The Arthur Kill Powerhouse

Starting operations in 1948, NY´s Arthur Kill Powerhouse was created to supply electricity to Staten Island; an area scarcely populated at the time.  In 1952, it became the property of power generation giant Con-Ed.  When the population of Staten Island started growing, the plant had to grow as well, to satisfy the new energy needs. Thus, the plant was joined by two new units in ´59 and ´69. Today, the powerhouse generates over 865 Mw, to cover the needs of the now largely populated area.

Due to monopoly concerns, in 1999, the NY Public Service Comm. prompted ConEd to sell some of its plants. The Arthur Kill plant was then sold to NRG Energy. 

Asbestos at the Powerhouse
A powerhouse requires major insulations, because of the amount of heat it generates and the fire hazards it involves. Before the ´80s, asbestos, now known to be dangerous to human health, was the preferred insulation material for powerhouses. Asbestos was cheap, fire, heat, and electricity-proof. Thus, it was used in pipes, gaskets, cables, pumps, boils, and turbines, and anywhere insulation was a must.
 
Ironically, asbestos was also used in protective gear. This was an added hazard, since asbestos fibers can be easily inhaled causing mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

These are diseases caused by asbestos fibers lodging in the lining of body organs, which can all be fatal. If you wish to receive further information regarding asbestos exposure, its causes, and solutions, please complete  this form, for a complimentary information package.
 
While the use of asbestos has diminished over the last couple of decades, it is still not prohibited in the US.   Asbestos exposure continues to be a hazard today, all over America. In an attempt to save their public image, many companies have started  asbestos products removal campaigns. ConEd was one of them.