Molasses to MicroC: PA Coal-Fired Power Generation Station Meets Nitrate & Selenium Reduction Goals with MicroC® 4100

In 2013, the US Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) released proposed Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) for the category regulating steam-electric power generating point sources. The proposed ELG rule will require specific treatment of wastewater from flue gas desulfurization (FGD) processes, with treatment goals identified for selenium, nitrate and nitrite, arsenic, and mercury. The diverse chemistry of these contaminants combined with the very low concentrations in the proposed standard present a formidable challenge for the power industry to achieve.

Discharge permits have been issued for some FGD wastewater treatment facilities. Selenium, mercury, chlorides, total dissolved solids (TDS), organics, and other trace metals are typically the parameters of interest in the most recent National Pollutant Discharge Eliminating System (NPDES) permits regulating FGD wastewater.