Regional Issue Identification and Assessment program (RIIA). Environmental impacts and issues of the EIA MID-MID scenario: Federal Region III (mid-Atlantic)

Technical Report · Tue May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5443235· OSTI ID:5443235

Brainard, J.; Lipfert, F. W.

The EIA MID-MID scenario generally reinforces existing environmental concerns in the mid-Atlantic region. This results in part from the emphasis on existing rather than new energy technologies. The widespread public opposition to nuclear power in the region is likely to impede realization of the nuclear goals of the scenario. About 50% improvement in sulfur oxides air quality is projected for the region (all states), based on emissions reductions both within the region and in neighboring regions. Even though strip mine production is projected to decrease by 1990, coal production levels hypothesized by the scenario may be significantly constrained by the impact of new Federal regulations on reclamation (Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia). In the event that offshore oil and gas exploration becomes successful, development may be constrained by continuing opposition on environmental grounds in Maryland and Delaware, relating to protection of coastal environmental resources. Given the abandonment of several recent dam projects in the Delaware, water availability constraints may be important for inland sites where low flow augmentation is required. The health and safety impacts of the scenario are dominated by the coal fuel cycle. By 1990, mining related injuries and deaths are projected to increase by about 25% over current levels, while public health impacts due to sulfur oxides air pollution are projected to decrease by about 40%. Impacts due to other air pollutants, however, were not quantified. Although health and safety impacts due to nuclear power plants in Pennsylvania and Virginia are projected to increase, the numbers are quite small and are likely to constrain the scenario only because of public perception rather than actual risk. Pennsylvania has non-attainment areas (air pollution standards have not been met) which may constrain the siting of new energy-related facilities.

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA). National Center for Analysis of Energy Systems
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76CH00016
• OSTI ID: 5443235
• Report Number(s): BNL-51137
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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