New technologies installed at the coal-fired plant located near Farmington, New Mexico have significantly reduced four primary emissions. Data from the first three of the plant’s four units to be upgraded shows nearly 80% drop in mercury emissions, 20% drop in sulfur dioxide emissions, 30% drop in nitrogen oxide emissions, and a significant reduction in particulate matter emissions.
The upgrades included installation of state-of-the-art mercury control technology, state-of-the-art low-NOx burners and overfire air, particulate baghouse control technology, and systems to increase the scrubbing and removal of SO2.
As part of the agreement, PNM agreed to lower permit levels on emissions and to pay the state for excess emissions while the plant was being upgraded. PNM and the other owners have been accruing the funds in escrow since the settlement was signed and have now paid the state $6.9 million for those emissions. PNM’s portion of that total, based on its ownership of the plant, is 47%.
In addition to bringing cleaner air to the region, the construction project had a significant, positive impact on San Juan County and the Four Corners area. Construction created hundreds of temporary jobs, and the new pollution control equipment is expected to generate millions in new state and local taxes during the next several years.
