Comment sought on Quincy data center's air permit

QUINCY — A data center in Quincy is proposing to modify an existing air permit to better fit facility operations and growth.

According to the Department of Ecology, these changes require a revised air permit to ensure protection of human health and the environment.

The Sabey Intergate Quincy data center uses cooling units to keep equipment from overheating, as well as backup generators in case of power outages.

The DOE is seeking comment on the changes to Sabey’s original permit issued in 2011. That permit allowed operation of up to 44 backup generators that run on diesel.

Diesel engine exhaust contains fine particles and other gases that can cause health problems for people who are exposed frequently and at high enough levels, according to the DOE.

The proposed changes to the permit include flexibility for potential use of smaller generators and improvements on testing procedures, DOE’s Brook Beeler said. It also allows a longer term for phased growth and adds clarification to certain conditions.

Additional conditions to protect public health from air pollution include limits on the amount of fuel and number of hours the engines can operate.

Comments and questions on the draft air permit should be addressed to Kari Johnson, Department of Ecology, Air Quality Program, 4601 N. Monroe, Spokane, WA 99205.

Comments will be accepted from Dec. 10 through Jan. 10.