Environmental Stewardship

Continual Environmental Improvement

Throughout the NU system and in all facets of our operations, we are continually improving our processes to mitigate our ecological impacts and make positive contributions that have earned us recognition as a regional steward of the environment.

• PCB remediation – NU continues its voluntary reduction of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) throughout its system companies. NU is in the process of replacing PCB-contaminated transformers and other oil-filled equipment in locations where PCB levels pose an unacceptable risk. NU has already removed or replaced PCB transformers in or near schools, hospitals, multi-family homes, apartment buildings and other high occupancy buildings.
  
  
• Wastewater discharges – Process changes instituted as part of the refurbishing of PSNH's Merrimack Station Unit 2 boiler reduced the amount of process water discharged into the Merrimack River by 77 percent. In addition, sodium hydroxide usage was reduced by 4 to 10 percent.
  
  
• Wetlands and endangered species – WMECO has mapped all wetlands and endangered species areas on the distribution maps used by its employees in the field and procedures have been developed to minimize construction and maintenance impacts in those areas. Meanwhile PSNH has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to improve habitat for the New England Cottontail on utility rights-of-ways.
  
  
• Bio-remediation – PSNH is using a revolutionary program to minimize habitat degradation from oil spills and the subsequent cleanup. The program uses bacteria to remove oil from soil, allowing the soil to be left in place instead of being transferred to a landfill.
  
  
• Invasive species control – PSNH partners with New England Wetlands to remove the invasive plant phragmites from the environment. In an innovative reuse, phragmites can be utilized as roofing material and in pellets for burning as an fuel source. 
  
  
• Alternative fuels – In 2001, CL&P implemented an alternative fuel program. From April to November, field vehicles like bucket trucks and other Class 4 heavy trucks are fueled using a soy-based bio-diesel. During these months, approximately 33 percent of the diesel fuel used by NU's transportation fleet is bio-diesel.