Mercury Falling”, takes an in depth look at mercury in fish in NC, how coal-fired power plants contribute to mercury contamination, and what is being done about it. 

The show includes an interview with Dr. David Moreau, Chair of the NC Environmental Management Commission, which is about to finalize rules to control mercury emissions from coal plants – rules environmentalists consider too weak.  John Suttles, Southern Environmental Law Center is also interviewed, along with Martha Keating, a former EPA scientist, and Dr. Debbie Leiner, a pediatrician, both of whom also support strong mercury controls.  The show presents a balanced view and also interviews the power companies and several fishing groups.  My favorite quote was from Sean McKeon, NC Fisheries Association:  “I think the solution really is at this point to eat more fish, not less.”

“Mercury Falling” will air at 8:30 pm on Sept. 2 on WMYT-TV in Charlotte.  You can also watch it online through the WRAL Focal Point website.   Since it is a commercial station, there are a couple of advertisements to get through, including a bizzare rap ad for Pepto Bismal. 

If you watch the show, let us know what you thought of it.