NO M ercury in the O hio R iver Protecting and restoring Kentucky’s waterways. E nvironment The issue: The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (state and federal appointed officials tasked with improving water quality in the Ohio River) has proposed to remove the mixing zone ban on toxic chemicals and metals like mercury. Mercury is highly toxic and this is not acceptable! • • • • • • The Commission’s proposal is troubling because: The Ohio River supplies over 5 million Americans with drinking water, is a huge recreational resource, and a significant commercial fishery. Young children are especially at risk from mercury pollution. There is already too much mercury in the Ohio River, making public health officials set limits on fish consumption. Families depend on Ohio River fish to feed their families. These pollutants will remain a persistent burden on future generations. Industry was given 12 years to change their polluting ways and have still not complied. Why should the public sacrifice our drinking water and food supply so that industry can continue to have record profits? Why would we keep putting mercury in our water supply when we know it is deadly? Why are we still discussing the need for clean water 43 years after the Clean Water Act? Citizens of Kentucky agree - enough is enough. Clean water can’t wait! • 80% of citizens are angry about this situation. • 87% prioritize protecting water resources over keeping cost for business low. • 76% support fining or shutting down facilities that can’t meet pollution standards. What do we want? The Commission must enforce their mercury standard to protect aquatic life and human health - not loosen the discharge limits. The mixing zone ban must remain to force industry and facilities to reduce discharges of toxic chemicals and metals into our River. Polluters must clean up their act by the October 2015 deadline or face significant fines. Submit comments and learn more at www.KWAlliance.org