HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmail - Mail Packet - 10/29/2013 - Email From Jackie Sargent, Platte River Power Authority, Re:1
Sarah Kane
From: Sargent, Jackie <SargentJ@prpa.org>
Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2013 1:14 PM
To: Sarah Kane
Cc: Brian Janonis; Darin Atteberry; Diane Jones
Subject: Response to Question at September 24, 2013 FC Council Work Session
Below is a summary of Platte River’s efforts with regard to reducing mercury emissions at our Rawhide coal-
fired power plant in response to a question raised by council member Lisa Poppaw during the September 24
Fort Collins council work session.
Summary of Platte River's mercury removal efforts at Rawhide
Platte River was a key player in developing the Colorado Utility Mercury Reduction Rule which requires
emissions monitoring and significant emission reductions from coal-fired power plants. A state-of-the-art and
innovative continuous mercury monitoring system was installed on Rawhide Unit 1 in November 2007, well
before it was required by Colorado regulation. A state-of-the-art brominated powdered activated carbon
injection system, a system to remove mercury, was installed on Rawhide Unit 1 in 2010, 2 years before the 2012
compliance date (other units in Colorado must comply with the emission limit in 2014). Platte River
voluntarily agreed to meet the Rule’s first removal limit two years early as an example for other sources and
also to be, in effect, a demonstration unit for the mercury removal technologies. Following successful
operational tests, the mercury control system was placed into full-time use in January 2012 and has
successfully reduced mercury emissions to less than the limit of 0.0174 pounds per gigawatt-hour (lb/GWh;
12-month rolling average). Testing operations are continuing to ensure that Platte River can meet the next
Colorado emission limit of 0.0087 lb/GWh scheduled for 2018.
Platte River will also be meeting the Federal Mercury and Air Toxics Standard (MATS) regulation for mercury
in 2015 as adopted in the Colorado State Implementation Plan. The 2015 MATS emission limit is 0.013 lb/GWh
based on a 30-day rolling average – or 0.000000013 lb/kWh).
Platte River has taken a leadership role by being an early adopter of mercury removal technology and making
Rawhide Unit 1 a demonstration facility. This is in line with our commitment to environmental stewardship
and achieving our vision - As a respected leader and responsible energy partner, improve the quality of life for the
citizens served by our owner communities.
Thank you or asking about our efforts with regard to reducing our environmental impact.
Jackie
Jacqueline A. Sargent | GM/CEO | Platte River Power Authority
2000 E. Horsetooth Road | Fort Collins, CO 80525-5721
T: 970-226-4000 | F: 970-229-5301 | M: 605-415-7516
sargentj@prpa.org | www.prpa.org
Make it Safe - Keep it Safe