EPA’s inspectors found that SRP illegally modified two coal-fired electric generating units at the plant, thereby increasing air pollution. SRP was cited for failing to obtain necessary pre-construction permits and failing to install required pollution control equipment to reduce the byproducts of coal combustion, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). SRP’s conduct was outrageous and demonstrated a blatant disregard of fundamental federal environmental law. EPA hammered the utility for its misconduct and SRP duly deserved its punishment.
After being caught by EPA, SRP must install two scrubbers to control SO2, burners to limit NOx, and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit to further control NOx emissions. This is the first settlement ever to require an SCR retrofit of an existing coal-fired electric generating unit in the Western United States. The controls will reduce combined emissions of SO2 and NOx by over 21,000 tons each year.
SRP will also spend $4 million on environmentally beneficial projects to reduce air emissions and mitigate the impacts of the alleged violations. The projects include the following:
Retrofitting public school bus diesel engines in the Phoenix metropolitan area with pollution control equipment;- Installing solar photovoltaic panels on school buildings in Arizona, and funding the maintenance of the panels for at least 10 years; and
- Offering incentives to residential homeowners, such as rebates, toward the replacement of pre-1988 wood stoves with cleaner burning, energy-efficient stoves or hearth appliances.
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