The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) recently held an open house and a formal public hearing to gauge public opinion on a proposed modification to Air Quality Permit No. 1052 for the Tucson Electric Power (TEP) Irvington/Wilson Sundt Generating Station. 

PDEQ also allowed a public comment period from Feb. 9 to March 12 for people to submit their input.

The project would involve removing two steam units and adding 10 natural gas combustion engines. This process would see an increase in various air pollutants, thus the need for the permit modification. TEP plans to increase its renewable energy use to 30 percent by 2030.

PDEQ has collaborated with TEP, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Park Service, and other consultants so that the permit balances TEP’s desire to update its station and public health. The permit modification would also make the project subject to the Prevention of Significant Deterioration permitting requirements.

For additional information about the permit modification, visit the PDEQ website or call 520-724-7400.