| Metcalf Energy Center (MEC)
The Metcalf Energy Center cooling tower is of a special design that will significantly reduce the visual impact of the project by reducing the formation of plumes produced by the cooling tower. These visible plumes are water vapor only and are not a health risk to plant personnel or the public and are controlled for esthetic reasons only. Currently, the equipment that controls the visible plumes is damaged and is only partially effective. As a result, plumes are visible from the cooling tower that would normally be eliminated if the plume abatement system were fully operational. This was discussed with the Community Advisory Committee and the public at the last committee meeting on November 30, 2005. At this meeting, the California Energy Commission's Compliance Manager confirmed that Condition of Certification, VIS-10 provides that visible plumes produced by cooling tower during an unplanned outage are not subject to the 14 hour annual limit. Metcalf is working diligently with the Energy Commission to restore the plume abatement equipment to its full effectiveness as soon as possible. Metcalf Energy Center appreciates your patience as we work to resolve this issue.
As part of a cooperative agreement between the City of San José and the Calpine Corporation, operator of the Metcalf Energy Center in Coyote Valley, both parties agreed to participate in the installation of two air monitoring stations, one each located north and south of the plant. The first of these stations, located to the north at Los Paseos Park, began monitoring in late November 2004. Efforts continue to secure a site south of the plant for the long-term monitoring of air quality.
These stations provide data for the ambient gases of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) and NOx (Nitric Oxides) as well as PM10 (particulate matter less than 10 microns). Reports are provided to the City by a third party expert consultant in air monitoring.
Additional information regarding air quality and readings from other stations throughout the Bay Area can be found at the Bay Area Air Quality Management District website at http://www.baaqmd.gov/ and selecting Air Status/Technical Data followed by selecting Air Quality Data.
An Air Quality Glossary of terms is available thru the Bay Area Air Quality Management District at http://www.baaqmd.gov/dst/glossary.htm
Additional information regarding the power plant can be found at Calpine’s website at http://www.calpine.com/power/plants.asp#183 and selecting the Metcalf Energy Center.
For a location map of the Metcalf Energy Center and monitoring station, click here.
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