With NOx Emissions Mandates Approaching, West Coast Plant Takes Fast Action

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Researched by Industrialinfo.com (Industrial Information Resources, Incorporated; Houston, Texas). With required NOx emission reduction mandates approaching, Agruim US Incorporated (NYSE:AGU )(Calgary, Alberta) has recently been forced to look at compliance options for their Kennewick, Washington production plant.

As reported by Industrialinfo.com in November 2004, a new SCR unit had been planned for installation by mid to late 2007 in order to meet the emission compliance guidelines for the number 7 and 9 nitric acid units. After the evaluation of cost and long-term benefits of the proposed SCR unit, an estimated $1.4 million expenditure, Agrium opted for a much more cost efficient method by installing hydrogen injection technology for nearly $100,000.

Almost half of the current production capacity at the Kennewick plant is planned to be permanently shut down. Sometime after a one to two week planned maintenance turnaround in the first quarter of 2007 the remainder of the plant could be closed. Despite the potential closure, the site will most likely operate as a terminal to receive and ship product to other locations. The final decision on what the future holds for this plant location, however, will ultimately depend on economic conditions.

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View project record - 21001311 21001364

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