[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 245 (Thursday, December 19, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67003-67005]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-32197]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and
Conduct Public Scoping Meetings for the Proposed Low Emission Boiler
System (LEBS) Project
AGENCY: Department of Energy.
ACTION: Notice of intent.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (DOE) announces its intent to prepare
an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) pursuant to the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to assess the potential environmental
impacts of a new coal-fired proof-of-concept Low Emission Boiler System
(LEBS) for electric power generation. This EIS will support a DOE
decision on whether to provide funding of up to 50 percent of the total
cost for one or more approaches for LEBS technology development at the
proof-of-concept scale. This Notice describes the proposed EIS and
invites the public to submit comments regarding the scope of the EIS.
DATES: Comments must be received by February 3, 1997 to ensure
consideration. Late comments will be considered to the extent
practicable. Public scoping meetings will be held in Richmond, Indiana
and Elkhart, Illinois during the 45-day scoping period. The dates and
specific locations will be announced in local media at least 15 days
prior to the meetings.
ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to: Mr. Lloyd Lorenzi, NEPA
Compliance Officer, Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center, U.S.
Department of Energy, P.O. Box 10940, Pittsburgh, PA 15236; telephone
412-892-6159; fax 412-892-6127; or E-mail [email protected].
Individuals who would like to participate in this process may also call
the following toll-free telephone number: 1-800-276-9851.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Those who would like to receive a copy
of the draft EIS for review when it is issued should notify Mr. Lloyd
Lorenzi at the address provided above. For general information on the
DOE NEPA process, please contact Ms. Carol M. Borgstrom, Director,
Office of NEPA Policy and Assistance (EH-42), U.S. Department of
Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585-0119;
telephone 202-586-4600; or leave a message at 1-800-472-2756.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOE announces its intent to prepare an EIS
in accordance with NEPA, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)
NEPA regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508), and the DOE NEPA regulations
(10 CFR Part 1021). The purpose of this Notice of Intent (NOI) is to
inform the public about the proposed action; announce the plans for
public scoping meetings; invite public participation in (and explain)
the scoping process that DOE will follow to comply with the
requirements of NEPA; and solicit public comments for consideration in
establishing the proposed scope and content of the EIS.
The EIS will evaluate the impacts of DOE's proposal to cost-share
LEBS technology development at the proof-of-concept scale to
demonstrate the technical, environmental, and economic viability of
LEBS technology. Research to develop LEBS technology has been performed
for DOE by three separate organizations awarded cost-shared contracts
after a competitive solicitation in 1992. The LEBS technology must meet
the following minimum performance objectives:
(1) Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions less than 0.2 (with a
target of 0.1) pounds (lbs) per million British thermal units (Btu)
of energy input;
(2) Sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions less than 0.2 (with a
target of 0.1) lbs per million Btu of energy input; and
(3) Particulate emissions less than 0.015 (with a target of
0.01) lbs per million Btu of energy input.
These performance objectives must be achievable at: electricity
costs comparable to, and preferably less than, the costs for a new
conventional electric power generating station firing coal in
compliance with current Federal emission standards (New Source
Performance Standards) for large fossil-fuel-fired steam generating
plants; and energy recovery efficiencies at least as high as the most
efficient, modern, conventional coal-fired plant meeting New Source
Performance Standards, preferably approaching 42% recovery of the
energy content of coal as electrical energy. The research performed
since 1992 has resulted in three distinct technology approaches for
developing LEBS, and each approach holds promise for meeting DOE's
objectives. The three approaches, each proposed to be tested at proof-
of-concept scale at a different site, have been offered to DOE for
cost-shared development. A preferred alternative does not exist at this
stage in the technology development program. The EIS will consider the
environmental effects of each proposed technology, of installation and
operation at the site where proof-of-concept testing is being
considered, and of the specific approaches being considered to meet the
objectives of the LEBS proof-of-concept project, as well as reasonable
alternative technologies, sites, sizes, and the no-action alternative.
Background
Currently, over one-half of the electricity needs of the United
States are met by steam-electric generating stations fired with
pulverized coal. Over the next several decades, increases in demand for
electric power and replacement of a significant amount of aging
electric generating capacity that is approaching the end of its design
service life are expected to require the construction of new electric
generating stations. As the most abundant domestic energy source, coal
continues to represent an attractive energy source for these
forthcoming generating stations, particularly through advanced
technologies that offer to improve dramatically environmental
performance and efficiency.
The LEBS is one of two components that comprise the Combustion 2000
program that DOE has undertaken pursuant to section 1301 of the Energy
Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13331). Cost-shared and federally funded,
Combustion 2000 is a long-term fossil energy research and development
program that will help advance coal-fired power generation technology
into the next century. LEBS-related research is to be performed by
private industry and involves the application of conventional (near-
term) technologies to reduce emissions of coal-fired power plants.
As an early step in the LEBS process, DOE's Pittsburgh Energy
Technology Center (PETC) reviewed evolving technologies in 1989-1990 to
evaluate the prospective opportunities for advanced technologies to
achieve the desired improvements in the environmental performance of
coal-fired power plants. The review encompassed advanced technologies
and techniques for coal combustion and for control of air emissions.
Emphasis was focused on near-term approaches with potential for
significant reductions in emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides,
and particulate matter.
For nitrogen oxide reduction, advanced combustion techniques that
provide for staged addition of coal and combustion air and control of
combustion temperature and residence time were identified as providing
[[Page 67004]]
opportunities for reducing emissions to below 0.2 lbs per million Btu
of heat input. This would be a factor of three reduction of emissions
below New Source Performance Standards for allowable nitrogen oxide
emissions from new coal-fired electric utility plants. Moreover, these
techniques would be unlikely to involve significant increases in boiler
system costs.
For sulfur oxide reduction, several techniques were identified as
capable of reducing emissions to less than 0.2 lbs per million Btu of
energy input, which would correspond to a factor of six reduction below
New Source Performance Standards for coal combustion.
For particulate matter, advancements in electrostatic precipitators
and fabric filters were identified as offering the opportunity for at
least a two-fold improvement over New Source Performance Standards,
with nearly all of the improvement associated with reducing emissions
of small-sized particles that are particularly harmful to human health.
The reduction of these particles, upon which the bulk of hazardous
elements and condensed organic matter from coal combustion are
deposited, also would produce a substantial reduction in emissions of
potentially toxic substances.
In addition to these potential improvements in air emission
control, PETC identified several other potential advancements in
combustion and energy recovery technology. Coal combustion under
slagging conditions could produce vitrified ash inherently resistant to
leaching at ash disposal sites. Advanced sulfur removal methods could
yield marketable by-products. Increases in efficiency could result from
advances in combustion technology and heat exchanger construction
materials. Also, increased heat recovery from low temperature flue gas
could be achieved by using equipment and materials capable of operating
near acid dew point temperatures and by further development of low
temperature acid-resistant heat exchangers. Electric generating costs
would be reduced as a result of these efficiency improvements, as would
pollutant emissions per unit of electric energy produced, since less
coal would need to be burned to produce a given amount of electricity.
Purpose and Need
To capture the potential benefits of these environmental,
efficiency, and cost improvements in new coal combustion technology,
the Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center conducted a competitive
solicitation. DOE sought industrial involvement and support of
industry-selected approaches for integrating advanced combustion and
environmental control systems to establish a new generation of
pulverized coal-fired boiler technology. As a result, three contracts
were awarded in 1992 for research and development of advanced boiler
technology designed for minimum emissions and full integration with
high performance emission control technologies. The research conducted
thus far under these contracts has focused on assessing and testing
alternative concepts and equipment for meeting the performance
expectations established for the technology development contracts; the
three organizations performing this research under the three contracts
have identified, tested, and demonstrated the potential of three
distinct approaches for a Low Emission Boiler System that meets the
established performance objectives. To confirm the commercial potential
for Low Emission Boiler System technology to achieve these performance
objectives, longer duration testing to demonstrate performance in an
integrated system at a scale representative of a commercial system
(termed proof-of-concept scale) now needs to be performed.
Accordingly, DOE proposes to provide up to 50 percent funding of
the total cost to support one or more approaches for LEBS technology
development at the proof-of-concept scale. The EIS will evaluate the
potential impacts of the three alternative approaches offered to DOE
for LEBS proof-of-concept development, along with reasonable
alternatives. On the basis of the EIS and other pertinent information,
DOE may select one or more of the three technology approaches offered
by the industrial participants for development at the proof-of-concept
scale.
Preliminary Alternatives
Reasonable alternatives to be considered in the EIS will represent
a range of alternatives for meeting DOE's purpose and need. The
following is a preliminary list and brief description of approaches
that will be analyzed:
1. Alliance, Ohio, proof-of-concept development
This alternative would examine the impacts of an existing
integrated 10 megawatt-electric (MWe) system currently using an
advanced boiler design with staged combustion, low nitrogen oxide
burners, limestone injection with dry scrubbing for sulfur oxide
removal, and electrostatic precipitator and baghouse particulate
removal. Development would occur through minor modification and
implementation of the LEBS test program in an existing coal combustion
facility operated by Babcock & Wilcox at the Alliance Research Center.
No new construction would be required for this alternative.
2. Richmond, Indiana, proof-of-concept development
This alternative would examine the impacts of design, construction,
and operation of an integrated 50 MWe system using advanced firing with
staged combustion for in-furnace nitrogen oxide reduction, advanced dry
lime scrubbing for sulfur oxide removal, ammonia/water mixture rather
than water only as the working fluid for heat recovery, and baghouse
particulate removal. Development would occur through replacement of an
existing coal-fired boiler at Richmond Power & Light Company's
Whitewater Valley Station.
3. Elkhart, Illinois, proof-of-concept development
This alternative would examine the impacts of design, construction,
and operation of a new integrated 70 MWe system using: A slagging
combustion system with air staging and coal reburning technology to
reduce nitrogen oxides; flyash reinjection; copper oxide regenerable
desulfurization system with nitrogen oxide removal capability; advanced
low temperature heat recovery; and baghouse particulate removal.
Development would occur through construction of a new facility at the
Elkhart Mine of Turris Coal Company, Elkhart, Illinois, adjacent to
Township Road 600N.
4. Alternative Size Facilities
This alternative would examine the impacts of alternative scale
facilities for proof-of- concept testing, to provide the design and
performance data needed for scale-up to commercial operation.
5. Alternative Technologies
This alternative would examine the impacts of alternative
technology approaches for meeting the LEBS performance objectives.
6. Alternative Sites and Coal Feeds
This alternative would examine the impacts of alternative sites for
location of a LEBS proof-of-concept system and use of alternative
coals.
7. No Action Alternative
This alternative would examine the impacts of taking no action on
the industrial participants' proposals for LEBS proof-of-concept
testing. Under the no action alternative, Federal funds would not be
spent on LEBS proof-of-concept development.
This list of alternatives is subject to modification by DOE based
on consideration of suggestions from the public. In addition, the
proposals at the Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana sites are
[[Page 67005]]
subject to withdrawal from consideration for proof-of-concept testing
prior to completion of the EIS.
Preliminary Identification of Environmental Issues
The following issues have been tentatively identified for analysis
in the EIS. This list is neither intended to be all inclusive nor a
predetermined set of potential impacts but is presented to facilitate
public comment on the scope of the EIS. Additions to or deletions from
this list may occur as a result of the scoping process. The issues
include:
(1) Potential air, surface water, and noise impacts produced during
facility modification or construction, and operation;
(2) Potential transportation impacts produced during facility
modification, construction, and operation;
(3) Pollution prevention and waste management practices, including
potential solid waste impacts, during facility modification,
construction, and operation;
(4) Potential socioeconomic and environmental justice impacts to
the surrounding communities as a result of implementing the proposed
action;
(5) Potential cumulative or long-term impacts from the proposed
action and other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable future
actions;
(6) Potential irreversible and irretrievable commitment of
resources;
(7) Compliance with all applicable Federal, state, and local
statutes and regulations; and
(8) Safety and health of workers and the public during construction
and operation of the proposed facility.
Public Scoping Process
To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposal is
addressed, DOE will conduct an open process to define the scope of the
EIS. The public scoping period will run for 45 days following
publication of this NOI. Interested agencies, organizations, and the
general public are encouraged to submit written comments or suggestions
concerning the scope of the issues to be addressed, alternatives to be
analyzed, and the range of environmental impacts to be addressed.
Scoping comments should clearly describe specific issues or topics that
the EIS should address. Comments or suggestions to assist DOE in
identifying significant issues and the scope of the EIS will be
considered in preparing the EIS and should be communicated within 45
days following publication of this NOI.
In addition to receiving comments in writing and by telephone on
the 800 number, DOE will conduct public scoping meetings. The public is
invited and encouraged to attend one or more scoping meetings which
will be scheduled in or near the following cities where construction or
operation of a new facility, or a major modification of an existing
facility, would be required: Richmond, Indiana; and Elkhart, Illinois.
Notices of the dates, times, and specific locations of the scoping
meetings will be announced in the local media at least 15 days before
the meetings.
DOE will begin each meeting with an overview of LEBS technology.
The DOE contractor involved in cost-shared development of LEBS
technology and offering to conduct proof-of-concept testing at each
site indicated above will be available to provide additional
information. Following the overview, all interested persons will be
provided opportunities to speak concerning (1) the content and scope of
the EIS, (2) issues the EIS should address, and (3) the alternatives
that should be analyzed. While the meetings will be conducted in an
informal manner to enhance opportunities for public participation, DOE
recognizes that individuals, representing themselves or other parties,
may desire to address all participants at the meeting. DOE requests
that anyone who wishes to speak at one or more of the scoping meetings
contact Mr. Lloyd Lorenzi, either by phone or in writing, at the
address or phone numbers provided in the section of this Notice
entitled ADDRESSES. A presiding officer will be designated by DOE to
chair the meeting. The meeting will not be conducted as an evidentiary
hearing, and speakers will not be cross- examined. However, speakers
may be asked to clarify their statements to ensure that DOE fully
understands the comments or suggestions. The presiding officer will
establish the order of speakers and provide any additional procedures
necessary to conduct the meeting. Speakers who wish to make
presentations longer than five minutes should indicate the length of
time desired in their response. Depending on the number of speakers, it
may be necessary to limit speakers to five minute presentations
initially, with the opportunity for additional presentation as time
permits. Speakers can also provide additional written information to
supplement their presentations. Individuals who do not make advance
arrangements to speak may request time to speak at the meetings, after
all previously scheduled speakers have been provided the opportunity to
make their presentations. Written comments will also be accepted at the
meeting.
Issued in Washington, D.C., this 13th day of December 1996.
Peter N. Brush,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Environment, Safety and Health.
[FR Doc. 96-32197 Filed 12-18-96; 8:45 am]
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