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SALT LAKE CITY — Critics say the Utah Department of Environmental Quality wrongly issued an approval order for a new coal-to-liquid facility near Wellington, with groups arguing the state agency failed to properly account for pollution that can come from plant malfunctions or breakdown events.
The state agency granted an approval order to Revolution Fuels under a "minor source" pollution classification in late June. The new facility converts coal into diesel fuel, jet fuel, liquified petroleum gas and naphtha, a flammable solvent or oil used as fuel.
According to the state agency, coal-to-liquid technology has been around since the 1920s, using a process that uses gasification to convert carbon materials to carbon monoxide or synthetic gas.
State air quality officials estimate that the plant will emit up to 20.2 tons of fine particulate each year. After public comment, the agency required modifications for Revolution to operate, including limitations on plant startups and shutdowns, requirements for a plant-wide leak detection system, and better controls to monitor flares.
Critics say the agency did not go far enough to combat pollution from the businesses, ignoring the potential for malfunction emissions altogether and failing to require Revolution to install the best technology available for flare emissions and to control dust from the coal pile.
The Sierra Club wants the Department of Environmental Quality to revoke the approval order, arguing the decision was an "abuse of discretion" and not supported by evidence.
The state agency has maintained that Revolution Fuels complied with all terms and conditions required under the permit to operate.
