In 2007, the plant belched more than three times its allowance for PM2.5 (particulate pollution smaller than 2.5 microns). The plant’s limit on PM2.5 was 4.86 tons in 2007, but it reportedly emitted 15.23 tons that year.
Particulate pollutants have been linked to health problems like asthma, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer, as well as damage to waterways, soil and crops, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
An April 2008 inspection report says the plant also emitted too much volatile organic matter, nitrogen oxide and other pollutants in 2007.
Why are we allowing this a few blocks from two major Hospitals in the celebrated Medical District?
It's a little odd that an EPA spokesperson in the article made a comparison to CWLP's Lakeside coal plant since it hasn't operated for months and is being shut down. Aging, inefficient coal plants, like Lakeside, are usually the worst polluters. CWLP is doing the right thing by closing Lakeside and it's time for the State of Illinois to do the same.
The State Capitol plant is a local example of the nation's oldest, dirtiest coal plants that aren't required to update their pollution control equipment. These must be replaced with green alternatives at the local and national level if we're going to stop global warming and protect public health.