PPL's addition of flue gas desulfurization equipment at the Montour and Brunner Island power plants in Pennsylvania not only will result in significant environmental improvements, but it also will create jobs from the beneficial use of scrubber byproducts.

As part of the scrubbing process, a slurry containing limestone and water is sprayed into the flue gas. The limestone reacts with the sulfur dioxide and collects as a liquid in a tank at the base of the scrubber. Adding oxygen to the slurry promotes the development of calcium sulfate – artificial gypsum.

PPL has partnered with U.S. Gypsum, a leading manufacturer of construction materials, to use the artificial gypsum byproduct from the Montour and Brunner Island scrubbers in the production of wallboard for use in construction.

U.S. Gypsum is building a manufacturing facility adjacent to PPL's Montour power plant. This facility will create about 150 permanent jobs in Montour County, Pa.