Final Response to Petition From New Jersey Regarding SO2 Emissions From the Portland Generating Station

The EPA is making a finding that the coal-fired Portland Generating Station (Portland), owned and operated by GenOn REMA LLC (GenOn), in Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, is emitting air pollutants in violation of the interstate transport provisions of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act). Specifically, the EPA finds that emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO<INF>2</INF>) from Portland significantly contribute to nonattainment and interfere with maintenance of the 1-hour SO<INF>2</INF> national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) in New Jersey. This finding is made in response to a petition submitted by the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) on September 17, 2010. In this action, the EPA is establishing emission limitations and compliance schedules to ensure that Portland will eliminate its significant contribution to nonattainment and interference with maintenance of the 1-hour SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS in New Jersey. Compliance with these limits will permit the continued operation of Portland beyond the 3-month limit established by the CAA for sources subject to a contribution finding.