West Haverstraw Power Generator in Violation of State Air Pollution Control Laws

By M. C. Millman

A column of black smoke was observed shortly after 10 a.m. on July 13 near the Hudson River. The source of the smoke was unknown until an investigation pinpointed the Bowline Point power generator in West Haverstraw last Friday. 

The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) determined that the power generator violated state air pollution control laws in an "opacity exceedance." 

The DEC deemed the cause of the smoke to have been an operator error that the power generator could have avoided. The DEC reported that the unit was back in compliance after five minutes.

According to the DEC, while adjusting natural gas flow to generating station unit 1, the Bowline Point operator inadvertently reduced flow on one pipeline while simultaneously failing to increase the flow on the other line. This disruption resulted in boiler flame issues, increasing the opacity. 

In its violation notice, the DEC said violators of the affected rule are subject to a civil penalty of up to $18,000, plus an additional fine not to exceed $15,000 for each extra day, if any, that a violation continues.

Photo: Lohud/Riverkeeper