Frequently asked questions

Tenaska selects projects based on the availability of access to transmission, natural gas and water, along with market demand for new generation and a welcoming community. With the growing market demand for low-cost, reliable power across the state and the existing energy infrastructure, we believe there is great opportunity to bring this investment here to Spencer County. We look forward to working with the community to bring this project and its economic benefits to fruition.

Our natural gas facility would only encompass up to 50 acres while; the rest of the site would act as a buffer for neighbors. Outdoor lighting at the facility would warm in color and pointed downward and inward, away from any neighbors. Neutral paint colors and landscaping would also enhance the aesthetic appearance of the facility.

In addition, the combustion turbine generators and other major equipment will be enclosed and include state-of-the-art equipment to reduce the sound of the facility’s 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 the facility’s 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.

The combustion turbine generators and other major equipment will be enclosed and include equipment to reduce the sound of the facility’s operation. The emission control system also has a natural sound-dampening effect.

A project sound study is currently underway, with a major focus on minimizing sound for neighboring properties.

To ensure the reliability of the electric grid amid the generation options available today, fossil fuels will need to be utilized for the foreseeable future. Natural gas is the cleanest and lowest cost fuel for dispatchable power generation available today.

There are state and federal standards related to air quality and natural gas power plants, which Tenaska adheres to without question. Our facility will be designed, built and operated in compliance with these requirements.

The emissions most commonly associated with natural gas-fueled plants are nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. However, through the combination of natural gas as the primary fuel, the state-of-the-art design and the use of best available control technology (BACT), this project’s emissions will be limited. BACT will include an oxidation catalyst and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for emissions control.

Further, 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 and secure facility that protects employees, residents and wildlife. This is demonstrated through the safe operations of the entire Tenaska fleet, which encompasses 7,700 megawatts of generation. More than 70% of Tenaska’s operating fleet currently maintains Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star status, which is granted by the 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 protect human health and the environment.

The facility will need to obtain a water discharge (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, or NPDES) permit to discharge effluent. The permit will establish effluent limits and monitoring requirements. The plant will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the permit. Effluent must meet NPDES permit requirements and be monitored regularly to confirm compliance with those limits.

Impacts on 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 are intended to protect human health and wildlife.

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

• 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 for a natural gas plant. Our philosophy is to work with landowners and communities.

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 info@rockhillgenerating.com with any questions you have.

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.