When coal is burned, some of the mineral matter contained within the coal is emitted as particulates. Particulates can cause a variety of health impacts, especially fine particulates that can be inhaled and subsequently get lodged in lung tissue.
Emissions reduction activities
We use electrostatic precipitators (ESP) to control the release of particulates into the atmosphere. ESPs remove more than 99 per cent of the particulates in flue gas.
We are planning to install more advanced particulate capture and reduction technology at the Poplar River Power Station facility.
Emissions Control Research Facility
We are currently engaged in a project at the Emissions Control Research Facility (ECRF), located at the Poplar River Power Station that involves clustering ash particles in the flue gas. By doing this, the particulates are larger and are more easily captured by ESPs and other technologies.
We are also investigating coal treatments to reduce the amount of undesirable constituents in the coal before it is burned. Treating coal can decrease the amount of mineral matter in the coal and in some cases, changes the composition of the mineral matter so the ESPs are more effective at capturing particulates.
