Article published Apr 21, 2008

State board requires expanded review of Highwood air permit

By Karl Puckett

Tribune Staff Writer

HELENA — The Montana Board of Environmental Review decided today the state’s environmental regulatory agency needs to require stricter emissions standards for tiny particulate emitted from a coal-fired power plant proposed east of Great Falls.

The state already is requiring limits on particulate that’s 10 microns or smaller in the air quality permit for Highwood Generating Station.

The 6-1 decision requires a separate study of the tiniest particles, 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller, and installation of the “best available control technology” to control it.

The tiniest particles are considered the most dangerous because they can get deep into air sacs.

A separate analysis of PM2.5 has never been required in Montana or the anywhere else in the nation, officials with the state, industry and environmental groups said following the ruling.

The decision was lauded by the Montana Environmental Information Center and Citizens for Clean Energy, who asked for the stricter guidelines in an appeal of the Highwood permit to the Board of Environmental Review.

“It’s a terrific victory for public health,” said Anne Hedges of the Montana Environmental Information Center in Helena.

Southern Montana Electric Generation and Transmission officials said the decision could drive up the costs of Highwood.

“I think the process could use some refinement and a little more predictability,” Gregori said of the state approval process. “It makes it difficult for any industry to consider Montana.”

SME first applied for the air permit three years ago and the DEQ issued it in May 2007.

For the complete story, see Tuesday’s Tribune.