MERCURY EMISSION-POWER PLANTS

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that the owner or operator of certain emissions sources generating electricity in this State through coal combustion must meet a mercury emissions standard equal to or less than 0.6 pounds of mercury per TBtu, or equal to a 90% reduction of mercury from the measured inlet conditions for the affected source, whichever rate is more readily achievable by the affected source, as determined by the owner or operator of the affected source. Provides that if the owner or operator of these emissions sources are unable to comply with this mercury reduction standard through existing control technology the owner or operator may apply to the Agency for an alternative emissions limit for the emissions source. Sets forth provisions for establishing the alternative emissions limit. Provides that upon the establishment of the alternative emissions limit for an affected source, the Agency shall incorporate the alternative emissions limit into the CAAPP permit for the affected emissions source. Provides that an owner or operator complying with the provisions for obtaining an alternative emissions limit shall not be in violation of the mercury emissions standard so long as that owner or operator operates and maintains the affected source in a manner consistent with good air pollution control practices for the minimization of mercury emissions and until the owner or operator obtains the alternative emissions limit for the affected source from the Agency. Sets forth certain test methods to be used to demonstrate compliance with the mercury emission rate requirement. Requires the owner or operator of an affected emissions source to report to the Agency the results of the required tests. Provides for Agency review of the mercury standards adopted. Authorizes the Agency to adopt rules as necessary for the implementation of these mercury emission standards.