Report: Four Corners plant releases significant mercury

February 15, 2011

Environmentalists are worried that the Four Corners Power Plant is one of the worst in the country for mercury emissions. A report by Environment New Mexico showed the power plant releases more than 1,400 pounds of mercury a year. Mike Eisenfeld, with San Juan Citizen Alliance, said it's a major concern in the area. "What's happened here is the waterways in the Four Corners region – virtually all of them – have fish consumption warnings. Again, mercury is a neuro-toxin so it gets in the food chain…people eat it and you have neurological problems," said Eisenfeld. In response to environmental concerns, the EPA will be holding a public hearing Thursday, February 17th at 3 pm at San Juan College in Farmington.