PNM settles pollution violations

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - PNM, the state's largest electric utility, has paid the state of New Mexico $6.9 million to settle air quality violations earlier in the decade at the San Juan Generating Station in northwestern New Mexico.

The state Environment Department says the money represents the largest payment in the agency's history.

It goes into the state general fund.

The violations occurred between 2005 and 2008 after PNM, the state, the Grand Canyon Trust and the Sierra Club entered into a federal consent decree for previous air quality violations at the plant in the Four Corners between 2001 and 2004.

PNM has completed a three-year, $330 million environmental upgrade at the generating station at Waterflow.

PNM says the improvements will reduce emissions by about 14,000 tons annually.