1. What is mercury? Include the dictionary definition with
examples. Give the scientific explanation of why the chemical
is harmful and how the common understanding differs from the
scientific understanding of the contaminant.
2. What are the known concentrations of mercury in the air,
surface and ground water, soil, and other media in Ramford?
Where are the high concentrations of mercury found in Ramford?
What are the reasons for the relative concentrations?
What are the sources of mercury (e.g. point, non-point,
historical) nationally and internationally? Are there
changes in concentration over time? What is the mercury
effect based on activity and concentration in Ramford?
3. Explain the timeline for the human use of mercury, the
discovery of its effects and the policy concerning mercury
both in Ramford County and elsewhere. Cite case studies
concerning policy.
4. What are the technologies available for removing mercury
from the environment? What are the reasons for their use,
results, and effects of each one? Discuss the
environmental effects of the remediation process. Cite case
studies where technologies have been used and possible
relevance to Ramford County.
5. What are the technologies available for preventing
mercury from entering the environment? What are the
reasons for their use, results, and effects of each one?
Discuss the environmental effects of the prevention process.
Cite case studies where technologies have been used and
possible relevance to Ramford County.
6. What is the recommended solution and cost-benefit
analysis in Ramford? What is the potential economic
impact on the parties involved (DEP, local fishing industries,
private citizens,
Ramavalley Native Americans)? What should be done
(publicity/education) to illuminate the mercury problem?
What strategies have been effective? What do you think
is the best option and why?
