Action needed: Vantage WI-1 air permits are NOT approved yet. Ozone levels in Ozaukee are high. See what to do

Air Permit Action

Protect Ozaukee’s Air

The DNR has not approved Vantage WI-1’s air permits. This is our window to shape or stop harmful emissions. Ozaukee’s ozone readings are already above the federal standard, which means every ton of NOx and VOC matters.

Permit

Current status

  • Construction permit: 25-MIN-094, status “Requested”
  • Operation permit (FESOP): 24618528A-F01, status “Requested”
  • Facility: Vantage WI-1, Port Washington

Why this matters

  • Ozaukee County 8-hour ozone design values are elevated, including 74 ppb at Grafton and 74 ppb at Harrington Beach. The standard is 70 ppb.
  • Backup diesel generators (they are the size of a mobile home) emit NOx and some VOC, key ozone precursors. Tight, enforceable limits are needed before any permit is issued.

What we are asking DNR to require

  1. Tier 4 Final controls or equivalent add-on controls for all diesel generators.
  2. Ozone-season restrictions: no routine testing or maintenance from May 1 to Sep 30. Automatic curtailment on DNR ozone advisories. If any testing is allowed, keep hours to the bare minimum and schedule at night or early morning.
  3. No simultaneous testing across multiple engines except for documented reliability demonstrations.
  4. Facility-wide caps on NOx and VOC that keep total emissions well below “Moderate” thresholds, with monthly rolling totals and transparent hour tracking.
  5. Batteries first. Use big batteries so short power blips and maintenance do not start the diesel engines. Ask for 20–30 minutes of battery time at full load. UPS and battery design that minimizes generator starts for maintenance.
  6. Cleaner fuel and proof. Use ultra-low sulfur diesel. Add an SCR device to cut NOx. Test the exhaust after startup and regularly. Use sensors to show the system is working. ULSD fuel, initial and periodic performance tests, and parametric monitoring for any SCR systems.

Take action today

  1. Get on the DNR interested-parties list so you receive the draft permit and hearing notice the day they post.
  2. Share this page with neighbors.
  3. Join our local alert list below so we can mobilize fast when the comment window opens.

Copy-paste email to DNR

To: Michael.Szabo@wisconsin.gov

Subject: Add me to the interested party list for Vantage WI-1 air permits

Hello,

Please add me to the notification list for all actions on Vantage WI-1, Port Washington, including Construction Permit 25-MIN-094 and FESOP 24618528A-F01. I request email notice on the day any draft permit, analysis, hearing, or final decision is posted.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your Address], Port Washington, WI
[Your Email] 
[Your Phone]

Sensors: Temperature and flow readings that show the SCR is working.
ULSD: Ultra-low sulfur diesel. Cleaner fuel.
SCR: A box on the exhaust that cuts NOx pollution.
Exhaust test: An independent company measures pollution at the stack.

References

Wisconsin DNR WARP entry for Vantage WI-1 lists permits 25-MIN-094 and 24618528A-F01 with status “Requested.”