Air Actions, Navajo Nation

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Proposed Actions
Public Hearings
Final Actions

Proposed Actions

Four Corners Power Plant

February 11, 2011 – Supplemental Notice for Public Comment

EPA Supplements October 2010 Proposal for Best Available Retrofit Technology for Four Corners Power Plant with Alternative Option to Result in Greater Emissions Reductions and Visibility Improvement

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposes to allow Four Corners Power Plant (FCPP) to close Units 1 – 3 by 2014 and to meet a NOx limit of 0.098 lb/MMBtu on Units 4 and 5 by July 31, 2018, achievable with the installation and operation of selective catalytic reduction (SCR), in lieu of meeting the emission limits in our October 19, 2010 proposed rulemaking for oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). EPA's analysis of this alternative emission control strategy and our determination that the alternative will result in more progress than our October 2010 proposal towards our national visibility goal at lower cost, is included in the Supplemental Notice.

Public Hearings

EPA scheduled open houses and public hearings to accept comment on our Supplemental Proposal signed February 11, 2011 and our Proposed Rulemaking published October 19, 2010 in the Federal Register. Four open house and public hearing events were held in the Four Corners Area in March 2011.

Transcripts from these public hearings are included below.

October 6, 2010 - Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Best Available Retrofit Technology Determination for Four Corners Power Plant

EPA proposes to cut NOx emissions at nation’s largest source, Four Corners Power Plant

On October 19, 2010, EPA proposed additional pollution controls for the Four Corners Power Plant located on the Navajo Nation near Farmington, New Mexico. EPA is proposed to require the Four Corners Power Plant to meet a plant-wide limit representing an 80% reduction in emissions NOx to achieve cleaner, healthier air while improving the visibility at sixteen of our most pristine national parks and wilderness areas. EPA’s proposal can be achieved by installing and operating selective catalytic reduction (SCR) on all five units. EPA also proposed a PM emission limit for the three smaller units that will require additional controls for fine particles. Reduction of fine particles may help reduce the visible secondary plume that is often emanating from these three units.

EPA will be adding documents to our docket on Regulations.Gov as new information becomes available. The docket is identified by the following Docket Number (EPA-R09-OAR-2010-0683) and can be accessed directly here: EPA's docket for the Proposed Rulemaking on Best Available Control Technology for Four Corners Power Plant.

Contact

Anita Lee (r9air_fcppbart@epa.gov)
Air Permits Office
415-972-3958

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Final Actions

EPA Finalizes Clean Air Plan for Navajo Generating Station

February 25, 2010: Final action on Source-specific Federal Implementation Plan for Navajo Generating Station

EPA finalized a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to regulate emissions from the Navajo Generating Station (NGS), located on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona. The purpose of the FIP is to ensure protection of tribal air resources. The plan previously followed emissions limits established in the Arizona State Implementation Plan. However, EPA's promulgation of the Tribal Authority Rule clarified that State air quality regulations generally could not be extended to facilities located on the reservation. This FIP establishes federally enforceable emissions limitations for sulfur dioxide, total particulate matter, and opacity, and sets a control measures requirement for dust.

Contact Information

Colleen McKaughan (mckaughan.colleen@epa.gov)
Air Division
(520) 498-0118

EPA Finalizes Clean Air Plan for Four Corners Power Plant

April 30, 2007: Final action on Source-specific Federal Implementation Plan for Four Corners Power Plant

EPA finalized a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to regulate emissions from the Four Corners Power Plant (FCPP), located on the Navajo Indian Reservation in New Mexico. The purpose of this FIP is to ensure protection of tribal air resources. The plant previously followed emissions limits in the New Mexico State Implementation Plan. However, EPA’s promulgation of the Tribal Authority Rule clarified that State air quality regulations generally could not be extended to facilities located on the reservation. This FIP establishes federally enforceable emissions limitations for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, total particulate matter, and opacity, and a requirement for control measures for dust. The plan includes significant sulfur dioxide reductions from the facility's historic highs at the 5-unit 2,040 megawatt Four Corners plant, which began operations in 1962. The reductions are the result of a partnership between the Navajo Nation, the Arizona Public Service, the National Park Service, Environmental Defense, Western Resource Advocates, and New Mexico Citizens for Clean Air and Water.