Pollution Prevention at a Glance

Generation emissions

The generation emissions rates represent the average emissions for all Alliant Energy fossil-fuel generating units that are required to have Continuous Emission Monitoring systems (CEMs) installed. The rates are aggregate totals of the group. They do not relate to any specific generating unit or any single type of fossil fuel.

CO2, SO2 and NOX generation emissions rates dropped in 2005 due to increased use of natural gas as a fuel source, resulting from a full year of commercial operation of the natural gas-fueled Emery Generating Station. In addition, NOX generation emissions rates continue to decline primarily from the use of SmartBurn technology at more of our coal-fired generating units.

PCB removal

Alliant Energy follows general industry practice of removing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-containing equipment identified during repair and servicing operations.

In an effort to eventually eliminate the use of PCB-containing equipment within our system, all of the PCB-containing equipment identified during these operations is disposed of and not returned to service.

The amount of PCB-contaminated equipment, soils and debris disposed varies from year to year. Most of the variance depends on the number of incidents where PCB-containing electrical equipment fails and fluids leak to the ground.

Reportable spills

In 2006, we reported 64 releases of hazardous material or spills to governmental agencies. The majority of these spills are caused by equipment failures/leaks, vehicle accidents, and electrical equipment damaged by high winds and flying debris during storm activity. All spills were cleaned up, and the contaminated soils/ debris properly disposed.