The Great Lakes states are home to 155 coal-fired power plants that discharge wastewater into local lakes and streams. That wastewater can carry heavy metals and other dangerous contaminants, and has gone largely unregulated for the past 27 years. Now the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is preparing to step in with new rules to fend off environmental concerns.
Join the Great Lakes Echo for a four-day series unpacking the problems with power plant wastewater in the Great Lakes.
Day 1. Great Lakes states spotty on coal limits; some water contaminants ignored.
Day 2. Great Lake states mercury limits vary; may pose threat to already polluted waters.
Day 3. Few Great Lakes power plants even look for this toxic contaminant in their waste.
Day 4. Cleaning up air could harm quality of water.
Note: updated for accuracy 12/17/09 05:17