NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

January 7, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 4

 Contact:  Ali Mirzakhalili, Air Quality Management, (302) 739-9402; or Melinda Carl, Public Affairs, (302) 739-9902

DNREC and Indian River Power LLC Settle Violations of Visible
Emissions Standards at Indian River Power Plant 

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Indian River Power LLC, owner and operator of the Indian River power plant, have reached a settlement to resolve opacity (visible air contaminants such as smoke and dust) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) violations at the electricity generating plant in Sussex County.

As part of the settlement, Indian River Power will investigate and evaluate the opacity violations on Units 3 and 4, implement an optimization plan for the electrostatic precipitators (particulate control devices) for Units 1, 2, 3, and 4, and establish policies to minimize opacity and nitrogen oxides violations.  The settlement will also require Indian River Power to purchase and provide to the Department an Ultrafine Particle Monitor and pay a civil penalty of $5,000.

DNREC's complaint and the consent order are accessible at www.awm.delaware.gov.