Vol. 521 No. 1
231 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the permitted level of mercury in freshwater; the testing procedures and frequency of testing that are required to check mercury levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16713/00]
The quality standards, the minimum frequency of sampling and analyses and the method of analysis for the parameter mercury in surface freshwaters used for drinking water purposes are set out in the European Communities (Quality of Surface Water Intended for the Abstraction of Drinking Water) Regulations, 1989, (S.I. No. 294 of 1989). A copy of the regulations is available in the Oireachtas Library.
Mercury from the natural environment very rarely occurs in freshwaters and, if found, is likely to indicate industrial or other waste discharges. Regular monitoring is required for the purposes of the regulations where there is a possibility that mercury may be present or where previous monitoring of the waters involved indicates a need in that regard.
Quality standards for discharges of mercury from various industrial sectors are set out in the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977, (Control of Hexachlorocyclohexane and Mercury) Regulations, 1986, (S.I. No. 55 of 1986). A copy of the regulations is also available in the Oireachtas Library.
