Air Emissions

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Emissions

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) belongs to the family of sulfur oxide gases (SOx). SOx gases are formed when fuel containing sulfur, such as coal and oil, is burned. SO2 released to the air comes from electric utilities, especially those that burn coal. Other sources of SO2 are industrial facilities that derive their products from raw materials like metallic ore, coal, and crude oil, or that burn coal or oil to produce process heat. Examples are petroleum refineries, cement manufactureres, and metal processing facilities. Also, locomotives, large ships, and some nonroad deisel equipment currently burn high sulfur fuel and release SO2 emissions to the air in large quantities.

Allegheny Energy reduced its SO2 emissions approximately 41 percent between 1994 and 2005. These reductions are largely attributable to the installation of emission control equipment in accordance with state and federal regulations. Additional pollution control equipment currently being installed will further reduce SO2 emissions an estimated 70 percent.