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The Power Plant Project
In April 2002, Aquila filed a supplement to their application for the Metamora Energy Center with the Ohio Power Siting Board based on using a different type of turbine. From speaking with the engineers at the Walnut open house, we believe that these are the same type of turbines proposed for the Fairfield Energy Center so information released in the Metamora supplement would change some figures we were previously given for the project here. All figures listed here can be accessed under "Supplemental Application Information" Case No. 01-1022-EL-BGN from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Turbine Power Output
In 2000-2001 the electric industry implemented construction on a large number of gas fired power plants limiting the number of GE manufacturing slots. As the industry realizes its overbuilding trend, some projects have been scaled down or cancelled altogether, making previously unavailable equipment available. The GE 7EA combustion turbines are capable of generating 76 MW each at design summer conditions. This changes the operating capacity of the plant to 300MW. There were no stated changes in operating hours, so we will assume that Aquila will continue to ask for 1500 hours of operation per year.
Air Emissions
Four Turbine Total Hourly Emission Rate: - NOX: 144 lb/hr x 1500 hours = 216,000 lbs/yr or 108 tons /yr.
- CO: 304 lb/hr x 1500 hours = 456,000 lbs/yr or 232.5 tons/yr.
- SO2: 4 lb/hr x 1500 hours = 6,000 lbs/yr or 3 tons/yr.
- VOC: 22 lb/hr x 1500 hours = 33,000 lbs/yr or 16.5 tons/yr. -- VOCs increase almost 50%!
- PM 10: 40 lb/hr x 1500 hours = 60,000 lbs/yr or 30 tons/yr.
- Formaldehyde: 2.8 lb/hr x 1500 hours = 4,200 lbs/yr or 2.1 tons/yr.
The emissions for this plant will meet current EPA standards for a permit to install. However, it will add pollution not currently in our air and not replace any current polluter such as a coal burning power plant. The USEPA lists Ohio as the worst state in the US for air emissions. Fairfield county is listed in the 70th percentile of worst polluted counties in the United States by Earth Justice. Because our county is currently within "attainment" standards there is no EPA monitoring of air quality in Fairfield county. There will be no way to know if pollutant levels are rising here.
NOX and VOC combined with hot, humid days, produce ground level ozone. This can depress crop yields, aggravate asthma, cause inflammation of lung tissue, and make people more susceptible to bronchitis and pneumonia.
Operational Noise Levels
Estimated sound levels for four GE 7EA turbines at capacity:
At property boundary: 67 dBA
At nearest residence: 60 dBA
Background baseline sound levels at the Liberty township site have not been completed yet. Measurements from the DP & L site near Rt. 22 and Crumley Road showed background sound of 30-35 dBA. Each 3 dB increase doubles the loudness (OSU Factsheet 190-98). Normal conversation measures 60 dB, freeway traffic measures 70 dB.
Additional research:
Ohio coal burning power plant stats released by Ohio Environmental Council PDF
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