Tenaska Generating Station is a 940 megawatt combined cycle natural gas fueled power plant operated by Tenaska Pennsylvania Partners. The power plant produces electricity from both natural gas and steam. The waste heat from the gas turbine is rerouted into the steam turbine.
- Tenaska was listed on the “dirty dozen,” a list of the top twelve polluters in Pennsylvania. Tenaska was ranked #11, emitting over 2.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2020.
- In 2015, residents provided testimony on a number of concerns regarding the combined NPDES and Air Quality Plan Permits. Many were disappointed in the lack of answers given during a preceding Q&A session, as well as lack of transparency from DEP regarding timelines for public participation. Air quality experts questioned Tenaska’s methods in used air models, with particular concern about level of formaldehyde.
- MWA asked DEP to deny Tenaska’s NPDES permit based on deficiencies that were noted in our formal public comment.
- Tenaska has been operating without a Title V Operating permit since they opened in 2018, relying on a patchwork of temporary permits that do not address cumulative impacts of the facility
- Plan approvals are required prior to the construction, installation, and modification of a new facility. Title V permits are obtained after construction of the facility is complete.
Why does this create problems?
Since Tenaska doesn’t have a Title V permit, there are a few issues that arise.
- Enforcement Issues: Regulatory agencies may have limited ability to enforce compliance and assess penalties without the oversight provided by a Title V permit.
- Compliance Monitoring Problems: Title V permits require stricter monitoring and reporting requirements. Without the permit, there may be gaps in monitoring, reporting, and record-keeping, potentially leading to unreported violations.
We have other concerns that we have with the facility and its permits, as they stand right now.
- Insufficient Monitoring: Tenaska is required to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions, which create smog pollution and health issues in neighboring communities. But Tenaska is only required to test its smokestacks for VOC emissions every 2 years. We don’t think this is enough.
- Duct Burners: DEP lets Tenaska monitor air pollution using a yearly fuel consumption standard. But since the plant uses duct burners to change its electricity production, the amount of air pollution generated can vary greatly from that number.
What happens next?
Here’s an overview of the permitting timeline for this facility:
- 2024: PA DEP received Tenaska’s draft Title V permit in July of 2024. There is an 18 month review process.
- 2025: There will likely be an opportunity for public comment in the summer of 2025.
- 2026: PA DEP will probably use the entire 18 months to review the permit and make revisions as required, with a final issuance expected in January 2026.
You can make a difference in the permitting process!
Community voices are extremely important in the permitting process. Here’s how you can help:
- Report complaints about the facility to PA DEP promptly. You can do this either by phone (866-255-5158) or online at www.pa.dep.gov.
- You can report odors (this facility is not allowed to produce any smells outside of its property), and you can also report emissions (visible pollution, emissions into the air, such as smoke, dust, or other pollution coming from the facility).
- Host a PurpleAir monitor. Reach out to Em Hough (em@mtwatershed.com) to see if your property would be a good fit!
- Keep a written, dated record of things you notice about the facility.
- Sign up for updates and attend community meetings to learn more about how you can be engaged in the public comment process and learn more about concerns related to this facility
- Attend your township supervisor meetings to voice your concerns about the facility; request stricter regulations on this power plant!
Finally, please keep in touch! Sign up for MWA’s monthly email newsletter, and reach out to MWA’s community organizer, Em Hough, to get Tenaska-specific updates!
Links/Resources:
Tenaska Plan Approval/Permits (DEP)