Brunner Island scrubber project in the home stretch

PPL employees are beginning to start up and test equipment on the new scrubber system at the Brunner Island power plant, a milestone that signals the $700 million environmental project is moving closer to completion.

The project remains on schedule. Equipment on Unit 3 will be completed in fall of 2008, and the scrubber for Units 1 and 2 will be completed next spring.

When both scrubbers are finished and in-service, emissions of sulfur dioxide — a byproduct of burning coal that contributes to acid rain — will be reduced by up to 97 percent. The scrubber system will reduce mercury as an additional benefit.

“This scrubber project is just one example of how PPL and its employees are committed to operating Brunner Island — as well as all of our generation facilities — safely and responsibly while minimizing their effects on the environment,” said Steve Marbaise, plant manager.

“The project will result in a significant improvement in the quality of the air we breathe and represents a major investment in a plant that provides reliable and safe electricity, as well as good jobs for people here in York County,” he said.