Evaluation of Radian's Report, Water Pollution Impact of Controlling Sulfur Dioxide Emissions from Coal-Fired Steam Electric Generators

摘要

SRI International is pleased to submit the following report, under DOE Master Agreement Number E(04-3)-115, to review, critique, and comment on the draft report entitled Water Pollution Impact of Controlling Sulfur Dioxide Emissions from Coal-Fired Steam Electric Generators, prepared by Radian Corporation. Our review is aimed at the following points: appropriateness of the assumptions; adequacy of the data base; and validity of conclusions and recommendations and their sensitivity to variations in assumptions and data. We agree that the water pollution impact of controlling sulfur dioxide is minimal. Removing SO/sub x/ from the gas phase will result in pollution problems in water and solid wastes. However, both water pollution and solid wastes are easier to handle (but that does not mean they are easier to treat). To meet the emission standards proposed by EPA, the removal rate of SO/sub x/ in scrubber or absorber systems is critical. In the Radian report, 90% removal is assumed in some calculations of water consumption. The assumption is reasonable and can be achieved; however, it should be considered an optimistic value. In actual practice, we believe an 80 to 85% removal rate is more realistic. (ERA citation 05:011844)