Overview
Back River Waste Water Treatment is a 3 MW biomass power plant in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. It is owned by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City and is currently operational.
Back River Waste Water Treatment is a biomass power plant located in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. With a capacity of 3 MW, it operates as a small-scale facility within the broader power generation sector, utilizing biomass as its primary fuel source. The plant is owned by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City and is currently operational. As a biomass power plant, Back River Waste Water Treatment converts organic materials into electricity, contributing to renewable energy generation. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which includes the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated standards such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). These regulations govern emissions of pollutants like SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, ensuring that the plant meets environmental compliance requirements. The plant's small capacity suggests it likely serves a localized role, potentially providing power to nearby wastewater treatment operations or the local grid. Its use of biomass as a fuel source aligns with renewable energy goals, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The facility's location in an urban area like Baltimore underscores the importance of managing emissions and environmental impacts in proximity to populated regions.
Environmental context
The Back River Waste Water Treatment biomass plant operates in an urban setting, which necessitates careful management of emissions to minimize impacts on local air quality. Biomass combustion can release CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, but the plant's small scale (3 MW) likely limits its overall environmental footprint. Proximity to populated areas in Baltimore requires adherence to EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act to protect public health and the environment.
Frequently asked questions
Back River Waste Water Treatment is located in Baltimore, Maryland, United States, at coordinates 39.299700, -76.494200.
Back River Waste Water Treatment is a biomass power plant that generates electricity by burning organic materials. It has a capacity of 3 MW.
The plant is owned by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City.
Biomass power plants in the United States must comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA), including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and emission limits for pollutants like SOx, NOx, and particulate matter.
With a capacity of 3 MW, Back River Waste Water Treatment is a small-scale power plant. For context, large biomass plants can exceed 100 MW, while typical utility-scale plants range from 50 MW to over 1,000 MW.