Prepared Discussion of: Design and Start-up of a Full-scale Biological Selenium Removal System for FGD Wastewater from a Power Generating Station

摘要

As more and more rules/regulations are proposed through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clean up our air and water, power plants are left uncertain as to what their futures will actually look like. The Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) of 2011, also known as the Transport Rule, targeted two pollutants in flue gas emitted from power plants: sulfur dioxide (SO_2) and nitric oxide (NO_x). Of these two pollutants, SO_2 regulations and some of the technologies utilized to meet these regulations, can impact not only gaseous emissions from power plants, but also water discharges. The majority of the plant owners had three options to choose from when this rule was proposed: 1. Retire the units affected by the rule, 2. Invest in clean air and water (if necessary) technology, or 3. Do nothing and wait until the rule is finalized. Most plants have done nothing and continued on with operations, whereas others have invested in the technology to reduce SO_2 emissions. These owners felt that some form of the regulation will come out in the future, so they have initiated projects to get ahead of the curve. As of August 21~(st), 2012, the most recent form of CSAPR was vacated by the United States Court of Appeals. The Court found that the EPA violated federal law and now must continue implementing the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) until it can find a replacement~2.