Brayton Point Power Station Emissions Offsets

Emissions avoided through closure of the Brayton Point Power Station in Somerset resulted in offsets to be applied to federal permitting of ocean wind energy projects off the coast of Massachusetts.

The Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is making nitrogen oxide (NO_x) and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions offsets from the Brayton Point Power Station Closure available for use in outer continental shelf air quality permits.

These permits are issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1 for offshore wind energy projects when Massachusetts is designated as the corresponding onshore area (COA).

40 CFR Part 55: Outer Continental Shelf Air Regulations requires applicants seeking federal air quality permits for projects located within 25 nautical miles of a state seaward boundary to comply with the air quality requirements of the nearest COA, including applicable permitting requirements.

See below for specific MassDEP actions.

Shutdown of Brayton Point Power Station, Somerset

MassDEP Decision on Emission Offsets, December 2019

Final Attachment 1: Calculation Definitions & Methods

Final Attachment 2: Calculations Spreadsheet

MassDEP Response to Public Comment

MassDEP Proposal for Emissions Offsets, July 2019

Proposed Attachment 1: Calculation Definitions & Methods

Proposed Attachment 2: Calculations Spreadsheet