Mercury Cleanup Plan Approved For San Francisco Bay

"The cleanup plan focuses on some sources of the toxin -- old mines, businesses, sewage treatment plants and city streets -- and sets limits on how much mercury should be allowed to flow into the bay."

"Residents who rely on contaminated bay fish for a part of their regular diet can suffer neurological damage, tremors, anxiety and memory problems. The danger of mercury poisoning is particularly high for fetuses and young children."

"The plan, a decade in the making and closely scrutinized by environmental groups, was passed Tuesday by the State Water Resources Control Board and needs approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA has declared its support of the plan."

"There are hundreds of sources of mercury. About 1,200 kilograms per year -- or about 2,645 pounds -- reach the bay. Under the cleanup plan, the pollution needs to be whacked to about 700 kilograms per year, or about 1,540 pounds."

"The plan also requires major reductions from some 50 municipal sewage treatment plants, 76 cities that allow storm water to drain to the bay, and 15 businesses -- including five refineries -- that run their own industrial wastewater plants."