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NPEP Success Story: Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant
Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant Reduces Mercury by 50%
Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant is located four and a half miles northwest of Glen Rose, Texas and 80 miles southwest of downtown Dallas. Comanche Peak is a two unit facility with a net capacity of 2,300 megawatts and employing approximately 1,000 full time employees.
Comanche Peak's NPEP Goal
Comanche Peak adopted a goal to reduce the total amount of mercury onsite by 50 percent. The reduction of mercury had been a long time goal at Comanche Peak, but until the NPEP goal was established, there had been no focused effort to quantify and reduce this well known pollutant.
Source Reduction, Recycling, and Recovery Alternatives Considered
The majority of mercury reduction was accomplished via the replacements of mercury containing thermometers with modern, more environmentally friendly versions. At a large plant such as Comanche Peak, it took a concentrated effort from all employees to identify which instrumentation was suitable for upgrade, which was not, and in some cases, when the instrumentation was no longer needed.
A site-wide communication effort was initiated by the Environmental Department; the response by site employees was very encouraging. Approximately 200 mercury containing thermometers were identified and properly recycled. Additionally, three mercury containing sphygmomanometers (blood pressure instrument) were recycled.
Hurdles Faced
Finding suitable, mercury free replacements for some specialized instruments prevented replacement of all mercury containing equipment. In addition, a few mercury containing instruments with specific certifications were prohibitively expensive to replace.
Waste Minimization Results
Through communication and teamwork the mercury reduction goal was achieved. A total of 2.5 pounds of mercury was safely recycled through the effort.
The next step in mercury reduction at Comanche Peak will target replacement of certain mercury containing electronic instrumentation and controls used in the plant.