ENB Region 2 Completed Applications 01/08/2003

THIS PROJECT WAS ORIGINALLY NOTICED ON  JANUARY 2, 2002.  THE APPLICANT, HOWEVER, HAS REVISED THE APPLICATION TO INCLUDE A REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM.  AS A RESULT, THE DRAFT AIR AND SPDES PERMITS HAVE BEEN MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE CHANGES.   FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE CHANGES TO THE PERMITS PLEASE REFER TO THE REVISED COMBINED NOTICE AT www.dec.state.ny.us/website/ohms/notices/reliant.htm  

The applicant, Orion Power, proposes to repower the existing Astoria Generating Station (AGS).  The repowering will include the installation of six combustion turbines, retirement of four existing boilers and reuse of existing equipment and infrastructure including two steam turbine generators.   The repowering will increase AGS's electric generating capacity from 1,254 MW to 1,816 MW.

The primary fuel will be natural gas with kerosene (0.04 % sulfur by weight) used as back up fuel for a maximum of 750 hours per year..  The applicant proposes to install an oxidation catalyst system to reduce carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), and a selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) to reduce Nitrogen Oxides (NOx).   Air emissions resulting from the turbines and heat reduction steam generators (HRSG) will be directed to six double flue 340 foot tall stacks.   The repowering will incorporate a closed-loop condenser cooling system using a plume abated evaporative cooling tower to cool the circulating-water.

The AGS facility is located at 18-01 20th Avenue in Astoria, Queens and is located within a larger complex known as the Consolidated Edison (ConEd) site.  The ConEd site is bounded on the north and west by the East River, the east by Luyster Creek (Steinway Creek) and 37th street, and the south by 20th Avenue.  

Pursuant to 6NYCRR Part 201, Orion Power has opted to obtain a preconstruction permit and certificate to operate authorizing the construction and operation of the repowered AGS facility, pursuant to 6 NYCRR Subpart 201-6.1, prior to obtaining a Title V permit. In addition, Orion Power is proposing to modify their existing SPDES permit for the AGS facility. The Department has made a tentative determination to approve the air and SPDES applications and a draft permits are available for review. Details regarding the draft permits and the hearing on the permits can be found at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/ohms/notices/orion2.htm

Orion Power also applied for a Prevention of Significant Deterioration pre-construction permit pursuant to  40 CFR 52.21. A copy of the revised  PSD notice can be found at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/ohms/notices/reliantpsd.htm .

As part of the development of Queens West, the applicant proposes to construct the Queens West Waterfront Park (Stages 2, 3 & 4). This shoreline enhancement work includes reconstruction of timber bulkheads and relieving platforms, construction of walkway, storm water outfalls, pile supported and cantilevered balconies, rip-rap armoring and high marsh plantings. The development of Queens West including the Queens West Waterfront Park was the subject of a 1990 Final Environmental  Impact Statement.  The project site is located along the East River from Anable Basin south to Newtown Creek.

The applicant proposes to construct 10 two-family attached houses within the adjacent area of NYSDEC regulated Class I Freshwater Wetland NA-9 (Dongan Hills). All proposed houses will be located at least 50 feet from the wetland. An approximately 40 foot wide deed restricted area of no land alteration will be established between the wetland and the development and will include a 15 foot wide vegetative planting buffer. Storm water from the site will be directed to the wetland and/or on-site drywells to maintain storm water balance to the wetlands. Access to the housing units will be from Slater Boulevard. The project site is located on Slater Boulevard off Father Capodanno Boulevard, Staten Island, Block 3830, Lots 4, 7, 11 and 33.