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We want to hear from you! Please take the Potomac River Generating Station survey and tell us what you think about our operations and website. Take the survey» Why don’t you put a cover over the coal pile? The cover would have to be gigantic to accommodate the size of the coal pile and the large bulldozers used to groom it. The cover would also require a permit to build and a fire protection system. Constructing a cover like this would also increase the total cost of generation. Instead, we have spent approximately $1 million on a variety of dust suppression systems, including devices that minimize coal dust from handling and storage. Read more about our dust suppression solutions» Why don’t you add more railroad tracks so that you can reduce the number of deliveries? We do not have the real estate necessary to accommodate more tracks. We are continuously coordinating with Norfolk Southern Railroad to reduce community impact of rail deliveries, to the extent possible. Why not convert the coal-fired units to natural gas? Even if it were economic to build a gas-fired plant, which at the present time it is not, doing so would be extremely disruptive to citizens. Converting to natural gas requires access to high-pressure gas transmission lines — and the nearest one is 15 miles away in Woodbridge, Virginia. Creating a connection would necessitate expensive underground construction through Old Town Alexandria. Not only that, the high and volatile price of gas due to tight supplies makes investment in a natural gas-fired plant uneconomic to the investor, and would also contribute to a dramatic rise in already-increasing energy prices. What is being done to reduce the impact of train deliveries? We are managing the time and type of delivery. Our continuous dialogue with Norfolk Southern Railroad and the City ensures deliveries are restricted to certain windows of time. Keep in mind that train deliveries are a function of our operation level: higher generation in summer and winter requires more frequent coal deliveries. Alexandria’s City Attorney told the media that emissions reduction at Potomac River is an “illusion.” What's your response? The facts show that the Potomac River Generating Station has already significantly reduced emissions. Over the past three years, we have lowered our NOx emissions by 30 percent on both a rate and tonnage basis. Additionally, our agreement with the Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Maryland ensures further emissions reductions — 29,000 tons worth from our four generating stations in the Mid-Atlantic region — over the next several years. Learn more about air quality at the Potomac River Generating Station» Is it true that some power plants are “grandfathered” into compliance and exempt from regulation? No units are ever grandfathered. Federal and state regulators require every power generating facility to go through a permitting process, regardless of age. The resulting operating permits spell out clear emissions limits to minimize land, water and air impacts. Is Mirant committed to the environment in the Mid-Atlantic region? Yes. In fact, Mirant Mid-Atlantic has received awards and commendations for its environmental performance from:
What is being done to address results of the 2005 Downwash Study? Mirant is using trona, a naturally occurring mineral, to reduce SO2 emissions. We are also exploring other technical and operational solutions. We are working closely with federal and state environmental agencies to identify and resolve any issues. Read more about the trona process» Where does the fly ash go? It is sent to our Brandywine Storage Facility in Brandywine, Maryland. I see foam in the river near the plant. What is this? During the summer months, the discharge from our main outfall creates turbulence upon entering the river and stirs the organic materials in the river water, which creates foam. The same effect occurs naturally in the ocean and other bodies of water. What are the beeping noises I'm hearing from the plant? As part of our operations regulations, a Sonic Detection and Ranging (SODAR) instrument has been installed on the roof at Potomac River Generating Station. SODAR is a meteorological device that uses audible tones to measure wind speeds at elevations above the plant. This wind data is a required part of our operations under an ongoing Model Evaluation Study at the plant. SODAR sets off a series of variable pitched beeps that may be more noticeable in humid weather, which carries sound farther. So if you hear a sound, it may be SODAR at work. |
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