Next task force meeting
   
    At the next mercury task force meeting, the discussion will focus on the scientific work plans that will be used, drawing on plans developed by other states and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The meeting is set to take place 9 a.m., Nov. 10, at the Department of Environmental Quality, Building 2, 168 N. 1950 West, Salt Lake City.
   
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   By Judy Fahys
   The Salt Lake Tribune
   
   Sizing up Utah's mercury problem will be top priority for a new statewide task force.
    The 15-member group met Wednesday for the first time to begin studying high levels of toxic mercury in Utah waters. Ultimately, the group agreed the public needs to know what kind of risks are posed by mercury contamination, primarily in lakes and streams, as well as the wildlife that depend on those waters, they agreed.
    "That is going to be a driving force," said Jeff Salt, representing the Great Salt Lakekeeper, an environmental group.
   The task force formed after the U.S. Geological Survey released test findings from the Great Salt Lake that showed the highest mercury readings ever reported in a U.S. water body. State agencies, fishing and hunting clubs and environmental groups now want to know how state
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waters have gotten so polluted and how serious a danger it poses.
   Mercury becomes toxic in the form of methylmercury and builds up in the food chain. Those exposed to high levels are can suffer brain and nervous system damage.
    The unborn and children are particularly susceptible. For most Utahns, the greatest risk of exposure is probably from eating fish from contaminated lakes and streams.
    Last month, state health and environment officials issued warnings about eating fish from two state water bodies, Gunlock Reservoir near St. George and Mill Creek near Moab. Eating fish taken from both water bodies should be limited because of higher-than-advisable levels of mercury, according to the advisories.
    Forty-four other states have mercury warnings.
   This summer, state and federal environmental officials have stepped up mercury testing, in fish and in the land and water. But task force members agreed there should be a coordinated effort to make sure the testing program is properly done. They also acknowledged limited funding and staffing is available to deal with the question.
   Task force members indicated they want their work to be smart, fair and conducted in the open.
    fahys@sltrib.com