Monticello Steam Electric Station and Mines
Background
Monticello Steam Electric Station is a three unit lignite-fired power plant. Many Luminant plants are named after nearby bodies of water or nearby geological locations, such as Lake Monticello. Some Luminant plants, such as Monticello, are fueled by Texas lignite from nearby mines, supplemented by coal brought by train from the Western United States.
Economic Impact to the Area
Luminant is proud to be a major contributor to the economy in areas where it maintains and operates facilities. Luminant produces an annual economic benefit of more than $1.2 Billion across Texas through power plant payrolls, purchases, contracts, taxes paid and other expenditures.
History
Unit 1 of the Monticello Steam Electric Station began operation in 1974, unit 2 became operational in 1975, and the last unit, unit 3, became operational in 1978. In 1991, the Monticello mining operation added a Cross-Pit Spreader to move massive amounts of earth and uncover the lignite coal. A rail system brings lignite to the plant from outlying mining areas. The plant also receives rail shipments of coal from Wyoming's Powder River Basin, to supplement and extend the life of the Texas lignite reserves.
Awards
Luminant has received numerous awards over past years from a variety of regulatory, conservation, municipal and other organizations. Safety is a priority at all company facilities.
Environmental Equipment and Accomplishments
At Luminant, we care about the air we share. Luminant is committed to innovative leadership in managing environmental issues, including minimizing its own impact on the environment without sacrificing the interests of future generations.
As part of the overall program to protect clean air, all Luminant plants have been modified to reduce emissions, through equipment and/or operational changes. Because of these initiatives, Luminant has been a leader in reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in Texas. At the Monticello plant, electrostatic precipitators and a bag house filter system remove particulate matter, and a scrubber removes sulfur dioxide. Special burners are used in the boiler system to hold down the formation of nitrogen oxide.
Some of the ash byproducts from the lignite operation are recycled into products including concrete, ready-mix cement, road de-icing material, clay bricks and concrete blocks.
The Monticello plant is cooled by 2,000-acre Lake Monticello, which is a popular site for fishing and recreation.
Monticello participates annually in the Mickey Leland Environmental Internship Program to encourage the participation of minorities, women, and economically disadvantaged students regarding environmental issues and policies.
Civic
Luminant has a rich history of community leadership through employee volunteerism, employee contributions and company financial support. Employees of the plant support a variety of organizations in their community. United Way and Energy Aid receive employee contributions through payroll deductions as well as personal donations.
