Local Air Quality

Here are some of the conclusions from the 2007 Final Environmental Impact Statement regarding the Highwood Generating Station (HGS).

• HGS operations would result in long-term minor to moderate degradation of local air quality.

• Off-site impacts on PSD Class I increments and Air Quality Related Values (AQRVs) – regional haze and acid deposition – would likely range from negligible to moderate in intensity.

All conclusions made in the impact statement assume that Southern Montana Electric constructs a facility and captures, monitors, and regulates emissions as specified. There is no guarantee they will actually do that. It is possible that HGS emissions could exceed anticipated ones and that they will simply allow this and wait for the state to regulate or fine them. The report essentially says that under a best case scenario, a minor or moderate impact on air quality is projected. This doesn’t make me feel clean all over. Is a potentially moderate impact in our awesome air quality and clear Western skies acceptable? (see EPA visibility trends and Cleanest Cities - GF is 4th!) How do individual taxpayers in this region benefit from the proposed coal plant from a long-term quality of life or economic perspective? Since the city is involved in this project we deserve to know the specifics. Unlock the vault.