The Village of Hoosick Falls Waste Water 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 in the WWTP discharge to the Hoosic River.
Mercury is a bioaccumulating pollutant, which means it can concentrate and build up in the food
chain over time. Some kinds of 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 and Commercial users of the Village 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.
New York State Department of Health Mercury Information
https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/chemicals/mercury
New York State Department of Health guidelines for cleanup of mercury spills
https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/chemicals/mercury/docs/cleaning_up_a_small_mercury_spill.htm
New York State Department of Health Mercury in School
https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/chemicals/mercury/schools.htm
Lists of consumer products containing mercury are available at the USEPA website https://www.epa.gov/mercury/mercury-consumer-products