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RICHMOND, VA., Jan 09, 2006 -- M2 PRESSWIRE
Under instructions from the Potomac Electric Power Co., the Mirant Potomac River power plant in Alexandria is temporarily resuming operations to provide additional power to the District of Columbia during maintenance of electric transmission lines. It is very important that the Potomac River plant operates in a way that does not endanger the health of Alexandria residents, DEQ Director Robert G. Burnley said. We believe Pepcos decision to require power production at this time before new pollution control measures are in place does not adequately consider the health of people living near the plant. To meet the requirements of DEQ and the Energy Department, Mirant has been testing procedures that may significantly reduce air pollution from particles and sulfur dioxide emissions. However, DEQ does not yet have sufficient information to determine if these steps will succeed, and Mirant will not have all the necessary equipment installed until late March 2006. This means that during the temporary increased operation at the plant, expected to last until about January 28, pollution in the vicinity could exceed federal health standards. DEQ will continue to work closely with Mirant to ensure that its operations produce the lowest possible amounts of air pollution, Burnley said, and DEQ also will have inspectors on-site to monitor activities at the plant. In more than two years of working to reduce pollution from the Potomac River plant, DEQs goal has been to protect air quality in Alexandria, Burnley said. That goal is unchanged, and DEQ remains dedicated to safeguarding the health of people in the area. CONTACT: Bill Hayden Tel: +1 804 698 4447 M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com. News Provided By |
