Four Corners smog exceeds standard

It’s official. Four Corners smog levels exceeded federal health standards for ozone air pollution last week. A monitor near Navajo Reservoir registered another high reading on June 11, which triggered federal action for New Mexico’s San Juan County.

The region’s two coal-fired power plants, tens of thousands of oil and gas compressors, motor vehicle exhaust, industrial facilities, and gas and chemical vapors are major contributors to the worsening air quality. When these nitrogen oxide emissions combine with volatile organic compounds and cook in the sun, a substance called ozone forms. Ozone, or smog, is particularly toxic for children and those who are active outdoors. When inhaled, ozone triggers respiratory ailments, including reduced lung capacity, bronchitis and aggravation of asthma. Repeated exposure over only a few months can cause permanent lung damage.

Recognizing these health hazards, the Environmental Protection Agency significantly strengthened its air quality standards for ground-level ozone in early March. By signing its most stringent ozone standards ever, the agency took steps to improve public health and protect sensitive trees and plants.

Two years ago, the New Mexico Environmental Department installed an ozone monitor at Navajo Reservoir. In that time, the monitor has registered an average ozone reading of 79 parts per billion, well above the new standard.

“We would need to see a reading of 64 this year at that station to stay in compliance,” explained Mary Uhl, of the New Mexico Air Quality Bureau.

The June 11 reading registered 70 ppb and officially put San Juan County over the edge. The violation will require the most substantial cuts in ozone-forming pollution ever in the Four Corners region. Action will likely be taken against the Four Corners Power Plant and San Juan Generating Station, in addition to the region’s oil and gas wells, natural gas processing plants, and oil refineries.

“The Four Corners Region is in the midst of a health crisis,” said Mike Eisenfeld, of the San Juan Citizens Alliance. “Ozone air pollution is adversely affecting children and families in San Juan County and the surrounding region. We need relief.”

Opponents of the Desert Rock Power Plant added that the violation should challenge the future of the proposed coal-burning facility. They cited the EPA’s assertion that the proposed power plant would not contribute to a violation of ozone health standards, a point that is now moot.

“While this violation is a wake-up call, it’s also an opportunity to develop a strong, lasting clean-up plan,” said Jeremy Nichols, of Rocky Mountain Clean Air Action. “We need to cut smog-forming pollution more than ever to keep us safe and healthy. We need to start by denying the permit for the Desert Rock Power Plant.”

However, Desert Rock is proposed on Navajo land, and the plant can only be regulated by the Navajo Nation EPA.

“We have jurisdiction to control the power plant and oil and gas emissions only in New Mexico,” Uhl said. “We don’t have control over Colorado or the Navajo Nation. We’ll have to work with those entities to bring the area into compliance.”

– Will Sands

Source: http://www.durangotelegraph.com/telegraph.php?inc=/08-06-19/quick.htm