Hibbing PUC is penalized for air quality violations, will make changes to improve city’s air

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency sent this bulletin at 08/13/2013 12:07 PM CDT

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For release: Aug. 13, 2013

Contact: Anne Perry Moore, 218-302-6605 

Hibbing PUC is penalized for air quality violations, will make changes to improve city’s air

Duluth, Minn. -- Hibbing residents may be breathing a little easier now that local air quality problems are being addressed, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced today.

The Hibbing Public Utilities Commission (HPUC) is a district heating plant that uses wood- (biomass) and coal-fired boilers to produce electricity and steam heat for downtown Hibbing buildings.

The boilers have been the source of excess particulate matter (dust) and carbon monoxide emissions since 2008. Enforcement actions so far have not resulted in improved air quality and permit compliance. The latest requirement of adding natural gas as a supplemental fuel source for the wood-fired boilers should increase boiler efficiency and eliminate future carbon monoxide violations.

The HPUC has submitted an 18-item compliance plan to eliminate carbon monoxide violations and to properly operate and maintain its filter equipment. The HPUC will also pay a $17,250 civil penalty and spend another $17,250 to perform voluntary actions to reduce dust emissions.

When calculating penalties, the MPCA takes into account how seriously the violations affected the environment, whether they were first-time or repeat violations, and how promptly the violations were reported to authorities. The agency also attempts to recover the calculated economic benefit gained by failure to comply with environmental laws in a timely manner. For a comprehensive list of enforcement actions, refer to the MPCA’s Quarterly summary of enforcement actions webpage (http://www.pca.state.mn.us/pyri3c4).

Minnesota law requires governmental units and contractors to apply for an air quality permit when emitting specific pollutants or chemicals into the air. The MPCA offers outreach and training to help facilities meet their permit requirements. For more information on air quality permits, call Steve Palzkill of the MPCA’s Land and Air Compliance Section at 218-302-6653 or toll-free at 800-657-3864.

Broadcast version:

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has penalized the Hibbing Utilities Commission for air quality violations at its electricity and heating plant in Hibbing.

The commission’s boilers have been the source of excess dust and carbon monoxide emissions for more than five years. Subsequent enforcement actions have not resulted in improved air quality and permit compliance. The latest requirement of adding natural gas as a supplemental fuel source for the wood-fired boilers should increase boiler efficiency and eliminate future carbon monoxide violations.

The Hibbing Public Utilities Commission must complete eighteen required corrective actions and will pay a penalty of seventeen thousand two hundred fifty dollars. It will also spend the same amount to make voluntary dust-emission-control improvements.

For more information about air quality permits and how they help protect Minnesota’s environment, visit the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website.

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The mission of the MPCA is to protect and improve the environment and enhance human health.

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