What is the
Wánapa Energy Center?
Wánapa
Energy Center is a proposed 1200 megawatt natural gas-fired power-generating
facility. Incorporating the latest in technology, it will be built
in two phases of 600 megawatts each. Initiated by the Confederated
Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, it is two years into
development.
What is a natural
gas-fired energy center?
Fueled by clean
burning natural gas, today's energy centers generate inexpensive
electricity using the most innovative and efficient technology
available. As the natural gas is burned, a combustion process
turns a turbine connected to a primary generator. The resulting
heat generates steam, which turns a second turbine, essentially
using the same heat energy twice.
When will the
energy center be built?
Construction
is currently scheduled to begin in late 2004 with the Center to
be in operation in late 2006.
What would
the energy center look like?
The facility
will initially include a 600 megawatt power block, consisting
of one steam turbine generator, two combustion turbine electric
generators, two heat recovery steam generators, and two exhaust
stacks. The Center will also include a switchyard, cooling towers,
storage tanks and other related facilities. If phase II is built,
it will include another 600 megawatt power block with the same
set of facilities added.
Where
will the new facility be located?
Wánapa,
which means "down by the big river" in the language
of the CTUIR, will be located on about 20 acres of land owned
by the CTUIR east of the city of Umatilla along the Columbia River.
The land was acquired by the CTUIR in the early 1990s along with
2,800 acres that is now designated as a wildlife refuge called
Wanaket. While the lands were acquired at the same time, the energy
center parcel has always been physically separated by Port of
Umatilla lands and zoned, and intended, for industrial purposes.
Why was that
location chosen?
The land, which
is zoned for industrial use, provides a sufficient buffer around
the site, has adequate water and natural gas supplies to support
the power station as well as easy access to electric transmission
lines.
Are there other
natural gas-fired energy centers in the region?
Yes. Deregulation
of the wholesale electricity market resulted in two similar plants
located in the Hermiston area due to the location of transmission
and natural gas lines, as well as the elevation.
Will the CTUIR
partner with any other entities on this project?
Yes. The CTUIR
is the owner of the land and currently there are four other partners
involved: Diamond
Generating Corporation, City
of Hermiston, Eugene Water
and Electric Board, and the Port
of Umatilla.
What level
of risk is the Tribe assuming in moving forward with this project?
Wánapa
will be funded using non-recourse financing, meaning no Tribal
lands or funds are at risk. The CTUIR is assuming no risk in this
project since Diamond Generating will fund the project and develop
it, with involvement from the Wánapa partners.
How much
will the energy center cost and who will pay for its construction?
The 600 megawatt
facility is estimated to cost $400 million and will be funded
primarily by Diamond Generating with earnings, borrowed capital
and other financial resources from the developer. Also, if it
substantially lowers the cost, funding may include tax-exempt
bonds issued by the Wánapa partners.
What will be
done to determine if the energy center will cause negative environmental
impacts?
Extensive studies
will be completed to evaluate potential impacts on air, water,
visual, noise, biological and cultural resources. While minimal
impacts are expected, detailed analyses will be done to determine
the best ways to address concerns and mitigate adverse environmental
effects. This process is being conducted by the US Bureau of Indian
Affairs under requirements of the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA).
What will be
done to protect the environment from negative impacts?
It is the pledge
of the developing partners to meet or exceed all environmental,
health and safety laws and regulations applicable to the Wánapa
Energy Center. We will meet the most stringent federal requirements
and will maintain open communications with Tribal members and
area residents to ensure that all are informed about the project
as it develops. The partners' goal is to have the most environmentally-friendly
facility in the region.
What are the
benefits of this facility?
The plant would
help meet the region's growing demand for power by using efficient,
environmentally sound technology. It will make lower cost electricity
available to the Tribes to use to attract other economic development
to Tribal lands. This new energy supply will assist in providing
alternate sources of electricity so that negative impacts of the
hydroelectric system on the Columbia and Snake Rivers can be reduced.
Other key benefits include job creation and economic development
for the partners involved and the local communities.
How many jobs
would be created during construction and once the plant is operational?
During peak
construction, an average of 200 to 400 jobs will be created. Following
construction, about 30 full time, permanent jobs will be created.
Training opportunities will be funded for Tribal members interested
in working at the Center.
Does this type
of energy center use a significant amount of water?
What will be the source of that water?
This type of
facility uses less water than some other types of power plants
to cool its turbines. The water will come from the Columbia River
using existing and permitted water rights held by the Port of
Umatilla and the City of Hermiston.
What will happen
to the facility's wastewater?
Lined settling
ponds will be used to contain all cooling wastewater, which will
be used four to five times. What does not evaporate as steam will
be used by Wanaket for wetlands or by local irrigators.
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