[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]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P