|
Conservation
Nuclear:
energy without air pollution
STP
produces clean energy because nuclear fuel does not pollute
the air or produce greenhouse gases. The plant annually
offsets the equivalent of 35 million barrels of oil or
nine million tons of coal, and the small amount of radioactive
waste produced by operations is stored or disposed in
accordance with strict federal regulations.
STP
is quiet as well as clean, and compatible with the environment.
The huge plant site provides protected habitat for several
Threatened species, including bald eagles, peregrine
falcons, white-tailed hawks and alligators. More than
220 species of birds are found nearby. In nine of the
past ten years (1997-2006) the 15-mile area surrounding
STP had the most bird species nationwide in the National
Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count.
STP's
site...a wildlife habitat
STP works with various conservation
and environmental groups to protect and enhance the
environment. The plant site includes an official sanctuary
for waterfowl, the Texas Prairie Wetlands Project near
STP's main entrance on FM 521.
STP's
environmental programs
were formally commended with a U.S. Department of Agriculture
Conservation
Award in 1999.
Recycling
programs
STP ships a variety of materials to be reprocessed for
reuse. Used oil is sent to a recycling vendor, and lead-acid
batteries are recycled as well. The plant recycles more
than a dozen tons of paper annually; each ton saves
about 17 trees, three cubic yards of landfill and the
energy needed to power a typical home for six months.
| 
