Santee Cooper says proposed Environmental Protection Agency rules could close its Grainger Plant in Conway.
The proposal, called Maximum Achievable Control Technology Standard, sets maximum standards for permissible levels of mercury, heavy metals and other emissions.
Molly Gore with Santee Cooper says the Grainger Plant doesn't have the space to install the equipment to meet the proposed rule. She says its one of the oldest generating stations Santee Cooper has.
The rule could go into effect next month with a decision on closing the Grainger Plant to come within a year. The Jefferies Plant in Berkley County could also be forced to close.
Gore says its too soon to say what would happen to the property. She says Santee Cooper is starting to hold jobs in other places so the Grainger Plant's 45 employees can stay employed with the company.
Gore says the Grainger generating station is already paid off so its costs are minimal. It's mostly used when it's really cold or really hot outside. It and the Jefferies Plant make up ten percent of Santee Cooper's generating capacity. Without them, Gore says the company will be able to meet customer needs because, she says, Santee Cooper is working to add more nuclear generation by 2016.
