Washington Business Fall 2016 | Washington Business | Page 20

what’s working: sustainability

Environmental Stewardship
Building on more than a century of providing clean, green power, Avista’s efficiency upgrades to an
iconic hydropower facility is one more example of how Washington employers are leading on climate.

employer: Avista Utilities
location: Spokane
number of employees: 1,711
product: Founded on clean, renewable hydropower in 1889, Avista’s vision of environmental stewardship
has always shaped the company’s operations. From being one of the first in the nation to hire a biologist, to
building the first biomass power generating plant of its kind in 1983, its commitment to being a good steward
has been the company’s constant guide.
Avista generates and transmits electricity and distributes natural gas, while providing innovative energy
solutions for our residential, commercial and industrial customers. Avista serves customers in a 30,000square-mile service territory in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon
and Sanders County, Montana.

innovative environmental stewardship: In April of 2014, Avista began restoration efforts at
the Nine Mile Hydroelectric Facility. The original 1906 turbine generators 1 and 2 at the facility were updated
along with other necessary equipment. These updated turbine generators increase Avista’s generating capacity,
helping meet environmental production goals (Washington I-937 Renewables Portfolio Standards). All of the
turbine and headgate bearings that were replaced have greaseless components. In addition, a new oil/water
separator sump was installed in the powerhouse. Avista also replaced flashboards with a hydraulic spill crest,
improving operational efficiency and generation while providing more consistent reservoir elevations.
Avista has also completed several environmental projects in partnership with others including
extending the Centennial Trail from Sontag
Park to Nine Mile recreation area, building the
Nine Mile boat take-out site as well as wetland
restoration and trout stocking.

in their own words: “The success of
these efforts at Nine Mile reflects Avista’s
core value of linking the business benefits of
our projects to our customers’ and the broader
community’s interest.” — Bruce Howard,
director of environmental affairs, Avista

www.avistautilities.com

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