US Nitrogen Plans More Tests

By Walter F. Roche Jr.

Officials of a Greene County chemical firm are seeking Tennessee's approval for a protocol to test their facility for compliance with air emission standards during the production of ammonia and ammonium nitrate.
The tests at US Nitrogen in Midway are scheduled to take place on July 21, assuming that the state approves the testing plan.
The proposed test plan was submitted today by US Nitrogen Manager Stephen Wallace to Michelle Owenby of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
According to the proposal the tests are being conducted to "establish a range of ammonia injection rates for the Selective Catalytic Reduction on both ammonia plants to ensure compliance with the nitrous oxide and ammonia emission limits."
The tests, which will be conducted by a separate company, AMP Cherokee Environmental Solutions, will also be used to establish compliance with those two emission limits "at three different fuel gas flow rates."
US Nitrogen also submitted to TDEC its monthly report on the amount of water it pumped from the Nolichucky River for use in the production of ammonium nitrate.
According to the report the company pumped 19.4 million gallons from the river through its 12 mile pipeline in June. On three days, June 1, June 28 and 29, no water was withdrawn from the river.
On two days, June 11 and 12, over 1 million gallons were pumped from the river.
The report also details the amount of water the company pumped back into the river. On eight days, including June 12 to June 14, a minimal amount was discharged. The highest discharge, 631,000 gallons, came on June 23.
The company is required to file the monthly reports under the terms of its TDEC permit.
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