Alternatives Analysis for Water Sources used to Operate a Flue Gas Desulfurization System

摘要

In response to Maryland's 2006 Healthy Air Act (HAA) legislation, Mirant Mid-Atlantic (now GenOn Energy) modified its Morgantown Generating Station to incorporate flue gas desulfurization (FGD). The HAA, a multi-pollutant air pollution control program, requires substantial reductions in emissions of NOx, SO_2, and mercury from coal-fired generating units at power plants in Maryland. The Power Plant Research Program (PPRP) within Maryland DNR is charged with coordinating the State's environmental review of proposed new power plants or plant modifications. Wet FGD systems require large quantities of water to operate. PPRP conducted a thorough alternatives analysis of potential water sources (including ground water, surface water from the tidal portion of the Potomac River, which would require desalination technology, and reclaimed wastewater) to meet the project needs in a way that conserves water resources in accordance with State policy. This paper will describe PPRP's alternatives analysis and Mirant's selected approach.