One of the lead environmental scientists at Minnesota Power, an ALLETE company, received national recognition for efforts to reduce emissions from electric power plants.
The California-based Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) honored Tim Hagley with its Technology Transfer Award. Hagley was cited for his role in furthering the development of mercury control technologies for the power industry. He helped advance new mercury control technology by providing substantial technical insights on the characteristics of plant designs and operations. Additionally, Hagley was instrumental in gaining approval from Minnesota Power management to host and fund numerous mercury control demonstration projects.
"This is a great honor for Tim and Minnesota Power," said Don Shippar, president of Minnesota Power. "We've maintained a strong record of environmental stewardship over the years, due in no small part to the efforts of Tim and the rest of our technical staff""
Minnesota Power is the only Minnesota utility recognized by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to have achieved quantifiable reductions in mercury emissions between 1990 and 2000. The recognition by the MPCA is part of the state's voluntary mercury reduction program. The program results show Minnesota Power reduced mercury emissions by 15 percent to 20 percent.
"As we strive to achieve efficiencies in power generation, we are always aware of the importance of protecting our environment," said Hank Courtright, EPRI vice president. "We are very proud of those individuals who take the time and energy to understand the scientific issues surrounding power plant emissions and then use their technical expertise to try and reduce those emissions."
Hagley is a senior environmental compliance specialist at Minnesota Power. He joined the company in 1980 and has held various positions, including environmental lab chemist and environmental scientist. Hagley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and is chair of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Mercury Task Force.
EPRI, established in 1973 and headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., manages science and technology projects for the energy and energy services industry worldwide.
edited by Sandy Smith ([email protected])