Environmental Improvements
More than $900 million has been spent to install and improve pollution control equipment at Coffeen Energy Center in the past decade. In addition to scrubbers, these improvements include precipitator upgrades on Unit 1 and a new precipitator on Unit 2, new selective catalytic reduction systems as well as a host of other equipment and systems that support cleaner water and air emissions. Since 2008, NO_x emissions have been reduced by 80% and SO₂ emissions have been reduced by over 95%, making Coffeen a very well controlled and low emitting facility.

Preservation and Waste Management
The Energy Center monitors Coffeen Lake for overall fish health and population. Coffeen Lake is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and provides an excellent sport fishery for the public. Lake temperatures are also monitored. A supplemental 73-acre cooling basin and a series of 24 cooling towers were built and placed in service. These are used during hot summer weather to help maintain proper lake temperatures. The Coffeen Energy Center utilizes a closed-loop system for the SO₂ scrubbers to minimize water use.
 
In addition, Coffeen Energy Center grounds are maintained to reduce the possibility of soil or chemical runoff into the lake. For example, oil booms at some discharges prevent oil and coal from entering the lake. Containment walls around tanks ensure that chemicals won’t be transported from the tanks. A cathodic protection system was installed around the plant to reduce the rate of corrosion of underground piping.