Frequently asked questions

Tenaska has been a good business neighbor in the region for more than 25 years. We have built positive relationships here and feel like a welcomed and valued member of the greater community. With the growing market demand for reliable power in this region, and the existing infrastructure in Atoka County, we assessed the opportunity to bring additional investment here. We look forward to working with the community to bring this project and its economic benefits to fruition.

The site is attractive because of its access to existing natural gas infrastructure and power transmission corridors. This minimizes the need for new infrastructure.

While there will be some disruption during construction, the operating facility should have minimal impact on neighbors.

The power plant would encompass up to 50 acres of the site. Outdoor lighting at the facility would be pointed downward and inward and would be warm in color. Neutral paint colors and landscaping would enhance the aesthetic look of the facility.

In addition, the combustion turbine generators will be partially enclosed and include equipment to reduce the sound attenuation equipment to reduce the sound of plant operation.

There are a number of factors that influence property values and the housing market. It has been our experience with other Tenaska projects of similar size and design that property values have not been negatively affected by plant operations. In fact, the jobs and increased tax revenue for the community typically have a positive impact on local schools and other amenities that factor into property values.

To ensure the reliability of the electric grid amid the generation options available today, fossil fuels will need to be utilized. This facility will operate primarily on natural gas with ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) as a backup in rare times when natural gas is not available. Natural gas is the cleanest fuel for dispatchable peaking power generation.

The emissions most commonly associated with natural gas-fueled plants are nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO). The proposed combustion turbines utilize dry-low NOx combustion technology to minimize NOx emissions when operating on natural gas. When operating on diesel, water is injected into the combustion process to reduce NOx emissions. Furthermore, since the project is only anticipated to operate intermittently throughout the year during periods of peak demand, overall emissions generated will be limited.

Finally, the project will need to apply for and obtain a Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Permit. That is a thorough permitting process that will require an analysis of air quality impacts to ensure that all applicable state and federal standards are met. Public comment will be taken as part of that permitting process.

Safety is of utmost importance to Tenaska, and we work hard to design a safe plant that is protective of the employees, residents and wildlife. This has been demonstrated through the safe operation of the Tenaska Kiamichi facility, as well as the safe operations of the entire Tenaska fleet, which encompasses 7,700 megawatts of generation. More than 70% of Tenaska’s operating fleet, including Tenaska Kiamichi, currently maintains Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star status, which is conferred by U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and is considered the nation’s highest safety designation.

Additionally, the air and water discharge permits that the facility is required to obtain and comply with are intended to be protective of human health and the environment.

Tenaska has chosen to develop a simple-cycle generation facility, which has lesser water requirements. The amount of water needed will vary based on plant operations, but we anticipate needing up to 300-500 gallons per minute (gpm) on an intermittent basis (roughly 10% of the time). We are evaluating water supply for this facility from both the local rural water district and the existing Tenaska Kiamichi Generating Station.

The plant will need to obtain a water discharge (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, or NPDES) permit to discharge wastewater. The permit will establish wastewater limits and monitoring requirements. Tenaska will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the permit. Maximum daily discharge would be less than 400,000 gallons when operating (roughly 10% of the time).

Wastewater must meet NPDES permit requirements and be monitored regularly to confirm compliance with those limits. The major source of water discharge is from the evaporative cooler. This water (potable/drinking water quality) cools incoming fresh air via evaporation. When discharged, it has the same minerals that were present when brought into the facility; however, the water has been mostly evaporated, leaving the minerals behind.

Impacts to wildlife are expected to be minimal. We will conduct various on-site environmental studies prior to the start of construction to understand and mitigate potential impacts on wildlife. The project will comply with all applicable state and federal permit requirements associated with wildlife, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Additionally, the project’s air and water discharge permits will be protective of both human health and wildlife.

To bring the project to fruition, major permits include, but are not limited to:

• Local permits and approvals (Atoka County)
• Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Air Quality Permit
• Title V Air Operating Permit
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Water Discharge Permit

Tenaska is not a utility and does not have the power of eminent domain. Our philosophy is to work with landowners who want to use their land for energy projects.

Tenaska understands the importance of two-way communication about the project and the need to be responsive to questions. We will continue to talk with local leaders and community members about our plans. At any time, you can fill out our contact form or email community@drovergenerating.com with questions.

Additionally, there will be defined public comment processes as part of the various approvals needed for this project to move forward. Information will be publicized when those opportunities arise.