Mercury Reduction of 28% in Wisconsin
ERCO the largest producer of mercury in Wisconsin is investing $95 million in a cleaner technology to produce chlorine. The chemical plant will convert to membrane technology that would no longer emit mercury.
The change is expected to take five to seven years and would extend the life of the plant by 25 to 30 years. The conversion will eventually eliminate all mercury emissions from the facility, reducing Wisconsin’s state emissions by 28 percent. The Port Edwards plant is the third-largest producer of chlorine and a related alkali in North America. Customers include Wisconsin paper companies.
ERCO, formerly known as Vulcan Chemical, had tried to switch technologies in recent years and had sought a special electric rate cut from its electric supplier, Madison-based Alliant Energy Corp., as part of the change.
Thanks in part to our friends at Oceana, lakes and waterways around Wisconsin will be safer for future generations.
August 13, 2007 12:34 PM | Category: Technology