[July 15, 2011] : Newsletter details U.P. selenium reduction efforts Tweet Jul 15, 2011 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- The DEQ today announced the third in a planned series of newsletters produced in partnership with a permitted mining company, focused on efforts to monitor and reduce selenium discharges from mines in Michigan's central Upper Peninsula. Cliffs Michigan Operations owns the Tilden and Empire mines, both open-pit iron mines in Marquette County. Monitoring that began in 2009 has detected selenium in both storm water and process water discharges, resulting in Michigan water quality standards being exceeded in receiving waters. Selenium is a naturally occurring element, an essential micronutrient for cellular enzyme functions. Though necessary for life in small amounts, excessive selenium levels can accumulate in the aquatic food chain, causing reproductive effects in both fish and water-dependent wildlife. Elevated levels of selenium can be released from mining operations when large amounts of material are extracted and exposed to water and air. Utilizing both CMO and DEQ data, the Michigan Department of Community Health recently issued a fish consumption advisory of no more than 52 meals per year, or an average 1 meal per week, of brook trout and/or white sucker from waters receiving selenium from CMO operations. Officials are working to reduce selenium inputs to the waters surrounding CMO mine sites. Details of the work are discussed in the newsletter , The DEQ and CMO continue working cooperatively toward a sustainable solution to elevated selenium levels around the Tilden and Empire Mines. The joint newsletter is part of a continued effort to update the public on activities to protect public health and environment. To find the MDCH fish consumption advisory, go to . For further information, contact Steve Casey at 906-346-8535. For More Information Brad Wurfel, DEQ, 517-373-7917, ((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected]. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]