Navy to remove diesel generators at island pier

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The U.S. Navy is replacing diesel-powered generators on the Naval Magazine Indian Island (NAVMAG) pier with shore-based electric service from the Jefferson County Public Utility District.

The $4.8 million project, started last year, is slated for completion in June, according to Navy officials. The generators have been used since 2005 to provide electrical power 24/7 to visiting submarines.

The switch to permanent power also eliminates a federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permit required for generator emissions.

“This upgrade not only helps the environment, but it results in cost savings and sustained reliability,” said Cmdr. Nick Vande Griend, NAVMAG commander, in a press release. “The project helps us support the fleet when called upon to do so.”

The contract includes a new, 12.5 kilovolt (kV) medium voltage transmission system, a utility corridor for maintenance work, engineering costs, a new medium voltage switchgear and safety devices along the designated route. Seattle’s North Star Construction is the primary contractor.

The change to shore-based power and the removal of the two diesel generators reduces the island’s carbon footprint and eliminates noise, said Gene King, NAVMAG facilities manager.

“The power will come from Jefferson County Public Utilities District, which means Indian Island will see an increase to our monthly electrical bill, providing increased revenue to JPUD,” King said. “The return on investment coupled with the environmental gains make it a win-win for all.”

NAVMAG figures an average of 18,000 gallons of diesel fuel is used for each submarine visit. While one generator ran power to the submarine, the other generator could serve in a backup role, and maintenance could be conducted on the backup. Bill Kalina, NAVMAG’s environmental site manager, estimates the generators use about 100 gallons of diesel fuel per hour.

“That’s nearly $300 in fuel costs alone per hour,” Kalina said. “We will save money over time with shore-based electrical power.”

Kalina said the diesel power generators produce more pollution than anything else on Indian Island and require an annual permit from the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA). ORCAA is a local government agency charged with regulatory and enforcement authority for air quality issues in Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties. The permit allows NAVMAG to run generators until the installation of permanent shore-based power is completed.

U.S. Navy submarines that come into Port Townsend Bay to dock at Naval Magazine Indian Island are no longer equipped with ballistic missiles, but instead are retrofitted to carry cruise missiles, as well as special operations personnel and payloads such as unmanned underwater vehicles.

Submarines carrying ballistic missiles are serviced at Naval Bay Kitsap-Bangor on Hood Canal.