Lakin Power Plant Directed to Burn Cleaner Fuel Ratio

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued an administrative order directing the City of Lakin to burn the proper fuel mixture in its electric power generators.

The department issued the city an air pollution control permit that requires the city to burn a dual fuel, comprised of natural gas and eight percent number two fuel oil, except during start up. KDHE staff reviewed records for the generator and found the proportion of number two fuel oil was 17 percent.

The order directs the city to burn no more than six percent number two fuel oil in its dual fuel. As an alternative the order allows the city to conduct performance tests on the plan to determine whether modification to the permit limits are warranted.

The order is subject to appeal to the Secretary of Health and Environment.