Agency Fines Power Plant Reopened in Crisis
The wood-burning Soledad Energy plant that reopened during last year’s energy crisis has been fined $14,900 for smog violations.
The Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District imposed the penalty this week and ordered the plant to conduct inspections because of more than 100 air pollution violations since November. The facility must meet all requirements by July 1 or face more fines.
The plant, which reopened in July, produces nine megawatts of electricity, enough to power 9,000 homes. It closed in 1994 because oil and natural gas were cheaper sources of fuel than wood.
From Staff and Wire Reports
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