University aims for lower mercury levels

"We need to act together now in order to accomplish lower discharge levels," says Marvin Stillman, manager of environmental compliance in the Hazardous Waste Management Unit. "This will not only help the environment, but by acting now we will meet the new discharge limits prior to the deadline, which will give us operational freedom to meet the challenge in our own way and on our own schedule."

Mercury is contained in batteries, electrical equipment, reagents, and even certain automobile switches.

The economic effects of mercury disposal are quite severe. Mercury amounted to approximately 20 percent of the University's hazardous waste disposal expenses last quarter of 1996.

The University's levels of mercury remain in compliance. This may soon change, however, with an updated, more restrictive New York State program to reduce pollution.

For more information, call x5-2056.