Air

Mercury
(continued)

Coal contains trace amounts of mercury, which can be released when it is burned. The mercury content of coal varies across Canada (for example, sub-bituminous and lignite coals used frequently in Alberta and Saskatchewan tend to produce higher emissions of mercury). In 2000, coal-fueled plants emitted two tonnes of mercury to the atmosphere, about 25 per cent of Canada’s total.

There is significant scientific uncertainty around the measurement and control of mercury emissions from coal-fueled electricity generation. Because of their limited amounts, these emissions are difficult to detect and remove. The industry is working with governments, researchers and other stakeholders to address this issue through various projects:

• emissions measurement and science
  Under the leadership of the CEA, Canadian power companies, in cooperation with governments, have begun a three-year program to improve the understanding of mercury impacts. Companies will invest in research to sample and analyze mercury levels in coal, ash and stack gases.
  
  
• emission control technologies
  Many pollution control devices installed to capture other emissions do capture some mercury. It has been estimated that 40 per cent of the mercury in coal is removed from coal-fueled boilers in Canada in this way. Canadian power companies are investing in research programs to identify and develop new emission control technologies to lower emissions of mercury and other emissions, such as greenhouse gases, from coal-fueled boilers.
  
  
• research studies
  Companies and governments support various studies to improve scientific understanding of natural and man-made sources and how mercury travels between air, soil and water.