SPECIAL PUBLICATION NO. 27


various forms of peat fuel. They are formed in the atmosphere from non-
methane hydrocarbons and nitrogen dioxide and are controlled by emis-
sion controls on non-methane hydrocarbons.
 Metals may be concentrated in the organic or inorganic fraction of peat
as a consequence of water flow through peat or by deposition from the
atmosphere. These metals may be volatilized at high combustion temper-
atures or emitted as gaseous molecules. The behavior and effects of
these metals are complex (King, et al., 1980).
 Emissions of reduced sulfur, nitrogen compounds and halogen com-
pounds may all exceed allowable levels from synthetic fuel plants (King,
et al., 1980). The effects of reduced sulfur emissions and nitrogen com-
pounds (other than NOx) are dependent on meteorological conditions and
ambient air chemistry and quality. The emissions of particulate matter
and plume condensation may cause visibility reduction in the immediate
vicinity of the combustion source when various forms of peat fuel are
burned directly. The extent of this effect will depend on the rate of wind
dispersion of emitted materials (King, et al., 1980).
 Combustion sources will generate water vapor which may condense
and precipitate downwind of the processing plant. If water vapor com-
bines with SOx, acid mists may be formed (King, et al., 1980).
 Production of peat energy will necessitate emission of carbon dioxide.
The production of CO2 will contribute to the global carbon dioxide build-
up, the significance of which is still subject to debate (King, et al., 1980).

 The Effects of Peat Mining on Topography

 by
 Thomas M. Scott

 Peat is currently mined from deposits formed in a number of specific
geologic settings. These include bayhead swamps, closed depressions or
karst basins, river valley marshes and large, flat, poorly drained areas
such as the Everglades.
 Closed depressions or karst basins occur predominantly in north and
central Florida. The depressions or basins are the result of sinkhole for-
mation and do not have surface outlets for water. Topography of this
type of deposit is shown in Figure 24.
 River valley and bayhead swamp deposits occur throughout much of
the state. Notable examples of these are the upper St. Johns River Valley
and Oklawaha River Valley peat deposits (Figure 13) and the Santa Fe
Swamp peat deposit (Figure 14). These areas have surface drainage by
streams and rivers. The general topography of the deposits is shown in
Figures 25, 26 and 27.
 In general, the large, flat, poorly drained areas of peat development are
 in south Florida, south of latitude 290N (Davis, 1946). The Everglades
 and its associated peats are a typical example of this type of peat
 deposit. The topography of this type of deposit is shown in Figure 28.