Sulfur Dioxide Virginia Tech calculates that the 1955 boiler produces up to 386 tons a year of sulfur dioxide. The multicyclone used on the old boiler does not remove any sulfur dioxide. Every pound of sulfur dioxide produced in the combustion chamber is released into the air. Though nitrous oxide emissions will soon be monitored for the entire plant, only the 1998 boiler will be required to meet strict emissions standards. Health Impact Smaller particulates are more dangerous to human health, as they penetrate deeper into the respiratory system, bypassing defense mechanism that protect us from larger particulates.
Students currently live directly across the street from the power plant.