Clover Power Station ranked second lowest among U.S. coal-fired power plants in sulfur-dioxide emissions, according to a report published by Power magazine.  Clover was also ranked in the top 50 U.S. coal-fired plants in efficiency and lowest nitrogen-oxide emissions.

Power magazine is an energy industry journal published by the McGraw-Hill Companies.  Its first-ever "Top Plants" survey was published in the August 2002 issue of the magazine.

The scientific community, regulatory agencies, and the electric utility industry are examining the issues of global warming and acidic deposition, and the possible health effects of electric and magnetic fields.  While no definitive scientific conclusions have been reached regarding these issues, it is possible that new regulations pertaining to these matters could further increase the capital and operating costs of electric utilities.

On March 15, 2005, the EPA issued the Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) to reduce the health risk of mercury exposure; it will regulate emissions of mercury from coal fired electric utility steam generating units.  Clover is subject to this regulation but because existing pollution control systems on these units currently reduce mercury emissions, we do not anticipate installation of additional equipment will be required at this time. 

Each state regulates the discharge of process wastewater and some storm water discharges into its waters under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program.  This program was established as part of the Federal Clean Water Act.  We are also subject to permit limitations for surface water discharges and for the operation of a waste landfill at Clover for disposal of ash and scrubber sludge.  Permits required by the Clean Water Act and state laws have been issued.

All process wastewater is treated to meet the limitations in the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) permit. The wastewater is discharged to the Roanoke River. The permit limits ensure that the water quality in these streams is maintained and the aquatic organisms are protected.

The VPDES permit requires monitoring of the discharges to ensure the permit limits are met.

During the construction of the Clover Power Station, approximately 28 acres of wetlands were impacted. Most of the wetlands were small isolated wetlands or the impacts were on the edge of larger wetlands.

The Corps of Engineers (COE) issued the 404 Permit on April 5, 1991. The permit required the replacement of the impacted wetlands and to place 415 acres of floodplain in an open space easement with the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries (DGIF). The wetland mitigation project consisted of creating 18.9 acres of emergent wetland (density of 4,250 plants per acre), 16.5 acres of forested wetland (trees on 20 foot centers with a density of 110 trees per acre) and 0.5 acre of shrub wetland. Additional shrub wetland was planted between the emergent and forested wetland to form transition zones.

The wetland mitigation site was monitored during the first 4 years and exceeded the 80% survival or cover requirement in the 404 permit. This wetland mitigation project is one of the most successful projects to date. The COE relieved the Clover Power Station of future monitoring since the project had met the permit plant cover and survival requirements and was so successful.

Waterfowl Habitat

Old Dominion Electric Cooperative and Virginia Power, owners of the Clover Power Station, along with the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries (DGIF) and Ducks Unlimited partnered in the construction of 14 moist soil management waterfowl habitats in the Roanoke River Floodplain. The 14 habitats make up approximately 160 acres of manmade wetlands. The construction of these moist soil waterfowl habitats cost approximately $102,000. Each of the partners contributed $25,500.

These wetlands can be viewed from two locations along the Staunton River Battlefield Park Nature Trail. The nature trail is located behind the Park's Visitor Center. This is a good example of how a power station can exist and actually benefit the surrounding wildlife.

Wildlife Habitat Enhancement

In addition to the waterfowl habitat mentioned above, 220 acres of the Power Station property previously used as material laydown during the construction of the station has been planted in wildlife food mix.

Enhancement of natural nest-sites for wildlife has also been accomplished through construction and placement of bluebird, barn-owl and wood-duck nesting houses.

Colonies of two state rare plant species (Hexastylis lewisii and Dicliptera brachiata) were found on the station property and have been marked and set aside as special management areas to protect.