Former mayor appeals Microsoft permit

QUINCY — Patty Martin, a former Quincy mayor, is one of two people listed as officially appealing Microsoft’s air quality permit.

She said her group, “Microsoft Yes, Air Pollution No,” turned to the state Pollution Control Hearings Board because of concerns about the processes and compliance with some air quality standards needs reviewed, she added.

The three-member board has the authority to overturn the state Department of Ecology’s (DOE) decision on the permit.

The citizens’ group believes the DOE’s decision in not requiring Microsoft to use filters on the generators was “flawed,” Martin said.

Microsoft is expanding its data center in Quincy and adding more diesel generators there in case of a power outage.

The state Department of Ecology approved Microsoft’s air quality permit this fall, allowing the 13 additional back-up generators.

Diesel exhaust emissions are a toxic air pollutant and are regulated as such.

This year, public testimony was gathered before the permit was issued.

The Port of Quincy provided comments in favor of the project, as Microsoft is located in the port’s industrial part.

Pat Boss, the port’s government affairs director, said the DOE completed “a very rigorous review, made a decision and indicated there’s no risk.”

“The DOE did their due diligence and homework,” Boss said. “We felt the DOE did a very good job at reviewing this. They even put in additional safety factors when they did this review.”

Microsoft is able to continue working on its expansion, because a stay wasn’t issued, according to a staff member with the state Pollution Control Hearings Board. A stay hasn’t been requested.

The board is discussing the matter Thursday during a conference call.

A hearing is set for July 14-15 in Ellensburg,

Microsoft can file its own appeal in response.

A Microsoft public affairs representative said he had no comment Friday.