Mercury Minimization

The OCSD#1 Harriman wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) State Pollution Discharge and Elimination (SPDES) permit requires the WWTP to implement a mercury minimization plan to reduce to the extent possible the mercury concentration in the WWTP outfall to the Ramapo River.  

Mercury is a bioaccumulative pollutant, which means it can concentrate and build up in the food chain over time. Fish are especially prone to mercury accumulation, putting humans who consume them at risk. As of March 2015, there is a statewide advisory to limit fish consumption due to mercury contamination, as well as more restrictive advice for many specific waterbodies.

Residential users of the Harriman sewer system can help reduce the mercury concentration in the WWTP effluent by avoiding disposal of mercury or mercury containing materials down the drain and into the sanitary sewer collection system. Lists of consumer products containing mercury are available at the USEPA website. 

Mercury is used, usually in very small amounts, as a preservative or antibacterial agent in a number of over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceutical products. These include: antibiotics; blood pressure cuffs; contact lens solution; dental amalgam; diuretics; ear and eye drops; eye ointment; hemorrhoid relief ointment; Mercurochrome; nasal spray; and, older thermometers.

Cleanup of mercury spills should NOT be discarded down the drain.  New York State Department of Health guidelines for cleanup of mercury spills can be found HERE.

Click the links below for additional information from the New York State Department of Health regarding mercury:

        Mercury 

        Mercury Exposure and You