BOARDMAN — The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is inviting the public to provide feedback on a proposed air quality permit modification for the Amazon Data Services facility in Boardman.

According to DEQ’s press release, the proposed adjustment is to modify an existing air quality permit issued on August 27, 2021, and will expire on August 1, 2026. The modification involves replacing the facility’s current diesel-fueled emergency backup generator with a new one. The change will not increase the facility’s overall emission limits.

Antony Sparrow, public affairs specialist for DEQ, said public notices are standard for all permit actions, modifications and renewals when issuing permits for facilities. The public comment period is a part of DEQ’s general process for issuing permits for facilities across Oregon.

“ It enhances transparency between DEQs actions, the communities and industries that fall under that regulation,” Sparrow said. “Additionally, we are always seeking meaningful engagement with communities near or affected by the industries or individuals that fall under our permitting regulation.”

The environmental organization assesses the types and amounts of pollutants, as well as the facility’s location and determines the permit requirements based on state and federal regulations.

After the public comment period ends, DEQ reviews and responds to all comments received. Based on the feedback, the environmental organization may modify the proposed permit. If the facility meets all legal requirements, DEQ will issue the facility’s air quality permit.

About the facility and permits 

The company operates a data center that houses computer systems and related components, such as telecommunications and data storage systems. The facility also includes data communications equipment, security systems, environmental controls and diesel-fueled emergency backup generators.

The facility’s primary use is the storage, management and dissemination of electronic data. Air pollutants are emitted by diesel-fueled emergency backup generators and fire pump engines, which are activated during a loss of utility power. The generators are solely intended for emergency backup power.

This permit regulates emissions from diesel fuel combustion in the emergency generators during routine maintenance checks, readiness testing and other approved non-emergency uses. 

According to the press release, the special conditions in this permit include several requirements for the permittee including to limit the number of engines operated at one time in any location and the total number of engines used on any given day to reduce short-term air contaminant concentrations. 

Additionally, the facility is encouraged to limit the operation of stationary emergency engines, excluding fire pump engines, for maintenance, routine readiness testing and commissioning on air quality advisory days.

The permit also requires the permittee to maintain manufacturer certifications and specifications for each type and size of emergency generator engine at the facility.

Records showing the installation dates for each emergency generator engine and fire pump must also be kept and made available for review during DEQ inspections. Furthermore, emergency generator engines cannot be used for peak shaving, non-emergency demand response or to generate income by supplying power to the electric grid or other entities.

DEQ monitors compliance with the permit requirements by requiring the facility to use federally approved monitoring practices and standards to track pollutants. The permit includes formulas for calculating emissions and the permittee is required to track fuel usage and hours of operation, calculating facility-wide emissions on a monthly basis. 

The company must submit an emissions report to DEQ annually. In addition, DEQ conducts onsite inspections to verify compliance with emission limitations.

The Amazon Web Services Environmental facility PDX109, which is operated by Amazon Data Services Inc. is located at 75242 Gar Swanson Road in Boardman. 

For additional information and to view the air quality permit and related documents in person at a DEQ office, contact the Eastern Region Air Quality Permit Coordinator to schedule a review appointment call 541-633-2021 or toll-free at 866-863-6668.

The deadline to submit comments is from March 24 to April 24 at 5 p.m. The community can submit written comments by mail to Oregon DEQ Eastern Region Air Quality Permit Coordinator, 475 NE Bellevue Drive, Suite 110, Bend, OR 97701; online via In Your DEQ Online portal; or by email at eraqpermits@deq.oregon.gov.