The Minnesota Power Consent Decree addresses violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA) Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program at Minnesota Power?s coal-fired power plants and it?s biomass-and-coal-fired cogeneration plant co-located at a paper mill, all located in Minnesota. This settlement will be the 28th settlement reached under the National Coal Fired Power Plant Initiative (Power Plant Initiative).
Upon full implementation of the proposed Consent Decree, sulfur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) emissions will be reduced by over 13,300 tons per year as measured from 2010 levels. These reductions will secure significant human health and environmental benefits. Based in part on Minnesota Power documents, we estimate that the total value of the injunctive relief package for the settlement is approximately $500,000,000 (this number will be updated once Minnesota Power replies about the costs). Minnesota Power will also pay a civil penalty of $1.4 million and spend a minimum of $4.2 million on environmental mitigation projects.
The settlement is consistent with other EPA system-wide settlements; it complies with all applicable Agency policies and is in the public interest.