Shutter Schiller Station?

Should Schiller Station be shut down?

Several nonprofits and about 50 Portsmouth-area businesses think so.

The group held a rally in Prescott Park Wednesday to argue Schiller Station and Merrimack Station in Bow should be shuttered because of the pollution they give off.

"We envision a Seacoast with clean air, and a healthy, thriving economy that supports the scenic and unique character of the area," said Claire Miller, of Toxics Action Center, a non-profit New England advocacy group. "More than fifty businesses have spoken: it’s time for legislators to responsibly retire the coal-burning plants in Bow and Portsmouth, and plan for a smooth transition with support for workers, property redevelopment, and municipal revenues."

The rally was also organized by Citizens for Clean and Fair Power.

Schiller Station, located on Gosling Road next to the Piscataqua River, burns coal, oil, and wood. It's operated by Public Service of New Hampshire.

PSNH spokesman Martin Murray said calls to close Schiller Station and Merrimack Station are "short-sighted." He said they both comply with state and federal clean air regulations.

"These facilities are important, critical fixtures in their communities as clean, economic and reliable sources of energy," he said. "Both plants are also large contributors to the local community, directly employing hundreds of workers and indirectly benefiting many more. They are also the largest or among the largest sources of local tax revenue in each community."

One person who attended Wednesday's rally was Joan Karos, who has lived next to Schiller Station since the 1970s. She suffers from diffuse panbronchiolitis, a lung affliction that she said is exacerbated by fumes from Schiller Station.

"I know first hand what that plant can do to the air quality," she said. "It’s time to put Schiller Station out of commission."