Ontario Power Generation
Thunder Bay Generating Station
Thunder Bay Generating Station (GS), in operation since 1963, is located on the shore of Lake Superior in the City of Thunder Bay. It has two coal-fuelled generating units in service that together produce up to 306 megawatts (MW) of electricity. The station uses low sulphur lignite coal from Western Canada and low sulphur sub-bituminous coal from the United States. Annual production is typically in the range of 1500 gigawatt-hours (GWh) or about 1.5 billion kilowatt-hours (KWh), enough to supply over 100,000 households for a year.
Commitment to Excellence
Thunder Bay GS' highly skilled staff of about 150 includes engineers, technicians, mechanical and electrical maintenance tradespeople, plant and equipment operators, environmental technicians, managers and administrators. Together they strive to maintain a workplace that is respectful and supportive of all employees.
Thunder Bay GS began operation in 1963 with one 100 MW coal-fuelled generating unit. In the early 1980s, generating capacity was expanded by adding two coal-fuelled units. In 1984, the original 100 MW unit was removed from service for electricity generation.
Thunder Bay GS recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. One measure of Thunder Bay GS' success is the registration of its environmental management system to the ISO 14001 standard of the International Organization for Standardization. Registration demonstrates to customers and the community that the station is being operated in an environmentally responsible manner.
In addition, Thunder Bay GS is committed to producing electricity safely, reliably, and cost effectively. To achieve these goals, the station emphasizes health and safety, quality management, and a commitment to operations excellence.
Reducing NOx and SO2
Thunder Bay GS uses low sulphur lignite coal from Western Canada and low sulphur subbituminous coal from the Powder River Basin in the United States to reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide. Emissions of nitrogen oxides are controlled by effective operation and maintenance of the two generating units. A new Continuous Emission Monitoring system was installed in 2003.
Reducing Particulate Emissions and Dust
More than 99 per cent of ash particles in the flue (exhaust) gases are removed before the gas is released. These gases are continually monitored to ensure that they meet government standards. The opacity monitors that measure the clarity of the flue gases were replaced in 2004.
About 65 per cent of the recovered fly ash is sold for use as binding materials in cement or as fill for roads. Unsold ash is stored at the station landfill site. To also help prevent fugitive dust problems, coal-handling systems are enclosed and coal piles are compacted and sprayed with water.
Safeguarding Water Quality
Plant water discharge quality is maintained by ensuring that all plant effluents are channeled through two effluent treatment systems - the Furnace Ash Water Treatment System and the Oil/Water Separator System. These treated effluent streams are subject to the MOE's Municipal/Industrial Strategy for Abatement (MISA) limits and are monitored for the presence of various chemicals. Results are reported quarterly to the MOE.
Septic system effluent from the plant is directed to a small Class II Sewage Treatment Plant where it is treated prior to discharge.
Groundwater runoff from the ash landfill site is monitored twice per year. Although covering the landfill site is not required until it is filled to capacity, it has been decided to cover the first section as soon as it is full to prevent rain and other precipitation from penetrating the ash.
This will ensure that leachate contamination of the land surrounding the site does not occur. The first section is expected to be full and capped in 2005.
The temperature of Mission River water, which is used to condense steam, and the temperature at the discharge channel into Lake Superior are measured to ensure that the temperature change meets MOE guidelines. As well, studies are done to determine the station's impact, if any, on fish, vegetation and wildlife.
Enhancing Wildlife Habitat
Waterfowl and other wildlife live in the Mission Island Marsh, a conservation area next to Thunder Bay GS. A boardwalk provides an excellent view of both the marsh and the station. The station has an active partnership with the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority and sponsors many initiatives at the marsh such as viewing scopes, tree planting, upgraded signage, and a children's colouring book.
Station Brochure
Download our Thunder Bay station brochure.
Community Contact
Your community contact is
Derrick Brooks
(807) 625-6400 ext.6457
Community Connection
Find out more about all the ways the Thunder Bay Generating Station is making a difference in your community.