GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) Four conservation groups again seek to invalidate an air-quality permit for the coal-fired Highwood Generating Station.

The groups filed an appeal Tuesday with the state Board of Environmental Review.

An attorney with Earthjustice, Jenny Harbine, says the plant lacks effective emission controls to protect public health from fine particulate and hazardous pollutants, including mercury.

Earthjustice is representing Citizens for Clean Energy, the Sierra Club, the Montana Environmental Information Center and the National Parks Conservation Association in the appeal.

Southern Montana Electric and Generation Cooperative, the plant's developer, broke ground on the site last month. SME CEO Tim Gregori says construction would resume Wednesday with crews pouring concrete.

Information from: Great Falls Tribune, http://www.greatfallstribune.com (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-26-08 1450CST | save this article / add to your favorites list