The new rules need PGE to install new low-NOX burners and modified overfire air ports in July 2011 to comply with Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) standards for oxides of nitrogen and deploy a dry sorbent injection system in July 2014 to comply with BART standards for sulfur dioxide.
PGE will also be required to conduct pilot studies for the DSI system to verify that set SO2 limits for 2014 and 2018 are achievable, repeal DEQ’s 2009 BART rule and permanently cease coal-fired operation by December 31, 2020.
The $60m retrofit project is expected to reduce the plant’s NOX emissions by about 50%, permitted levels of SO2 emissions by 75%, mercury emissions by 90% and all coal-related emissions from the facility to zero.
PGE plans to proceed with installation of the necessary controls, beginning with the low-NOx burners and mercury controls in July 2011 and analyze the potential options to replace the power from the Boardman Plant or convert the existing plant to a different fuel for sustainable operation.
PGE president and CEO Jim Piro said that PGE has worked hard with Oregon citizens and organizations to gain public support and regulatory approval for an environmentally responsible, workable, cost-effective emissions control strategy and timeline for the Boardman plant.
