Environmentalists have raised fresh concerns over possible mercury contamination linked to coal used at the Norochcholai coal power plant, warning that Sri Lanka still lacks binding standards on mercury content in imported coal despite mounting health risks in nearby communities.

Chairperson of the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ), Environmental Scientist Hemantha Withanage, said recent coal consignments suspected to be of inferior quality could contain elevated mercury levels, posing a threat to both ecosystems and human health.

“International studies show that mercury content in coal can vary significantly. For example, research on South African coal indicates a range between 0.01 and 0.49 ppm. However, Sri Lanka has still not established a maximum permissible mercury level for imported coal,” Withanage told The Island.

He pointed out that the environmental protection licence issued for the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant allows mercury emissions of up to 0.01 mg/Nm³, but stressed that regulating emissions alone is insufficient without controlling mercury content at the source.

“With no standard for mercury in imported coal, there is a serious regulatory gap. This raises legitimate concerns that recent shipments may contain higher mercury concentrations,” he said.

Withanage cited a 2018 CEJ study conducted in the Kalpitiya peninsula, near Puttalam, which found alarming levels of mercury exposure among women of childbearing age. According to the study, 28 out of 36 women—approximately 77%—had mercury levels in hair samples exceeding the internationally accepted safety threshold of 1 ppm.

“The most disturbing finding was a recorded level of 15.584 ppm in one individual. These women were regular consumers of fish from the Puttalam lagoon, suggesting a bioaccumulation pathway,” he explained.

The CEJ believes that mercury released during coal combustion at Norochcholai may enter the marine environment, eventually accumulating in fish consumed by local communities.

“Mercury is a potent neurotoxin. When released into the environment, it can transform into methylmercury and enter the food chain, particularly affecting coastal and fishing communities,” Withanage warned.

He further alleged that despite formally notifying the Central Environmental Authority and the North Western Provincial Environmental Authority at the time, there had been insufficient follow-up action.

He added:”We raised these findings years ago with the relevant authorities, but there has been little to no meaningful response. This is unacceptable given the potential public health implications.”

Environmentalists are now calling for immediate steps, including the establishment of national standards for mercury content in imported coal, independent testing of all coal consignments, and a comprehensive health assessment of communities living in proximity to the power plant.

They also stress the need for continuous monitoring of mercury levels in air emissions, marine ecosystems, and food sources such as fish.

“With growing evidence of contamination, authorities must act decisively. Public health cannot be compromised,” Withanage added.

By Ifham Nizam