Hartsfield-Jackson Fined $32,000 for Smog-Forming Generators

By Stacy Shelton, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Jul. 16–Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport paid the state $32,000 in fines for operating emergency power generators that spew too much smog-forming pollution into metro Atlanta’s already polluted air.

The airport will also have to pay $1,000 for each hour a dirty generator operates during smog season under a proposed consent order published this week by the state Environmental Protection Division. Smog season ends Sept. 30.

The airport paid a $39,000 fine in 2006 for similar violations. The latest order was issued because airport management failed to meet repair deadlines and maintain complete operating records for the generators.

Under Federal Aviation Administration rules, the airport must crank up emergency generators whenever there are thunderstorms in the area in case the power goes out. The back-up power ensures Hartsfield-Jackson’s control tower can continue directing air traffic.

Lou Musgrove, EPD’s manager of stationary source compliance, said the airport has one remaining generator in violation of state air quality rules.

The proposed consent order has already been signed by the airport’s director of environmental and technical services and the fine paid, even though it is in a 30-day comment period and has not been finalized.

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