12 June 2006 -- Minnesota Power announced that Burns & McDonnell has been selected to provide preliminary and detailed engineering and project management services for a major emission control upgrade at its Boswell Unit 3, located in Cohasset, Minnesota, US.

The project will include installation of state-of-the-art technology intended to achieve more than 80 percent reductions in SO₂ and NO_x, up to 90 percent reductions in mercury, and significant reductions in particulate matter. The project investment will total nearly $200 million.

A series of studies focusing on various systems and control technologies are currently under way and engineering design work will begin this summer. Pending permit approvals for the emission reduction plan by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, construction is expected to commence in 2007, with completion by year-end 2009. Minnesota Power anticipates current recovery of costs for the project from customers, upon approval of a filing to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission that will be made later this year.

Boswell Unit 3 is a 350-MW pulverized-coal power facility that was commissioned for service in 1973. At Unit 3, Minnesota Power currently controls particulates and SO₂ through a single-stage wet particulate scrubber while NO_x is controlled through burner control techniques.

The planned emission control project at Boswell Unit 3 would address new clean air rules promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The new rules will become effective in 2009 and 2010.