EPA takes over responsibility for N.D. air quality plan
Section 169 of the Clean Air Act was enacted to establish a national visibility protection goal. It calls for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish rules to ensure reasonable progress towards meeting this national goal. It also gives states the primary authority to implement the visibility protection requirements through state implementation plans. The EPA’s role is to provide oversight and assume authority if a state’s plan is inadequate.
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The goal of regional haze regulation is to improve visibility in Class I areas, such as national parks and wilderness areas. It is not a health-based requirement. The intent of the regulation is to return the ambient air clarity to “natural background” levels by 2064. In the meantime, eligible facilities must demonstrate reasonable progress toward reducing those emissions that are known to contribute to haze, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), NOx and particulate matter. In its state implementation plan, North Dakota determined the necessary NOx reductions would be achieved at Coal Creek Station as a result of Great River Energy’s DryFiningTM system and the installation of further traditional controls. After investing millions into the first-of-its-kind technology, the plant is expected to emit 40 percent less SO2 and 20 percent less NOx than prior to the installation. |
The EPA recently announced its intention to exercise this authority. On Sept. 21, the EPA published its determination to approve part of North Dakota’s state implementation plan and override certain aspects regarding the implementation of regional haze regulations for several power plants with respect to nitrogen oxides (NOx). Known as a federal implementation plan, the EPA’s oversight will apply to NOx regulation of Great River Energy’s Coal Creek Station units.
EPA has proposed an emissions limit that would require the use of selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) technology at Coal Creek Station. Because NOx emissions from Coal Creek Station have already been significantly reduced as a result of the DryFining installation, SNCR would have minimal impact on visibility and is not a cost-effective technology.
The EPA is currently accepting public comments on its determination and will host a public hearing in mid-October. Great River Energy will testify at the hearing as well as provide written comments to the EPA.
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