A new report says an Alabama Power generating plant near Birmingham released more mercury into the air than any other power plant in the nation last year.

A study released Thursday by the Environmental Integrity Project said the Miller Plant in west Jefferson County released almost 2,000 pounds of mercury in 2007. The plant burns coal, which releases the heavy metal when it burns.

Another Alabama Power plant in Shelby County ranked eighth nationally for the release of mercury, which can cause health problems including neurological damage in children.

The utility says devices are being installed at all its coal-fired plants to reduce emissions.