Environmental Assessment: Conversion to Coal Schiller Generating Station Units 4, 5, and 6, Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire

摘要

The proposed action, DOE finalization of the prohibition orders, will require the utility to discontinue the use of fuel oil at the Schiller Station in Units 4, 5, and 6, and to utilize coal or another alternative fuel as a primary energy source. The proposed conversion is expected to accomplish the desired objectives of reducing the use of petroleum while complying with existing legislation for environmental protection. The utility has prepared a plan to convert the three units to the burning of a relatively low sulfur coal brought in by ocean transport. Coal and ash handling and water treatment facilities will be upgraded as part of the conversion, and new particulate control equipment will be installed. Availability of coal with a low sulfur content, access to adequate landfill disposal space, and cost of conversion make the proposal fuel source preferable. Major issues of concern related to the conversion are air quality and the disposal of solid wastes. Impacts on water resources, ecology, community resources, and noise are expected to be minimal. The remainder of this section summarizes the conversion plan and its environmental effects. Additional detail on the proposed conversion is presented in Chapter 2.0, the existing environment is described in Chapter 3.0, and detailed environmental effects are presented in Chapter 4.0. 40 references, 14 figures, 17 tables. (ERA citation 09:011446)