Do you have questions about the environment and Big Stone II?
Because you live near Big Stone, you should know. . .
Big Stone utilities have planned carefully to minimize carbon dioxide emissions from the new plant. By installing a “supercritical pulverized coal” boiler design, we’ll be able to produce electricity using 20 percent less coal than a comparable coal-fired plant using traditional boiler technology. Plus, upgrading our transmission facilities will not only accommodate Big Stone II, it will help bring about more wind energy development in our region.
We understand the importance of clean, plentiful water supplies and have planned carefully to minimize the impact of our water needs on yours. While the new plant will more than double electrical output from the Big Stone site and reduce sulfur, nitrogen and mercury emissions, our existing pumping conditions and restrictions from Big Stone Lake will remain the same as the past 30 years. In addition, we plan to use groundwater rather than a new storage pond during times when conditions prohibit us from pumping from the lake.
We have done our homework to minimize mercury emissions from the new plant. By using technology that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined to be the best available for sub-bituminous coal, we will be able to control mercury emissions from the new Unit II and the existing Unit I so that the total mercury emissions will be less than those from Unit I 2004 levels. Big Stone II will meet all state and federal requirements to control mercury using the same technology used to meet the Minnesota Mercury Reduction Act of 2006.
Every decision made regarding this project—from site selection to water use to technology selection—was the result of thoughtful consideration of how best to provide the electricity you need while being responsible environmental stewards and good neighbors.
You have my word on it because I live here too.
Mark Rolfes
Big Stone II Project Manager
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