Aurora Energy Coal Power Plant Fairbanks, Alaska

Aurora Energy LLC (Chena Plant)

Aurora Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Usibelli Coal Mine Inc., took over operations of the Chena Power Plant and District Heat System in Fairbanks in 1998. This plant provides steam and hot water for approximately 165 consumers in Fairbanks, as well as generating up to 25 Mw of electricity which it sells to the Golden Valley Electric Association. This plant uses approximately 210,000 tons of coal per year and produces ~350,000 metric tons of CO2 per year. In 2006, this facility installed a full baghouse which captures the fly ash. In 2011 a study(4.2 MB) sampled coal ash from this facility that was being used as fill and found high levels of toxic compounds including arsenic, mercury, and vanadium. The EPA launched a preliminary investigation in 2012 and based on that work plans to return for a full hazard assessment of the facility later in the year which could include listing on the National Priorities List (a.k.a. Superfund). In early 2013 an injury and a worker complaint raised questions about safety practices at Aurora.