North Carolina environmental officials are formulating a strategy to reduce mercury levels in the state's waterways. The divisions of air and water quality are holding public meetings this week and next to share their findings and solicit ideas. Susan Massengale with the Division of Water Quality says they've just completed a study finding that 98% of the mercury in the state's water is coming from the air.
Susan Massengale: 16% of that is from North Carolina sources. The balance of that is from other states and even around the world. Mercury can travel in the atmosphere long distances.
Massengale says that means many options for reducing mercury levels involve working with other states. Since 2008, mercury levels have prompted a statewide advisory for young children and women who may be pregnant against eating certain fish.