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Impact of
Mercury Legislation on FGD Gypsum Utilization
Introduced
January 2006
For several years there
has been discussion of the need to limit mercury emissions from power
plants. On March 15 2005 the United States Environmental Protection Agency
issued the Clean Air Mercury Rule, calling for a reduction of mercury from
50 tons per year to 38 ton by 2010; and then 15 tons by 2018. The plan calls
for the initial reductions to take place by capturing the mercury in the
scrubbers being installed to remove the other pollutants such as SO2 and
particulates. For example, a wet limestone forced oxidation scrubber can be
very efficient at removing the mercury from the flue gases, with about 90%
of the mercury reporting with the FGD gypsum product.
This represents a
potential environmental and product liability risk for the Gypsum Industry.
More specifically the Industry needs to know
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what parameters influence
the mercury levels found in the gypsum
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is the mercury released
by the gypsum plants during processing
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is the mercury is likely
to be released in normal use or after ultimate disposal
Innogyps has been
studying this issue for several months now, attending several conferences
related to this issue and monitoring both published work and attitudes of
utility personnel and environmental workers. Over the past few weeks it has
become more apparent to all involved that the gypsum industry needs to
carefully monitor current and prospective FGD gypsum sources. A review paper
has just been written that addresses the following topics.
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Basic Mercury Chemistry
and Toxicology Concerns
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Trends in Mercury Content of Coal Source by
Region to Help Determine Regional Aspect of Mercury in FGD Sources
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Tracking Mercury Mass
Balance in Scrubber(s) Depending on Type and Operating Practice,
Highlighting Process Issues Impacting on Exposure and Emissions
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Tracking Mercury Mass
Balance in Gypsum Plants, Highlighting Process Issues Impacting on
Exposure and Emissions
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Summarizing Recent
Relevant Information Relating to Gypsum Product Use and Disposal,
Outlining Potential for Long Term Liability
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Summarizing Recent
Relevant Information Relating to Pathways for Occupational Health or
Environmental Exposure
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Summarizing Current
Technology and Operating Experience (If Available) for Mercury Scrubbers
in Board Plants
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Summarizing Potential
Implications of the Impact of Mercury on FGD Gypsum Availability,
Specifications and Pricing
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Tracking What Work Is
Being Done by Which Research Groups (OSU, NETL, Etc.) and the
Implications of This Ongoing Work on the Gypsum Industry
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Relevant References
This 24 page report
provides a concise description of the likely impact of mercury emission
control on the gypsum industry and highlights what needs to be done to
minimize the risks involved.
This is a
serious issue that will impact FGD Gypsum suppliers, users and regulators.
It is essential that the Gypsum Industry take an active role in monitoring
the mercury control strategies being adopted by the utility sector as this
will impact on the quality, availability and utilization potential of FGD
Gypsum in future.
Please
contact us for report pricing and availability.
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