Downturn in construction industry forces power plant to haul byproduct ash to landfill

A peaker power plant in south Hanford is feeling the impact of the decline of construction activity in the current economy. Since it began operating in 1991, the GWF Power Systems on Idaho Avenue has sold fly and bed ash -- byproduct resulting from the burning of fuel to make steam and electricity -- to the cement industry as an ingredient, as part of a settlement agreement with the city.

But the demand for such material has declined below what GWF produces since the recession, making its recycling difficult. The company is left with no alternative but to throw it away, officials say.

On Tuesday, the Hanford City Council is scheduled to consider an amendment to the 1991 settlement agreement with GWF that would allow the disposal of excess ash in a licensed landfill.

City officials say that because of the cost of landfill disposal, GWF would only use this method as a last resort.

The proposed amendment calls the situation "temporary," but also notes that "it is impossible to provide a precise time frame when the cement production and synthetic gypsum needs will return to normal."

In other business, the City Council will also consider:

-- authorization to purchase two new pump control panels from Graybar Electric Co. of Fresno for water wells for $158,900.

-- authorization to purchase signal poles and mast arms for the 13th Avenue traffic signal at the Hanford Learning Center from McCain Inc. for $28,870.

The Hanford City Council meets for a study session at 4 p.m. and reconvenes for a regular session at 7:30 p.m. every first and third Tuesday in the Council Chambers, Civic Auditorium, 400 N. Douty St.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2429.

(May 4, 2009)