By Associated Press
Tuscaloosa AL – The mayor of Tuscaloosa says toxic mercury found at four sites in the city came from gauges at an old water treatment plant.
Mayor Walt Maddox said Friday that an investigation should reveal why the mercury was not removed when the city stopped using the plant in 1994.
He says mercury was used in the plant's machinery and not to treat of water.
About one gallon, or 120 pounds, of the silvery element has been found in the city since last week.
The city sold the property along the Black Warrior River to Ellis-Trick Inc. in 2006. The company is in the process of disassembling old pipes and plans to build a condominium development there.
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Information from: The Tuscaloosa News, http://www.tuscaloosanews.com