Air pollution in Delaware declined in 2008, environmental officials say, largely because less power was produced as a result of the recession, which also led to lower emissions at some plants.
Despite cleanup efforts at power plants, 73 percent of the toxic chemicals released into the air came from hydrochloric acid produced by power plants.
The Indian River power plant and other power generators released less acid gas, says the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) report released Tuesday, Dec. 1. Still, releases of known, probable and possible carcinogens increased.
DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara said, “Our department is committed to working with business and government sectors and members of the public to improve air quality and water quality by developing cost-effective methods of reducing all toxic emissions across all industries.”
O’Mara said more pollution reductions will be realized when all facilities are in compliance with Delaware’s multi-pollutant regulations.
Air emissions fell 17 percent, largely because of decreased power production and the switch to lower-sulfur coal at the Indian River power plant, according to the report. Other facilities upstate reduced emissions, also contributing to the decrease. Toxic chemicals released to land also fell 17 percent, while releases into water fell 16 percent.
This year, NRG Energy, owner of the Indian River power plant, received permits from DNREC for significant pollution-control upgrades. Those changes are expected to cost the company $500 million and cut nitrogen oxide emissions by 75 percent, sulfur dioxide emissions by 85 percent and mercury emissions by nearly 90 percent.
The reductions were required by the multipollutant regulations and a consent order signed between DNREC and NRG Energy. NRG Energy will also install air monitors as part of the upgrade.
Local environmental groups have been pushing for permanent air monitors around the facility to determine if there is a link between pollution and an identified cancer cluster in the Millsboro area.
On Nov. 20, Valero announced the immediate closure of its Delaware City refinery. Emissions from that facility will be included in the 2009 report, to be released next year.
Toxic chemicals released to land increased, however, with the change from off-site disposal of coal ash to on-site disposal at the Indian River power plant. The plant has a permit to construct a new landfill, with a multilayer liner and a cap to prevent polluted dust from escaping.
According to the report, 33 percent more carcinogens – 76,500 pounds – were released, mostly as a result of coal ash storage. Across the state, the long-term release of carcinogens is declining, down 64 percent since 1998, a summary of the report states.
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