Study Shows Mercury Levels Exceed EPA Standards and How GEP Fits In |
 |
 |
 |
|
In all 291 streams the U.S. Geological Survey tested recently, fish were contaminated with at least some level of mercury. The report indicates that 27 percent of the fish tested had levels of mercury that exceed Environmental Protection Agency standards. The USA Today covered the story. But the findings in wild-caught fish underscore how widespread mercury contamination in the nation's waterways has become. Previous research has found levels of concern in ocean and lake fish.
And according to Ken SIlverstein, Editor-in-Chief of EnergyBiz Insider, in an email newsletter today, "coal plants are the biggest mercury contributors. Approximately 1,100 units at more than 450 existing power plants emit 48 tons of mercury into the air each year, with 11 tons of that deposited on to the U.S. soil and waters, says the EPA." Green Energy Partners is proposing an energy facility in Loudoun County, Va., that will use combined cycle technology, treated waste water and renewable solar energy to create 900-plus megawatts of energy. An air quality study recently conducted on Green Energy Partners' proposal states that harmful heavy metals that are typically associated with coal plants, such as mercury, will never be emitted from the proposed combined cycle plant. In addition, according to the air quality study, what is being proposed will be designed with the most advanced air pollution control technology to reduce air discharges as any plant in the United States, western Europe and Japan. In addition, our plan to re-use up to 5 million gallons per day of treated waste water that the Town of Leesburg currently discharges into the Potomac River--a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay--will effectively remove from our waterways nitrates and other nutrients that Chesapeake Bay activsits have sought over time to decrease. To request a complete air quality report, email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites         |
Loudoun Power on Twitter
Oops, an error seems to have occurred. We're sorry for any inconvenience this might have caused. If the error persists, feel free to tell us about it.
Wastewater Would Be Used for Steam
The facility is proposed for 80 acres just south of Leesburg, on property with two existing natural gas lines and two existing electric transmission lines. For steam cooling, the plant would use up to 5 million gallons a day of treated wastewater it would purchase from Leesburg. The treated water is now discharged into the Potomac River.
Read MoreGet The Latest
Wastewater Would Be Used for Steam
The facility is proposed for 80 acres just south of Leesburg, on property with two existing natural gas lines and two existing electric transmission lines. For steam cooling, the plant would use up to 5 million gallons a day of treated wastewater it would purchase from Leesburg. The treated water is now discharged into the Potomac River.
The Fiscal Impact
Green Energy Partners’ proposal to construct a 981 megawatt energy facility will be a boon to county coffers. It is estimated that this facility will generate approximately $12 million in annual local tax revenue. There won’t be any taxpayer-funded infrastructure needs.