The scrubber, or lime-spray dryer, will be operational by Jan. 1, 2003. Sulfur dioxide is a particularly noxious pollutant because it forms sulfuric acid when it comes in contact with water. Sulfuric acid can change the pH, and small changes in the pH can have big effects on aquatic systems.
Acid rain can affect plants also.
Carlson said sulfur dioxide is a health issue because it can irritate people's eyes and lungs. He said health problems are part of the reason why power companies have been forced to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions. Given the fact that we've had population growth, we've seen significant reductions in these pollutants in the air. In 2000, the Valmont Generating Station emitted about 4,500 tons of sulfur dioxide. Companies can sell those allowances to other plants that are having trouble meeting their emissions limits.