Testing for Steam Electric Power Generating Stations

The Client

Steam Electric Power Generator

The Challenge

GEL provided the analytical support for analysis of metals and various general chemistry tests in support of a wastewater treatment system design study that was being conducted to ensure the client’s compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Effluent Limitation Guidelines and Standards (ELGs) for the Steam Electrical Power Generating Industry.    Accurate analyses of wastewater from coal fired plants can be challenging due to the variations in the feed streams that make up the wastewater.  This wastewater can contain high concentrations of total dissolved solid (TDS) and elements that are known to cause matrix interferences.  These interferences, if not properly understood and handled, will hinder the accurate reporting of analytical data to the client and ultimately may impact the design of the treatment system.

GEL Labs Services Provided

Chemists at GEL leveraged GEL’s ICP/MS instruments with collision cell technology and applied their experience and knowledge to provide our client with accurate, defensible data while maintaining deadlines for the overall project schedule.

The Result

To meet the analytical needs of our power plant customers, GEL has employed the lessons learned from this project to tailor an analytical testing program specific to analysis of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) groundwater samples and process wastewater including Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) wastewater.  GEL can confidently provide accurate, interference-free results, so that our clients are able to make informed decisions regarding their site’s compliance.

GEL can assist with full analytical support for CCR groundwater compliance programs and testing in compliance with the ELGs.

CCR Groundwater Detection Monitoring Parameters

Appendix III to Part 257 parameters: Boron, Calcium, Chloride, Fluoride, pH, Sulfate, TDS

Appendix IV to Part 257 parameters: Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Fluoride, Lead, Lithium, Mercury, Molybdenum, Selenium, Thallium, Radium 226 and 228 combined