In a July 17 letter to the editor I calculated that the park Belfast Mayor Eric Sanders and the Belfast City Council want to create with land from Nordic Aquafarms would be awash in 107.8 million gallons of Nordic effluent.

But the letter omitted something. In laying its saltwater intake and effluent discharge pipes, Nordic would also disturb and disperse settled industrial mercury. 

According to the World Health Organization: "Mercury may have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, and on lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes." 

The WHO also says: "Exposure to mercury – even small amounts – may cause serious health problems, and is a threat to the development of the child in utero and early in life."

A hundred million gallons of effluent. Untold amounts of highly toxic mercury. Sounds like a great place for a family picnic and a fine little dip.

Lawrence Reichard lives in Belfast