Further measurements around modern power stations—I–III: I—Observed ground level concentrations of sulphur dioxide

Abstract

Continuous measurements of sulphur dioxide were made around West Burton Power Station from its commissioning in 1966 to operation at full 2000 MW load in 1969. Short and long-term ground-level concentrations deriving from the power station in a variety of atmospheric conditions are reported. Comparisons are made with sulphur dioxide values from the nearby 1000 MW power station at High Marnham. It is concluded that the single and combined effects of the two power stations are small, typically only 10 per cent of the background level over a season. Furthermore, the contribution from West Burton is a little less than that from High Marnham, despite the increase in fuel burnt, indicating the effectiveness of the tall chimney design. In all circumstances the observed concentrations and their durations (with both power stations in operation) are less than those which have been observed to harm crops.