AEPCO'S PRACTICE OF SOOT BLOWING ACCUMULATED PARTICULATE MATTER DIRECTLY TO THE GAS EXHAUST CONSTITUTES FAILURE TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH GOOD AIR POLLUTION CONTROL PRACTICES FOR MINIMIZING EMISSIONS, AND IS A VIOLATION OF 40 C.F.R. 60.11(D). REGION IX IS REQUESTING AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT PRE- REFERRAL NEGOTIATIONS AND PLANS TO RESOLVE THIS CASE VIA CONSENT DECREE THAT WILL CALL FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, A PENALTY OF APPROXIMATELY $32,000, AND STIPULATED PENALTIES FOR ANY FUTURE VIOLATIONS. EPA ISSUED A FINDING OF VIOLATION (FOV) TO ARIZONA ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE (AEPCO) ON DECEMBER 30, 1988. EPA AND AEPCO MET TO DISCUSS THE FOV ON JANUARY 24, 1989, AND AGAIN ON MARCH 22, 1989 TO DISCUSS THE PLAN PROPOSED BY AEPCO TO ACHIEVE COMPLIANCE WITH THE NSPS OPACITY STANDARD.