Changes proposed to mercury storage

WEATHERSFIELD -- Federal officials have decided to consolidate mercury from four Defense National Stockpile Center storage facilities, including one here, but have not yet chosen a place to put it.
Last week's decision by the DNSC administrator came after several years of discussion and debate on the future of the nation's mercury stockpile.
The agency plans to spend about six months deciding where to put the approximately 4,436 metric tons of mercury now in storage at Warren and locations in Indiana, Tennessee and New Jersey, spokesman John Reinders said.
The agency will entertain proposals from depots wishing to expand until that time, he said. Proposals to create a new storage site could also be considered, he said. Mercury, along with other raw materials and commodities, has been stockpiled by the government for decades.
The DNSC plans to sell off supplies and close stockpiles by 2020, Reinders said. However, the agency plans to hold onto mercury longer because of concerns about its impact on the environment.
About 15 people work at the Warren depot, he said.