Proposal for new emission controls on PGE Boardman coal-fired power plant

DEQ is taking the first step in a public conversation about reducing pollution from PGE’s coal-fueled power plant in Boardman by proposing a regulatory concept that calls for stringent emission controls. The proposed controls would cut haze-producing pollution from the plant by over 80 percent within 10 years. DEQ is convening an advisory committee to assess the financial impact of the proposal, and holding two public comment sessions before the agency begins the rule-writing process.

• DEQ's draft proposal for PGE Boardman
• Public process and opportunity to comment
• DEQ's Proposal Factsheet
• Q and A
• News Release
• DEQ's Regional Haze plan
• DEQ's BART Recommendation for PGE Boardman
  • PGE Boardman Modeling Analysis
  • BART analysis submitted by PGE
  • DEQ BART data analysis
  • ERG Technical Memorandum #2
• Draft report to Fiscal Advisory Committee (coming 10/08)

Draft Proposal

DEQ’s draft proposal would require PGE to install stringent emission controls on the Boardman power plant. The proposal would require emission reductions in two phases:

Phase 1: Requires the installation of pollution controls for sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) as required under federal Clean Air Act. These controls would meet federal requirements for installing “Best Available Retrofit Technology” or “BART." They would be required in the 2011-2014 time frame, and dovetail with the installation of previously required controls to reduce mercury pollution.

Phase 2: Requires the installation of additional NOx controls in the 2016-2018 timeframe to minimize Boardman’s NOx emissions. DEQ’s draft proposal (Phase 1 and Phase 2 controls) would reduce total emissions (SO₂ + NOx + Particulate) from the Boardman power plant by about 21,000 tons/year. This represents a 66 percent reduction in Boardman’s emissions by 2011-2014, and an 80 percent reduction in emissions by 2016-2018. These emission controls for the Boardman power plant are part of DEQ’s draft 2008 Regional Haze Plan which will be posted in September. For general information visit the main Regional Haze page.

• Submit comments on the proposal

Public process to consider and comment on proposal

There will be several opportunities to talk to DEQ about the draft proposal for PGE Boardman and to provide input. There are several milestones in DEQ’s upcoming public process to be aware of. If you would like to be notified of these events, click here to have notices sent to you by e-mail.

• In September 2008, DEQ will convene a Fiscal Advisory Committee to help review and clarify the likely economic consequences of DEQ’s proposal for PGE Boardman. These meetings are open to the public and there will be time on the agenda for public comment.
• In October 2008, the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) will hear an informational briefing from staff on DEQ’s proposal for the Boardman power plant, and on the draft 2008 Regional Haze Plan. EQC meetings are open to the public, and there will be time during the meeting for public comment.
• In late October or early November, 2008, DEQ will hold a public workshop to discuss DEQ’s draft proposal and answer questions.

After the workshop, DEQ will consider all the public input received to date, and develop a formal rule proposal for PGE Boardman. DEQ will open a public comment period including a series of public hearings around the state to get additional public comment on the proposed rule. These hearings are tentatively scheduled for January 5-9, 2009.

DEQ will carefully consider all the comments received in developing its final recommendation. DEQ staff are scheduled to make their final recommendation to the EQC in April 2009.

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