Richmond backs off from Mirant smokestack decision

After warnings that a decision on a permit to allow the Mirant power plant to merge its smokestacks was imminent — paving the way for the plant to produce more air-polluting smoke — staff in Richmond will let the State Air Pollution Control Board make the determination.

It’s a small win for Alexandria in its ongoing dispute with the power plant’s owners. City officials have been trying to close the plant, which they deem a public health hazard. Their efforts have so far failed, in part because the plant provides backup power to the District and Maryland and has been regarded necessary.