Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Boardman coal-fired power plant would reduce certain emissions it generates by 80 percent in the next ten years, according to a proposal announced Thursday by Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality. Rob Manning reports.

Portland General Electric’s Boardman plant is the largest source of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide in Oregon.

The haze drifting from it has triggered federal regulations over air quality in protected natural areas.

Oregon DEQ is calling for a scrubber to reduce sulfur dioxide.

Andy Ginsberg with DEQ says eventually, Boardman should use a catalytic system for nitrogen pollution.

Andy Ginsberg: “That is the most advanced control technology, it’s the same thing that would be required on a brand-new plant. It would get about 80-plus percent, 84 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions.”

PGE says that the upgrades will likely cost more than the $420 million DEQ estimate - and says that could increase rates.

Environmental groups contend that the timeline and reduction targets could be more aggressive.

The public will weigh in on the proposal this fall, before it’s finalized.