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NPEP Success Story: Consumers Energy
Consumers Energy Reduces Mercury by 70% in Continuing Effort
Consumers Energy and its predecessor companies began serving Michigan in 1886. Consumers Energy is a combination natural gas and electric utility that provides service to over 6 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 counties in the state's lower peninsula. In 2005, we delivered 318 billion cubic feet of natural gas and 39 billion kilowatt hours of electricity to our end users. Consumers Energy operates fossil, hydro, and nuclear generating facilities, gas compressor and transmission operations, and Customer Service Centers, substations, and various support facility operations throughout Michigan.
Consumer's NPEP Goal
Consumers Energy set an NPEP goal to reduce mercury from 853 to 750 pounds
in 2005. We committed to meeting this goal by reducing both elemental
mercury and mercury-containing equipment. Mercury collected is recycled.
Consumers Energy implemented a Mercury Pollution Prevention (P2) Initiative in 1996 with the primary goal to reduce elemental mercury and mercury-containing equipment as much as possible. Mercury was selected for reduction because of several factors: (1) mercury is a primary pollutant; (2) mercury was one of the most expensive wastes to dispose, especially when released or spilled; (3) mercury reduction via emission controls at the time was difficult and extremely expensive; and (4) Consumers Energy's participation in several task force groups prompted our awareness of the recommendations to address elemental mercury.
The initiative included an initial company-wide inventory of mercury and mercury containing equipment. We identified 2,464 pounds of elemental mercury in stock and in equipment. Starting in early 1997, we began to systematically consolidate, replace, and reduce this mercury inventory and have had significant results.
NPEP Project Implementation
Consumers Energy employed a variety of methods. We have replaced mercury-containing
equipment with mercury-free equipment. We consolidated required inventory
of mercury into more carefully controlled facilities. We modified purchasing
procedures to select mercury-free equipment where possible and where an
adequate and cost effective replacement was available. We have purchased
and stocked low-mercury lamps and batteries. We utilized mercury-free
components to replace items such as flame sensor switches, thermostats,
and gas regulators. Finally, we have also continued and strengthened a
program to move our inside customer services equipment (meter and regulator)
to areas outside of the home.
Hurdles Faced
Mercury-free components are usually more costly than those containing
mercury. And, in some instances, mercury-free equipment is not as accurate
or as dependable. Mercury recycling also has to be budgeted for although
in Michigan the inclusion of mercury equipment as Universal Waste has
eased that burden somewhat.
Consumers Energy has made a concerted effort to train our employees in
the safe handling of mercury regulators and we do not use contractors
for this part of our business. We also strengthened our Block Training
program that employees receive annually for dealing with environmental
and safety issues, including equipment management and spill response.
Waste Minimization Results
As of December 31, 2005, Consumers Energy achieved the 2005 goal of 103
pounds of mercury reduction and had reduced the 1996 inventory of mercury
and mercury-containing equipment to 750 pounds (a 70% reduction). In the
past 10 years, we have achieved a significant reduction in mercury and
mercury-containing equipment, but we have also achieved elimination or
significant reduction of mercury release incidents in many phases of our
operations. We consider this a significant result because mercury releases
are costly in man hours and disposal.