Lakeview Generating Station - Emissions Control

Emissions Control

• 1972: Research to remove SO₂ from flue gases continues.

• 1981: Coal-cleaning project completes first of four years of testing.

• 1984: Launch of acid gas control program and commitment to cutting emissions in half by 1990.

• 1986: “War on acid gas emissions” continues as Lakeview tests limestone-injection scrubbing technology to further reduce emissions, and uses more low-sulphur coal.

• 1987: The prospect of a major equipment overhaul looms, along with new environmental restrictions. Ontario Hydro begins three-year study aimed at obtaining approval for acid gas control equipment at coal-fired generating stations.

• 1989: Hydro announces a major Lakeview rehabilitation between 1990 and 1994, including the addition of acid gas control equipment on all eight units.

• 1991: Revised plan for Lakeview includes complete rehabilitation for Units 5 and 6, and a reduced rehabilitation for Units 1 and 2; decision on remaining four units deferred.

• 1992: High-efficiency precipitators are installed on all four operating units, which combined with flue gas conditioning technology to capture more than 99% of particulates in the flue gases.

• 1999: Lakeview receives ISO 14001 accreditation and announces new initiative to further reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

• 2001: Lakeview completes installation of new, low nitrogen oxide burners on all operating units, cutting nitrogen oxides emissions by 50% from the 1999 level.