Mercury

Mercury emissions result from the combustion of naturally occurring mercury found in fossil fuels. However, the chemistry is complex and mercury can be found in many forms – some of which are easier to remove from the flue gas stream then others. High exposure to mercury can cause health and developmental problems in animals and humans.

Beginning in 2002, three years prior to a regulation coming into force, NSPI’s mercury emissions achieved emission levels of 168 kg or lower. This emission level is consistent with the mercury emission cap mandated for 2005 in the provincial Air Quality Regulations and represents a reduction from 2000 emission levels of approximately 40%. Additional reductions are forthcoming as the cap will be reduced in 2010 to 65 kg – a further reduction of about 60%. NSPI is seeking regulatory approval to install equipment upgrades designed to achieve compliance with the reduced cap.

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