Dear Resident:
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 water bodies.
Residential 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. Lists of consumer products containing mercury are available at the USEPA website https://www.epa.gov/mercury/mercury-consumer-products.
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 is provided on the Villages website and at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/chemicals/mercury/docs/cleaning_up_a_small_mercury_spill.pdf.
Your cooperation in assisting the Village in reducing the concentration of mercury discharged to the Hoosick River by the WWTP is appreciated. If you have any questions please contact the Clerk’s office at (518)686-7072 or email at clerk@hfvillage.org.
Sincerely
Olivia Schneider
Village Clerk