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Environment
- How are we disposing of the coal ash?
Ninety-eight percent of the coal combustion products (fly ash and bottom ash) from our power plants in Wisconsin are presently being beneficially utilized for use as sand/gravel/crushed stone materials, portland cement manufacturing, ready mixed concrete production, cold in-place recycling of asphalt pavements, soil stabilization, and for the solidification of sewage sludge. We Energies is committed to attaining the goal of utilizing 100 percent of our coal combustion products.
When demand is low, we plan to use our existing landfill facilities to store our coal combustion products for reuse (as we do today), to meet seasonal construction demand, and during periods of lower construction activity. We Energies has been recovering coal combustion products from storage in our landfills for use as a supplemental fuel at the Pleasant Prairie Power Plant and as an alternative sand/gravel/crushed stone material under pavements, foundations, and floor slabs.
- What specific renewable energy projects are being pursued as part of the plan?
On March 17, 2006, We Energies filed a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for authorization to construct the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Project. The proposed project is being designed to generate up to 203 megawatts of electricity in the towns of Calumet and Marshfield, located in northeast Fond du Lac county.
- With the increase in fly ash, will there be adequate areas designated for its disposal?
Yes. Due to our plans for fly ash utilization, we will require far less space for disposal. Presently, 98 percent of the coal combustion products (fly ash and bottom ash) from our power plants in Wisconsin are beneficially utilized for use as sand/gravel/crushed stone materials, portland cement manufacturing, ready mixed concrete production, cold in-place recycling of asphalt pavements, soil stabilization, and for the solidification of sewage sludge. With Power the Future we are committed to utilizing 100 percent of our coal combustion products.
When demand is low, we plan to use our existing landfill facilities to store our coal combustion products for reuse (as we do today), to meet seasonal construction demand, and during periods of lower construction activity. We Energies has been recovering coal combustion products from storage in our landfills for use as a supplemental fuel at the Pleasant Prairie Power Plant and as an alternative sand/gravel/crushed stone material under pavements, foundations, and floor slabs.
- What is the impact on emissions?
When the Power the Future plan is fully implemented and other environmental improvements on our system are completed, our system-wide emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide will be reduced more than 65 percent, and particulate matter more than 30 percent. Emissions at the Oak Creek Site will be reduced by about 60 percent. At the same time, we will generate more than 50 percent more electricity.
 
- Has We Energies tried to stop the release of fine particulate matter from its plants?
Yes. We collect over 99.8 percent of all particulate emissions, or soot, from our facilities. The goal under Power the Future is to achieve 100 percent removal.
- How do we get more energy with fewer emissions?
The addition of new, cleaner, advanced-technology units in combination with emission control improvements on existing units will generate additional power, while producing less emissions. Electricity generation will increase by 50 percent while system-wide emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide will be reduced more than 65 percent, mercury by more than 60 percent, and particulate matter more than 30 percent.
- What can an epidemiologist tell me about the possibility of lung problems as a result of Power the Future? Will it be safe to live in this community?
Epidemiological research has found that when you compare lung problems among people living near coal-fueled power plants that have effective emission controls, with similar populations living in areas without coal-fueled power plants, the incidence of lung problems is comparable. There is a greater incidence of lung problems for individuals living near power plants with ineffective or no pollution control equipment.
Yes, it is safe to live in Oak Creek, and with Power the Future, the emissions will be reduced, making the air better in Southeastern Wisconsin.
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