CHICAGO (AP) — Mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants is increasing in Illinois — despite a decline in such pollution nationwide, according to an analysis of federal data on industrial pollution by the Chicago Tribune.

The analysis found the amount of mercury blown into the air by Illinois’ coal plants increased by 7 percent last year. Mercury emissions from all U.S. power plants declined by 4 percent. Michigan was the only state with a larger increase, while Texas tied Illinois for second.

According to a study from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, mercury-contaminated fish are in nearly half of the nation’s lakes. Scientists from the EPA say relatively large amounts of mercury fall in Chicago, about two-thirds from sources in Illinois.

“This shows why it is so important to have enforceable limits in place nationwide,” said Bruce Nilles, director of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign.

Mercury emissions in Illinois rose 7 percent to 4,466 pounds in 2008 from 4,181 pounds in 2007. Mercury emissions fell 4 percent nationally in 2008 to 88,871 pounds, down from 92,907 pounds in 2007.

The increases in Illinois are due to power companies burning more high-mercury coal without filtering pollution from it, the Tribune reported.

Illinois has adopted mercury limits on power plants, but they do not take effect fully for several years. Coal plants in the state must reduce mercury pollution by 90 percent by 2015.

In the Chicago area, mercury emissions rose at three coal-fired power plants and dropped at two others.

Midwest Generation owns all five plants and spokesman Doug McFarlan said pollution should drop overall this year because of the mercury-scrubbing equipment the company has installed.

Posted 12/28/2009