APS West Phoenix Power Station
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Owned and Operated by:
Arizona Public Service (APS)
Type of Facility:
Natural gas-fired electric power plant
Plant Manager:
Scott Takinen
Ph. 602-250-1253
About the Facility
The West Phoenix Power Station, located at 43rd Avenue and Buckeye Road in Phoenix , has been described as the "granddad" of all APS power production facilities. Its original 18-megawatt (MW) generator, completed in 1930, carried the entire electrical load for Phoenix and nearby towns. It was one of the first semi-outdoor steam electric plants in the country.
The plant has since expanded several times and, by 2003, reached a capacity of about 1,000 MW. The plant consists of five combined-cycle and two combustion-turbine units. Combined-cycle technology is recognized in the industry as the most fuel efficient choice available today for the generation of power. One megawatt serves 250 to 300 averaged-sized homes in the Valley.
The plant's location is critical in maintaining electric system reliability for APS customers in and around the Phoenix area.
APS Environmental Performance Policy
At APS, we believe in promoting a healthy environment for our community and for our business. We are committed to responsible environmental practices that meet all regulatory requirements, and to go beyond those requirements if it's in the best interests of the company and the community we serve. Taking care of our environment and promoting the health and safety of our employees and community is not just our business, it's our obligation.
Environmental Objectives
In conjunction with the efforts of the Good Neighbor Partnership, the West Phoenix Power Station has focused primarily on spill and release prevention during bulk chemical transfer operations. The South Phoenix Industry Challenge/Good Neighbor Partnership identified ammonia as a targeted chemical at the facility.
Two of the combined-cycle power plants use an aqueous solution of 29.4 percent ammonium hydroxide in the operation of its environmental emission control. Procedures for offloading bulk chemicals have been enhanced to focus on personnel safety, as well as release prevention. Personnel communication, system labeling and monitoring controls also have been modified to ensure the safe handling and storage of ammonium hydroxide.
