Coal - Other impacts 13.4.3 Heavy metal emissions ‘Atmospheric emissions of heavy metals with the exception of mercury are negligible from coal fied plant of the designs suggested for Lauffen and West Burton 'B' (see Chapter 2). ‘Virtually all heavy metals are removed either in the FBA, PFA or inthe FGD plant. Mercury escapes because of its high volatility. However, estimated annual emissions from both plants are sill small (<1 tyr) and when spread over & broad area effects on terrestrial ecosystems, including agriculture, are likely to be negligible. Heavy metals concentrated in PFA and FGD sludge may affect terestrial ecosystems following disposal. Restoration of waste sites frequently involves making the land suitable for ‘agriculture. This probably reassures the public, though seems strange at a time when untainted agriculture land is being taken out of production through set-aside in Europe. Problems of converting ash-dumps to agricultural land were discussed by Brown et al (1985). ‘Ash is devoid of nitrogen and hence appreciable quantities of top-soil are required during restoration, or fertiliser afterwards. Boron can be released at a sufficient rate to damage plants sg7own on sites where ash has been dumped. Molybdemum-induced copper deficiency has also been recorded among livestock feeding on these sites. Problems associated with other heavy metals have been identified, though monitoring of produce from reclaimed sites should prevent contamination affecting human health. In the future it is hoped that creative conservation schemes will be adopted with greater enthusiasm (Shaw, 1990). 13.5 Impacts on aquatic ecosystems 135.1 Impacts of heavy metals ‘Atmospheric emissions of heavy metals from modem coal fired power plants will have a ‘minute effect on aquatic ecosystems. The reason for this is that emissions from the stack are ‘very small - virtually all heavy metals entering the system are concentrated into the FBA, PFA. or the waste products ofthe FGD plant. ‘The largest source of heavy metal emissions to water forthe reference sites would be the FGD plant, Details of animal loading and increased concentrations in the River Trent following ‘emission ffom West Burton B' were given in Table 2.6. The environmental statement for this plant acknowledged that release of untreated waste water would have serious effects on the ‘cology of the river. Details of treatment facilities were given in Chapter 2. The importance of these measures is shown by an undertaking to provide 2 treatment streams to ensure reliability (CEGB, 1988). Emissions from the FGD plant would contaminate the River Trent, the Humber Estuary and eventually the North Sea. Effects on the estuary are probably of most concem because of the high ecological importance of associated ecosystems, andthe threat already posed to them by existing emissions and predicted sea level rise. Overall, dilution factors would be much sgreiter than those shown in Table 2.6. Assuming even deposition of heavy metals over the 250 km? of the Humber Estuary, a total of 4 mg m? (0.10 mg m? yr!) of cadmium and ‘mercury and 80 mg m? (2 mg m* yr!) of zinc would be deposited over the projected 40 year 323