State retains Microsoft permit

QUINCY - The state Pollution Control Hearings Board won't stop Microsoft's data center expansion in Quincy or the approval for 13 more diesel generators there.

The group, titled "Microsoft Yes, Toxic Air Pollution No (MYTAPN)," asked for the state board to stop work while its case is pending before the board, according to state documents released this week.

It's because stopping the work "is not necessary to prevent irreparable harm because the facility will be operating at considerably less than its authorized capacity during the course of these proceedings," according to the board order denying the request. 

MYTAPN's requestis due to possible health risks from the generators' emissions, according to the documents.

Diesel engine emissions are a toxic air pollutant and regulated by the state.

"Additionally, the stipulation ensures that the lower emission limits provided in the 2010 Approval Order will apply to the original 24 generator engines in lieu of the 2009 Approval Order limits and provides that operations related to acceptance testing of the engines and generators are subject to the emission limits in the 2010 Approval Order," state the documents.

MYTAPN request came after the company was allowed by the state Department of Ecology to add 13 more diesel generators to the growing data center last year.

The generators are used for backup power if electricity is lost.

MYTAPN's case before the state Pollution Control Hearing Board continues with a hearing in Ellensburg Aug. 5.