An Efficient Plant

Stanton Station, a lignite-based plant, is located in Stanton, North Dakota. The plant’s net capacity is more than 185 megawatts. It uses lignite coal from the Coteau Properties Freedom Mine, which is about 25 miles west of the plant site. The coal arrives at the plant in 100-ton-capacity rail cars. The plant consumes about 1.2 million tons of lignite each year. Approximately 90,000 tons of lignite are stored on site.

The plant began operating in 1966 with one boiler, but a second “supplemental” boiler was added in 1982. The plant has one turbine generator.

Because of Great River Energy’s commitment to preserving natural resources and the environment, state-of-the-art emissions monitoring systems were installed at Stanton Station. The boilers are equipped with particulate removal systems. The supplemental boiler also has a sulfur dioxide scrubber.

Stanton Station has an extensive safety program to train and update all employees annually on various hazards. Employees attend monthly safety meetings that cover topics such as personal protective equipment, fall protection and respiratory safety. Great River Energy employees at Stanton Station hold one of the longest safety records with 10 years without a lost-time accident, from late 1991 to early 2002.

IBEW 1593 began representing employees at Stanton Station shortly after the plant went on line. Today, nearly 60 Great River Energy employees are represented by the union. Field Services crews at Coal Creek Station are also members of IBEW 1593.