Holcomb Station Emissions

The H1 generating unit was initially equipped with a state-of-the-art sulfur dioxide (SO2) scrubber. At the time of its construction in 1983, it was the largest scrubber of its kind in the world. This scrubber is especially practical for removing SO2 from the gases that result from the combustion of low-sulfur coal such as that which is burned at H1. This scrubber, in addition to removing SO2, is particularly effective in controlling the sulfur trioxide (SO3) precursor to sulfuric acid mist and the other acid gases that can react in the atmosphere to form fine particulate matter. In conjunction with the scrubber, the fabric filter (baghouse), used to control particulate matter in the stack gases is excellent companion equipment. Together they serve to control the release of hazardous air pollutants from the stack. In addition to the control devices on H1, H2
(Holcomb unit 2) will have SOFA, an SCR, and mercury controls.

H1 is a zero-discharge facility for waste water. Industrial facilities, in general, and power plants specifically discharge waste water to a nearby stream or river. However, at Holcomb all water is recycled or reused for purposes that would otherwise require the pumping of additional groundwater. The principal is that the dirtiest waste water at the plant is used for procedures that do not require cleaner water, leaving it practical for the cleanest waste water to be treated and reused for cooling water purposes, the largest use of water at the site. Few power plants are designed to optimize water use as has been done at H1. The proposed Holcomb Expansion Project would utilize much of the same equipment as has already been installed to treat waters for H1.