History and Progress of DEQ’s Mercury Programs Albert E. Hindrichs

Purpose of DEQ’s mercury program with regard to water History of fish tissue sampling projects Status of Louisiana waters Other agency and NGO involvement Data availability on the Web Presentation Overview

The purpose of LDEQ’s mercury program for water is to sample biota, sediments, and water in order to determine the extent of contamination and establish health advisories when necessary. Fish are targeted for sampling, because fish consumption is the primary route of exposure for humans and wildlife. Purpose of LDEQ’s Mercury Program

Sampling began in at 5 stations on the Ouachita River The second sampling program, concluded in June 1993, was also on the Ouachita - 4 stations were added Largemouth bass from twelve North Louisiana lakes were sampled in fall 1993 LDEQ’s Sampling Program for Mercury in Fish

Current study began in July 1994 as a joint effort between USGS and LDEQ LDEQ continued the study in 1995 without USGS assistance Will Tucker, with DEQ’s Acadiana Regional Office, was assigned as the full time coordinator in 1996 The mercury sampling program currently has three full time field personnel assigned to collect fish and other data LDEQ’s current annual budget for the mercury program is approximately $500,000 LDEQ’s Sampling Program for Mercury in Fish

To date (September 2004) 498 sites on 300 water bodies have been sampled in Louisiana Advisory areas are resampled every two years All other sites are sampled once every 4-5 years Approximately 100 sites are sampled every year LDEQ’s Sampling Program for Mercury in Fish

There are currently 37 mercury related fish consumption advisories, covering 90 different water bodies, in Louisiana. Advisories are not laws or bans. They are precautionary measures or recommendations. All advisories vary…many are targeted only at sensitive populations (pregnant women and small children) and/or certain species of fish. LDHH uses a limited meals approach when drafting advisories. Choupique (bowfin) and largemouth bass typically have the highest concentrations of mercury and, therefore, the most advisories. Advisory Status for Louisiana Waters

DEQ, in conjunction with Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (DWF) manage the Mercury Contaminant Study DEQ is the lead agency, responsible for sampling, data management, yearly reports, and grant funds for research DHH is responsible for assessment of data in terms of health risks and the initiation of advisories. DWF is responsible for some off-shore sampling in the Gulf and jointly issues advisories with DEQ and DHH. Other Agency Involvement

DEQ has worked with several NGOs regarding the scope of the problem, drafting of public reports, and possible sources –Audubon Society –LEAN –Sierra Club –Atchafalaya Basin Foundation NGO Involvement

Fish Tissue Monitoring –sediments, water, plants Air Deposition Study Air Permitting Water Permitting Recycling Remediation Continuing or Expanded DEQ Initiatives

DEQ’s public Website: mercury/index.htm –Annual Mercury Reports –Summary of issues on mercury in fish –Advisories –Site locations and site specific data –Raw data updated weekly –Frequently asked questions Data Availability on the DEQ Public Website

Louisiana currently has 37 fish consumption advisories covering 90 different water bodies. LDEQ is currently sampling approximately 100 new and old sites per year. LDEQ, LDHH and LDWF continue to work together on testing and establishing advisories. Conclusions

For more information regarding mercury in Louisiana water and fish please contact: Albert E. Hindrichs (225)