Study reinforces mercury pollution alarm
Contamination in Lowcountry rivers found to be among worst in nation
By Tony Bartelme
The Edisto River and other Lowcountry freshwater rivers have some of the worst levels of mercury contamination in fish in the country, a federal study released Wednesday shows.
The Post and Courier
State health officials posted signs like this one on the Edisto River warning people not to eat certain fish because of mercury contamination.
Levels of mercury in largemouth bass swimming in the North Fork of the Edisto River rivaled those in fish found in polluted rivers next to Western gold mines, where mercury is a byproduct of the mining process, researchers with the U.S. Geological Survey found.
The study examined fish in 291 streams in the United States between 1998 and 2005. About a quarter of all the fish they sampled had mercury levels higher than the Environmental Protection Agency considers safe for human consumption.
The findings are no surprise to many state officials, fishermen and conservation groups who are well aware of South Carolina's long-standing mercury contamination problems.
But the study underscores the pervasive nature of mercury contamination in the nation's freshwater lakes, rivers and streams.
It also provides new ammunition for critics of coal-fired power plants, cement kilns and incinerators, the main sources of man-made mercury pollution.
Mercury, a potent neurotoxin linked to brain damage and other health problems, is one of the most serious contaminants threatening the nation's waters, the U.S. Geological Survey said in its study.
More information
Department of the Interior press release, DOI web site
The agency's scientists examined fish in various types of rivers. The worst levels of mercury in fish were in a river polluted by a gold mine in Nevada. The next highest mercury levels were found in largemouth bass taken from the North Fork of the Edisto River near Fairview Crossroads. Researchers also found high levels in the Santee River.
Scientists said that the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida and Louisiana are particularly vulnerable to mercury problems because the states' blackwater rivers take elemental mercury and convert it to a more toxic form called methylmercury. Methylmercury is more readily absorbed by fish and other animals.
"This study shows just how widespread mercury pollution has become in our air, watersheds and many of our fish in freshwater streams," Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said in a statement. "This science sends a clear message that our country must continue to confront pollution, restore our nation's waterways, and protect the public from potential health dangers."
State leaders have grown increasingly concerned about mercury in South Carolina waters.
Two years ago, a Post and Courier series called "The Mercury Connection" identified mercury hotspots in South Carolina, including one around the Edisto River, and how people who frequently eat fish from these places have unusually high levels of mercury in their bodies.
The state Department of Health and Environmental Control later posted signs on some rivers warning people not to east certain fish, or to cut consumption of certain species to one or two servings per month. DHEC also is seeking public comments for new regulatory efforts to reduce mercury pollution.
Concerns about mercury contamination also have shaped the debate over Santee Cooper's plan to build a coal-fired power plant along the Great Pee Dee River. The plant site is in an area where fish have high levels of mercury.
The federal study dealt only with fish in freshwater waterways. Researchers said they found some level of mercury in every fish they sampled from 1998 through 2005.
Reach Tony Bartelme at tbartelme@postandcourier.com or 937-5554.
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Comments
letstakeawalk (anonymous) says...
Can I get a link to the story from the late 1990's about the guy who caught the "exploding" shrimp in the Ashley near the old phosphate mills? Or the dolphins that are tainted with fireproofing chemicals?
Thanks. I'll keep eating that shrimp farmed in southeast Asia...
August 20, 2009 at 1:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Whatsupwidat (anonymous) says...
Where is the mercury on the Edisto comming from? The article mentions several industry types that are accused of causing mercury contamination but goesn't address specific suspects for the area (north fork of the Edisto). Do any of these industries exist in the area? A little investigative journalism would be appreciated instead of parroting some tree hugger report without question.
August 20, 2009 at 5:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
whatsup, I wondered the same thing. Who are the polluters? Sounds like the finger squarely points at Santee Cooper and any other coal fired plant operator. AND yet the great people at DHEC are allowing them to build another one so they can mercury up the fish and people that eat them!
August 20, 2009 at 6:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
DHEC is allowing us to be poisoned. DHEC should be investigated and those found responsible for not protecting the public health should be fired and those who have already retired should lose all benefits.
Then they should be put in JAIL!
The public has been betrayed by those who are supposed to be protecting our health and environment.
August 20, 2009 at 6:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
now_here_this (anonymous) says...
I wouldn't exactly call the U.S. Geological Survey a "treehugger" organization, but to each his own. The purpose of the study was to test mercury levels, not locate sources of mercury contamination. It would irresponsible to speculate at this point, but determining who the polluters are is the next logical step.
August 20, 2009 at 6:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Coal was being burned in factories, trains and power plants in the US OVER 100 years BEFORE scientists had the technology to count ppm of mercury. It has been burned in homes as heat and metal working for several thousand years word wide.
So, can you tell me if mercury was there before the power plants or these other uses?
Since mercury exists natually, could it be "natural".
You get A LOT more mercury from YOUR DENTIST when you get a filling or crown.
I don't want to eat mercury BUT get freaking real.
What a bunch of crap!
August 20, 2009 at 7:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
captivated (anonymous) says...
An article in the Boston newspaper Boston.Com states that studies found mercury in all river fish. They say the most likely source is particulates from coal fired powerplants that settles to the ground and is washed into the rivers by rain.
August 20, 2009 at 7:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Whatsupwidat (anonymous) says...
now_here_this (anonymous) says..." It would irresponsible to speculate at this point, but determining who the polluters are is the next logical step.
My point exactly. The article points directly at three industries, with an emphasis on power plants, but doesn't state whether one of those industries is in the watershed for the hotspot. That's either speculation or poor journalism. Let's find the source and do something about it. By the way, my tree hugger comment was aimed at the type of article and not the USGS.
August 20, 2009 at 7:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MP (anonymous) says...
Want to know what mercury poisoning does to the brain? Just read scottmcx's post.
August 20, 2009 at 7:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
OK MP...but refute it.
August 20, 2009 at 7:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
I have doubts about rat science where they pump a rat up with vanilla milk shakes 24/7 and announce that vanilla is bad for you. That's certainly not true in every case, but it is in enough to make me doubt the say-so on an anonymous scientist or touchy feel good organization...or the government. Just about anything taken into the body in excess is potentially harmful. I don't have a real good grasp on what a million or a millionth is, but it doesn't scare me with a few millionths of most things, especially something that exists naturally in the millionths anyway. As with most things, some people may be more susceptible to something or less susceptible to something than someone else or a rat. I mean, if rat physiology and human physiology were identical, then I suspect that we would look more like each other (aside frow the fact of how much some of us often act like some of them). Another thing, I've eaten fish from the Edisto off and on all my life, and I'm fine...depending, of course, your own definition of "fine" and on how some of you normally respond to me anyway. (I know, I know, I either strengthened my arguement or weakened it with that comment.) Line up and take your shots. But, question...have there been any reliably documented cases of mercury poisoning in people SC solely (no pun intended) from eating mercury tainted fish from SC waters?
August 20, 2009 at 7:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gringolandia (anonymous) says...
It is thought by some medical professionals that elevated mercury levels may be linked to the increased rate of autism in the last ~10-20 years.
scott- you put forth nothing to "refute". What are you talking about? Go back to bed.
August 20, 2009 at 7:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
MP, Gringo...
Can you prove Mercury hasn't been there for 500 - 1000 or even millions of years?
How much Mercury do you get from a filling or crown?
Is it more than a few fish?
I agree it ain't good for your!
August 20, 2009 at 8:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gringolandia (anonymous) says...
For example:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/...
in other news...does anyone else smell the poster formerly known as "BlackRain" on here, under a different user name? haha, maybe the PandC will finally crack down on nut-jobs like him that post under 20 or 30 different names and spam all the forums with poop.
August 20, 2009 at 8:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
http://www.google.com/search?q=mercur...
This is just the search......you can see that once mercury is mixed it becomes inert in teeth fillings.
August 20, 2009 at 8:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Well... check this from the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ylnQ-...
Doesn't look good!
August 20, 2009 at 8:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
BTW...Mercury is an element it is never "inert", ITS MERCURY. Unless you make it something else, and I don't know how you'd do that. You could encapsulate it but it is never "inert".
August 20, 2009 at 8:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
If its "inert" what does your article say "Very sensitive instruments can detect billionths of a gram of mercury vapor in the mouth of a person with amalgam fillings."
Isn't this how they find it in fish with "very sensitive instruments"?
August 20, 2009 at 8:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Also, it has to ALL be caused by the dirty Capitalist bast**s in the Funeral Home Business...It can't be only power plants!!!
"mercury emissions during preparation and from waste amalgam (fillings) upon cremation of deceased individuals."
Shut down the CREMATORIUMS NOW!!!
August 20, 2009 at 8:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
The P&C should issue a pollution alarm everytime Loonie Luna posts one of her downright goofy drivels. Scott, I feel your pain.
August 20, 2009 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
Inert may have been the wrong word.....multitasking this morning.
ADA and the FDA indicate that it is not dangerous.
Either way we in SC have been duped by DHEC over and over again. They are supposed to look out for the people, however they have been looking out for industry profits and making the politicians happy for way too long.
If we keep allow industry profits rule in SC we will all run the chance of looking like one of the fish on the Simpsons.........
August 20, 2009 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
ysillyme - did harold kick you to the curb for pullmyfinger?
Oh, poor baby....you need to go out and find a rebound guy!
August 20, 2009 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
LUNA,
How can you trust the PEOPLE SELLING FILLINGS full of Mercury?
They refuted it and then said, its there, in your mouth.
Look at the video..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ylnQ-...
August 20, 2009 at 8:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
The last time I got one they had moved to a different type of filling, not to say that all the old ones aren't mercury filled.
Was a candy freak in my youth......
What I am truly concerned about is what is happening all over SC waterways. And how many rural people who do not know of the dangers involved in eating fish from these waterways.
I am really kind of over the filling thingie....let's focus on what DHEC has NOT done for the people of SC.
August 20, 2009 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Another thought...and I admit I came up with this one myself, GRAVE YARDS..as coffins decompose the mercury in fillings leaches into the ground water and flows into the rivers.
WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO WITH ALL THE BODIES NOW!
August 20, 2009 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
scott - you are scaring all the children.....
August 20, 2009 at 8:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
LUNA,
you can't "pick and choose" sources because you don't like the power industry or DHEC.
You can be "over it" but the facts remain.
Dentists have been poisoning the entire world. Go after them.
BTW although the use of mercury has decreased it isn't gone. What are the effects of the epoxy (OIL BASED) dental materials?
OH MY GAWD NOT OIL!!!!
August 20, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
OMG - not oil too! It's in everything!
Come on though...seriously, do you think dentists are really to blame for the levels indicated in the Edisto?????
How many rural mercury dumping dentists do you think practice along the Edisto?
I truly think it is the coal firing industries that we have bent over for in SC. AND we give them tax breaks....that's like getting laid with no kisses.
I bet we could find out who has been getting the biggest donations to their re-election campaigns!!!!?????
August 20, 2009 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
joelmckellar (anonymous) says...
I know this is a bit of a diversion, but am I the only one here who gets composite fillings (no mercury)? If you dentist is still seriously recommending amalgam fillings (the ones with all the mercury in them) then you should seriously consider changing dentists...
http://www.mynewsmile.com/whitefillin...
http://dentistry.about.com/od/commond...
August 20, 2009 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
LUNA,
Burning bodies is just like burning coal. The mercury can go anywhere the wind blows.
Get a grip...we live longer now than anytime in human history because of coal and oil AND in spite of it.
August 20, 2009 at 9:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
You really think coal has made us live longer?
And those miners lives have been sooooo much better. Not to mention the creatures that once lived in the rivers/streams/mountain tops.......oh I fill so much better knowing that the coal industry has helped so many of my fellow mountain people experience better lives.
I suggest you visit one mountain community and tell me HOW their lives are better?
Oh wait dad didn't have to grow old to die....he just hacked up his lung at 40 and dropped dead. Wow what a relief for the family......now JR is working in the mine and we can expect that livelihood to continue for MAYBE 15 years before he drops dead as well....or maybe it will be quicker from a cave-in.
But hey, we all got new shoes every couple of years and the shack now has 2 rooms and running water....wow I am so glad we live longer in poverty!!!!!!!!! But we can’t eat the fish in the river anymore, and the game we once hunted has all left and the running water was contaminated from the run off…………………but those WONDERFUL COAL FOLKS got rich, that’s all that matters in the end. And we can always keep have children that we can put to work in the mines, LAWD knows we like to have children……..
Just because you can't see the effects doesn't mean they don't exist and just because they don't effect you doesn't mean it doesn't effect anyone.
August 20, 2009 at 9:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
LUNA
80% of all men used to die at 40 or less before coal and oil. Go check the local dates on graves. Now we live to almost 80 and it just went up again. THAT'S DOUBLE!
"Black Lung" no longer exists in the US coal industry and WOW..people died getting us into space, voyaging and exploring.
AND SCREW THE LITTLE ANIMALS if we "people" don't ALL die at forty!
Current exposure levels in the coal mines..."number is less than 3%. And, when there is such evidence, it often shows up as only small black spots and may have been caused by smoking rather than coal dust. This condition is does not lead to symptoms or disability."
You live in the past.
August 20, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
Do you think that coal & oil are the reasons people live longer....not that technology and science have developed? Not to mention medical advances or research in medicine?
You know that if we all lived with Mother Nautre instead of against her we would live even longer. Everything we need to exist she provides. The water, the air, the fire, the soil........but lets just keep dumped our crap everywhere.
hhhhmmmmmm you remarked yesterday that you were in business, I wonder what type of business? The business of killing us all slowly FOR A BUCK? Yep, I bet that is it!
You live in a dream!
August 20, 2009 at 9:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Luna, ELECTRICTY and OIL BASED CHEMICALs is how we developed the technology to live longer. If you can't make the connection between coal and electricty, you can't be helped. You're complaining about it.
No one gets out of here alive. You know that, right?
Now we get to wait twice as long "to exit dead" BECAUSE of Coal and Oil also, in spite of it.
August 20, 2009 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
OH and just because you don't see what happens in the mountains doesn't mean it does exist.
I know what goes on to this DAY!
Like I said.....you go visit and tell me I'm wrong.
Oh and of course the coal industry reports only the truth all the time....just like that cave0in a couple of years ago out west......oh wait....they did blow out the supporting columns for a LITTLE MORE PROFIT!
Sure, those GOOD, HONEST, coal people......have never and will never exist!
I'm wondering if this is hitting a little too close to your bottom line and that this is your way of spewing propaganda........if you would only share your company’s name I am sure we could have a few people pop by.....but it would be DHEC and you could just write a check to make it all go away.
Have you done that in the past scott?
August 20, 2009 at 9:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blacman (anonymous) says...
Now when I was a boy we ate fish from several "contaminated rivers" in Alabama just about every day of the week. We also had the dreaded fatback in everything we ate but cereal. To my knowledge no one in the family glows in the dark or has grown a second head.
August 20, 2009 at 10:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
So, the leap we made in intellect between the dark ages and the renaissance were just flukes..........oh, wait we had electricity then! sure
Your argument is flawed..
Done with this.......you WILL NOT change my mind and I'm pretty sure your wallet will not allow anything close to logic or facts to change your mind.
August 20, 2009 at 10:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
Just use a little common sense. If all that mercury was falling out of the sky with the rain, it wouldn't just be in isolated spots. We have hundreds of hidden boat landings especially in the ACE basin, along with other areas prime for dumping.
What we don't have is enough persons dedicated to policing all these areas. There is people willing to dispose of almost anything hazardous for a price. Some in business and some who fly by night. I have read that industrial waste has a fingerprint that can be traced to its source.
I would like to see SC DHEC have the capabilities to use this method and find the industries responsible for the pollution.
August 20, 2009 at 10:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
Loonie Luna~
What's with your homosexually oriented posts? I should report you but not my style. If that's your lifestyle, fine. But don't assume others share your kinky beliefs. As I read your posts I'm reminded of what a college prof. used to say, "muddy writing reflects muddy thinking". Multitasking my arse!
August 20, 2009 at 10:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
I have nothing to do with coal or oil...only use it to live like you do. I'm in national and international distribution of finished products. BTW they all use electricity and oil to be made..Just like your PC, house, car, etc.
August 20, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
ysillyme - I was just makiing the link between you harold and pullmyfinger....if it looks like a DUCK and quacks like a DUCK it must be a DUCK.
I am not gay, I LIKE my MAN.......not that there is anything wrong with the life style you and your friends enjoy.
Report me? For what, I was just making civil conversation, unlike what you do to every poster that disagrees with your point of view.
August 20, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TheTruthFighter (anonymous) says...
And now you know why South Carolina is the second in the Nation in Cancer. I've been saying this for years, IT'S THE WATER! When will someone DHEC, EPA, anybody do a serious looking into this?
August 20, 2009 at 10:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counterpoint (anonymous) says...
I blame thermometer manufacturers.
August 20, 2009 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
As I said earlier about my limited ability to understand a millionth of mercury. Let say again, since the last time this came up, I'm more concerned about the fecal matter in the rivers. That I understand. Some is bad. Zero is better. Since we can't get together on getting the mercury out of the rivers, can we try to at least get the fecal matter out.
August 20, 2009 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
Loonietunes~
Can't speak for pullmyfinger but I assure you Harry and I are very heterosexually inclined. Neither do I attack someone's sexual orientation when I dissagree with them. Boy what I wouldn't give to see a picture of your "geico caveman" posted on the net. darwin would be sceaming, I told youi so, I told you so!
August 20, 2009 at 11:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blacman (anonymous) says...
Luna
I fear you are wasting your time. Hard in the head is a condition not easily covercome.
August 20, 2009 at 11:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ColdBud (anonymous) says...
DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE SKY!!!!!!!!
!
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!
!
!
!
!
!
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!
!
It's falling :)
August 20, 2009 at 11:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
BTW how much will go into the fish from those stupid compact flouresent light bulbs that are FULL OF MERCURY?
In ac ouple of years you "regular" bulbs will be illegal!
I agree with collards that Yankees (especially New Jersey Mobs) have come down here and dumped. They've been caught doing it and there have been miles of dead grass on two lane blacktop SC roads from those dumpings as well.
August 20, 2009 at 12:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jsmith021961 (anonymous) says...
Scottmcx and a couple of others seem to be throwing out a lot of red herrings - like dental fillings, light bulbs, burning of coal in the distant past, etc. Those are a tiny drop in the bucket compared to today's main sources of mercury.
Skyrocketing mercury levels in our water, fish, birds, HUMANS, etc. are a real danger. Just because you can't see or feel it doesn't mean it's not a problem. I wonder - do you naysayers believe in germs? Electrons? Neurons?
To those wondering where most of the rising mercury levels in South Carolina's rivers and ocean come from:
- Coal-fired Power Plants (each one burns thousands of tons of coal each year - compare that to FAR smaller amounts burned around here in the 1800s and early 1900s).
- Cement manufacturing facilities (one of the biggest in SC is on the Edisto River).
- Industrial/municipal garbage incinerators
None of those high-volume industrial sources were present in the 1800s or early 1900s.
They are a recent development and they are poisoning us. Especially poor people who have to fish for their supper a lot out of financial necessity.
Jim Smith
PS Before you right-wing blowhards call me "anti-cement" or "anti-commerce" - I am not. Our modern society would grind to a halt without huge volumes of cement.
But cement manufacturers should use existing methods to lower their pollution and overuse of resources (power, water) and also put money into researching ways of further reducing their impact.
The days of super-cheap cement need to end, for all our sakes. Cheap cement isn't a bad alternative, when weighed against the negative consequences of not mitigating the damage.
August 20, 2009 at 1:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Jim
ALL the coal burned in the past had ZERO scrubbing or turbo heated "cleaner" combustion.
EVERY home and business in the towns of SC (and the world) were heated by coal until the early 1900s with ZERO scrubbing. I know of some locally that continued into the 1950s. Worldwide, they still do!
So, you want to end cement & electricity?
Why don't you move to Kenya. I'd prefer not to freeze in the dark to make you happy.
EVERY Liberal "idea" has this "Something for Nothing" attiude. Factually, we don't live in the land of rainbows and bunny rabbits. Everything has a positive and negative impact.
If we're being poisoned so badly why did life expectance in the USA go up a few months (again)?????
There is always a cost for not freezing in the dark. You have to weigh these two facts:
Die at 30-40 living like a caveman or live to 80 in relative comfort.
The day of the Liberal backstabbing of the USA is what's over!
I know my choice.
August 20, 2009 at 2:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Weigh this:
Too many calories makes you fat and unhealthy which may shorten your life
Too few and you starve to death.
If life expectancy is increasing, every couple of years, how bad can all these "poisons" be when compared to the benefits to humanity in general?
August 20, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Two things...
One...Blacman, I still like that diet.
Two, where can I go to sign up that I am officially scared of everything.
August 20, 2009 at 2:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
goto: www.imofficiallyscared.org
I LOVE FATBACK!!!
Let's all go snort some Mercuric Oxide! WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!
August 20, 2009 at 2:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jsmith021961 (anonymous) says...
Scottmx: I took pains to explain I'm not anti-cement, but that did not stop you from putting words in my mouth (saying I'm anti-cement). Typical right-wing ploy - use straw men to the hilt.
I'm not anti-electricity either. Never suggested I was. But I do like it a bit cleaner than coal-fired.
I'm done responding to you, since it is akin to "arguing with a dining room table" to quote Barney Frank's response to a similar idiot.
August 20, 2009 at 3:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ColdBud (anonymous) says...
EPA studies have shown that back yard burning in rural areas across the United Statesccreates more airborne toxins and poisons than those created by all of the incinerators across the United States combined. Why is no one going after the farmers and country folk that burn their own trash?
I need to stop typing now. If people knew all of the poisons and toxins that were generated making posting on internet sites possible, they'd shoot me and everyone else that posts here.
We're bad. BAAAADDDDD posters.
August 20, 2009 at 4:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
BTW how much will go into the fish from those stupid compact flouresent light bulbs that are FULL OF MERCURY?
=======================================
You beat me to the punch on that one.
In a few short years there will be billions of these screw bulbs being dumped in landfills and anywhere there is a sign that reads No Dumping!
They must contain a goodly amount of mercury since the EPA has issued stringent guidelines for cleanup should one of these bulbs get broken in an enclosed area.
As for the evil power companies in South Carolina, it pays to remember that our state is a major portion of the biggest watershed east of the Mississippi. The runoff from farms, landfills and roadways from many states ends up traversing our Santee, Black, Cooper and Edisto rivers before ending up in our region of the Atlantic.
In other words, there's plenty of blame to spread around other than the power companies, who I have no love for but would be hard pressed to do without.
August 20, 2009 at 4:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NakedYoga (anonymous) says...
In the late 1930's, I caught a fish in the Edisto River that had 2 heads and a poisonous barbed tail like a stingray.
August 20, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Jim,
You're a typical Liberal "dining room table" you're not against anything the USA produces you just want it to be too expensive to be competitive and/orexist.
Like "we're for the troops and against the war" so screw the troops in the field. GENERAL BETRAY-US
Who's the furniture? You can't reply because YOU KNOW ITS TRUE!
August 20, 2009 at 5:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
SC could do like California, sit on all the oil in the world, don't drill it...refuse to build power plants THEN buy oil and electricity from Mexico, who could give a rats a** about the environment. But, Mexico gets the jobs and our money. You Libs are retards!
OLIAR just lent Brazil BILLIONS to drill in the Atlantic....But you can't drill here.
ONE BIG WTF?
August 20, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
combahee (anonymous) says...
It has been pointed out time and again that the coal fired power plant belonging to SCE&G, Cannady's is the largest polluter of the Edisto.
The P&C did an article not long ago about the plant.
Other rivers such as the Ashepoo and Combahee are also under similar restrictions as to the intake of fish and are not part of the drainage from outside the state.
August 20, 2009 at 5:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
I'm not surprised that scottmcx started spewing his wingnut gibberish before he read the article. He must not need to read it since his butt boys Rush, Beck and Hannity tell him all he needs to know.
If he had read the mercury series he would have learned that elemental Mercury is broken down by certain bacterias and is converted to methyl mercury. The bacteria becomes part of the food chain. The fish at some point consume an animal that has the bacteria built up in its system and it is transferred to the fish where it in turn builds up etc, etc until a human eats it and ends up with the full load where it continues to build up as more mercury laden fish are consumed.
I guess Rush didn't explain this to scottmcx so he knows nothing about it. Scottmcx is nothing but a traitorous bootlicker who would gladly sell out his neighbors as long as his heroes corporate masters are appeased. Even scottmcx as much of a dullard as he is knows that the jig is up as far as the hated republican party goes, why else does his ridiculous and outlandish ignorance get posted more and more stridently by the day? We know you by your own words posted here scottmcx as an ignorant hateful man whose ignorance is worn on his shoulder with pride.
You are a pitiful excuse for a human being.
August 20, 2009 at 8:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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