"An Indiana County [PA] power plant deemed one of the nation's biggest polluters operated without federally mandated permits even though it was inspected more than 1,100 times by state officials during the past 25 years, according to state records.

Despite those inspections, the coal-fired facility operated by EME Homer City Generating LP continued to spew pollutants at levels linked to Pennsylvania's status as a leader in premature deaths, respiratory disease and heart attacks, according to court records.

Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency filed a federal lawsuit against Edison Mission Energy -- parent of EME Homer City LP -- and the prior operators of 1,884-megawatt plant, alleging the facility poses a threat to the public's health and the environment in 'downwind communities.'"

Richard Gazarik reports for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review February 14, 2011.
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