Results of the latest stack gas testing at the Trigen Energy From Waste Plant in Charlottetown show a considerable decrease in mercury emissions.
Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan released the results from the July testing Wednesday. They indicate a 75 percent reduction in mercury emissions since testing was last carried out at the plant in November 1998.
"What is more significant is when you compare the recent stack testing to that done before the plant installed pollution control equipment in 1997. You see then how far we have come," the Minister said.
The first testing at the Energy From Waste Plant was conducted in 1985 as part of a national incinerator testing program. At that time, the Charlottetown plant was reported to be emitting 84 kilograms of mercury per year. Testing conducted in November 1998 saw that figure drop to 16 kg/year and the testing in July puts the level at 5 kg/yr.
"I believe these results show we are on the right track," said Minister Gillan. "Of course, we still want to see those numbers fall even farther. We recognize the seriousness of this contaminant and we are continuing to work to minimize mercury releases to our environment."
The Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers adopted a Mercury Action Plan in 1998 calling for a 50 percent reduction in mercury emissions from identified sources by 2003. Minister Gillan said Prince Edward Island remains committed to that target and he asked Islanders to help the province meet its commitment.
"Islanders can assist us by purchasing items that are mercury-free when possible, such as electronic thermostats and digital thermometers rather than mercury thermostats and thermometers," the Minister said.
Minister Gillan explained the mercury that is emitted from the Energy From Waste Plant enters the system as part of the domestic and commercial waste that is burned at the plant. Mercury is used in everything from thermometers, thermostats, and electrical switches, to old paints and dyes, computers, batteries, medical equipment and flourescent light bulbs.
"Removing these mercury-containing items from the waste stream will reduce the mercury emissions from the incinerator stack, and we are working in conjunction with the Island Waste Management Corporation to do just that," said Minister Gillan.
The July stack testing at the Energy From Waste Plant measured other contaminants including sulphur dioxide and hydrogen chloride, two major causes of acid rain pollution. The tests showed sulphur dioxide emissions remained in the same range as previous testing, while hydrogen chloride emissions increased but remained well below Canadian guidelines. Minister Gillan said the increase in hydrogen chloride emissions is most likely a reflection of the content of the waste that was going through the incinerator at the time of the testing. The test results also indicate a significant drop in emissions of particulate matter which is the fine ash that comes out of the stack.
"I believe what all this tells us is that the pollution control equipment at the plant is well-maintained and continues to do the job it was designed to do. In the case of these three contaminants, this equipment captures some 95 percent of the emissions," said Minister Gillan.
As part of its Mercury Action Plan, the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment will continue to require annual stack testing at the Energy From Waste Plant for the foreseeable future.