GENEVA - - The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has granted the city of Geneva a mercury variance to increase the allowed level of mercury in the city's water system, Geneva Wastewater Superintendent Gary Hydinger said.

While the OEPA's optimum mercury level is 1.3 parts per billion (ppb), the level has been raised in Geneva to 10 ppb, which represents the amount of mercury already discharged by the water plant, Hydinger said.

"Realistically, there are very few places that can meet the 1.3 ppb standard," Hydinger said.

Hydinger said Geneva should be able to meet the goal of 10 ppb more than 95 percent of the time.

"It is a much more attainable goal than 1.3 ppb," Hydinger said.

Cowles Creek, which flows into Lake Erie, was addressed specifically by OEPA because lowering the water quality in the creek may be damaging to wildlife, especially fish, OEPA reports.

"Even at this level, the mercury will not harm fish or animals that drink from the city's streams," he said.

"It is important to say that in no way will the mercury level go up in Cowles Creek, or in Geneva, because of this variance," OEPA spokesman Mike Settles said. "There is a safe amount of mercury in the system now, and that won't change," he said.

Geneva's mercury level reprieve is only as good as the city's commitment to preventing mercury from entering the water supply.

The city, in partnership with UH Geneva Medical Center, has instituted educational programs and mercury management practices for the residential, commercial and industrial users of the wastewater system. Dentists, doctors and veterinarians are specific targets for the mercury management education programs, Hydinger said.

"It is amazing where mercury shows up. People used to keep jars of mercury in their basements," Hydinger said. "We want to make people aware of the possible sources of mercury in the water," he said.

Mercury is found in glass thermometers and in light dimmer switches, Hydinger said.

"If you find a jar of mercury in an old basement, don't move it. Don't touch it. Call us first. If one tablespoon of mercury is spilled, a hazardous materials crew must be dispatched to clean it up," Hydinger said. "That is when cleanup and removal (of the mercury) goes into the thousands of dollars," he said.

For more information about mercury or to have mercury removed, call Hydinger at the Geneva Wastewater Treatment Plant (440 466-4228).

- - MARGIE TRAX PAGE - Staff Writer

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