WKRG.com » News Stream » Environmental »

Alabama Power Plant Released A Lot Of Mercury

By Associated Press

Published: Fri, November 21, 2008 - 10:35 am Last Updated: Fri, November 21, 2008 - 10:37 am

Short URL: http://wkrg.com/a/21155/

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - A new report says an Alabama Power
generating plant near Birmingham released more mercury into the air
than any other power plant in the nation last year.
A study released Thursday by the Environmental Integrity Project
said the Miller Plant in west Jefferson County released almost
2,000 pounds of mercury in 2007. The plant burns coal, which
releases the heavy metal when it burns.
Another Alabama Power plant in Shelby County ranked eighth
nationally for the release of mercury, which can cause health
problems including neurological damage in children.
The utility says devices are being installed at all its
coal-fired plants to reduce emissions