MEA explains ‘yellow haze’ near Eklutna

EKLUTNA — Matanuska Electric Association says the commissioning process at the Eklunta Generation Station facility is responsible for the yellow-tinged exhaust near Eklutna Monday.

Utility spokesperson Julie Estey said MEA is tuning the devices on the diesel side that scrub the exhaust from the engines and remove the nitrogen oxide from the exhaust.

“We are currently fine-tuning them for operation on diesel fuel so while the commissioning agents work to pinpoint the proper level of aqueous ammonia to inject into our system, the chemical reaction is tinging the exhaust yellow,” Estey said.

She said the haze is not dangerous and hung around for a few hours Monday due to a high-pressure temperature inversion.

After the diesel engines are adjusted for optimum levels, the haze should not be visible, and MEA only plans to run the plant on diesel fuel if there is an interruption in the natural gas supply.

The electric co-op announced in November that it will continue purchasing power from Chugach Electric Association until testing at the plant is completed.

“Electrical progress on the project has been slower than expected, pushing final completion to early 2015,” company spokesman Wes Lindsey said in an email at the time. “Construction is wrapping up and commissioning progress will now drive the final completion date.”