Particulate Matter

The burning of coal produces two types of particulate matter: fly ash (fine ash) and bottom ash (coarse material that drops to the bottom of the boilers during combustion).

Particulate emissions up

TransAlta controls these emissions through emission control equipment and operating practices. Our electrostatic precipitators safely remove more than 99 per cent of the fly ash from power plant stacks before it can be released into the atmosphere. In 2004, this equipment enabled TransAlta to collect about 1.5 million tonnes of particulate matter.

About 5,660 tonnes, or 0.4 per cent of our particulate matter, were emitted from our plant stacks in Alberta and Washington. This amount was about nine per cent above 2003 levels.

Starting in 2005, Wabamun unit 4 must meet new operating limits, required by the regulator, that will reduce approval limits of particulate emissions by 50 per cent. For several years, plant employees, working with an outside consultant, have reviewed new technology and enhanced maintenance and operating practices to reduce particulate emissions. Their recommendations, together with improvements in precipitator equipment, have allowed the Wabamun unit to meet the new operating limits.