The Four Corners Plant is owned by six utilities, including APS, Southern California Edison, Public Service Company of New Mexico and SRP. It is one of the largest polluters in the United States. It ranked first in the U.S. in 2006 for nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from a coal-fired power plant in tons per year, and contributes 48 percent of the nitrogen oxide emissions in the area. Nitrogen oxide is a necessary component for the creation of ozone, but the Farmington area far exceeds its ozone limits. Ozone is an irritating, reactive molecule that can damage forests and crops, degrade nylon, rubber, and other materials, and cause respiratory problems including tissue decay and scar tissue formation, and cell damage by oxidation. It can also create more frequent attacks for individuals with asthma, cause eye irritation, chest pain, coughing, nausea, headaches, and chest congestion and discomfort.
