Jul. 31--Emissions from a coal-burning Mirant Corp. power plant in Alexandria will improve greatly under a state permit issued yesterday, officials said.

Alexandria residents have complained for years that the 1950s-era plant spewed soot that endangered their health.

"We are hoping to close this chapter and move forward and be a good corporate citizen," Mirant spokeswoman Misty Allen said.

The permit from the state Air Pollution Control Board, which met in Alexandria, requires the plant to redirect its emissions so they flow from two stacks instead of five.

That will shoot the emissions skyward with a greater velocity, causing them to disperse farther from Alexandria, state and Mirant officials said.

The permit also puts limits for the first time on emissions of tiny soot particles, and it reins in releases that contribute to smog and acid rain.

The permit is the toughest the plant has faced. Mirant will spend about $30 million to comply, Allen said.

In a separate agreement with Alexandria, the company will set aside $34 million more for such things as dust control at the plant or local air-quality improvements, she said.

Elizabeth Chimento, an Alexandria activist, was pleased with the changes but said many people still want the plant to shut down someday. Contact Rex Springston at (804) 649-6453 or rspringston@timesdispatch.com.

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Story Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch