The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued partial approval and partial disapproval for a regional haze plan submitted by Utah that will reduce haze-forming emissions in the state’s National Parks and Wilderness Areas.
The plan is required under the Clean Air Act to protect those areas, which are considered “Class I” areas, and includes measures to address particulate matter emissions from power plants in Emery County. The EPA approved those points of Utah’s plan, but has also issued a federal plan that will require PacifiCorp’s Hunter and Huntington power plants to install emission control technologies on four electrical generating units. These additional controls are projected to reduce annual nitrogen oxide emissions by 9,885 tons.
“EPA is taking action to cut harmful haze pollution at some of our nation’s most treasured and popular National Parks,” Shaun McGrath, EPA Region 8 Administrator. said. “The steps included in this plan will rely on proven, widely used pollution control strategies used at power plants across the country, protect public health, and improve visibility for those who visit our Western parks for years to come.”
This plan will benefit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, as well as seven other parts and wilderness areas.
Alerts Sign-up