Case Studies

Ontario Power Generation - Courtright, Ontario

Building an Ammonia Pipeline

"We had complete confidence in their abilities. Meeting the deadlines on the ammonia pipeline was very important to our company and the community. Terra understood that and they delivered."

Frank Chiarotto, Site Manager
Ontario Power Generation, Ontario, Canada

CHALLENGE: To reduce smog-producing nitrogen oxides emissions from its coal-fired generating station, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) invested in the installation of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) equipment at Lambton GS. Original plans called for onsite anhydrous ammonia tanks to supply the SCR. Significant capital infrastructure costs and safety investments were needed to build and maintain the tanks.

SOLUTION: Terra's facility in Courtright, Ontario, manufactures anhydrous ammonia just a few miles south of Lambton Generating Station. Because of this close proximity, OPG decided a direct supply pipeline from the Courtright plant to the Lambton plant was the most cost effective. Working with Lambton station staff, Terra staff coordinated this ambitious project.

"Knowing how to deal with and handle ammonia, pipelines, valves and vaporizers was Terra's strengths. It's their business. We worked out an alliance, and Terra really took over from there," said Frank Chiarotto, Lambton Plant Manager. "They took on everything from securing releases from landowners to engineering, installation and maintenance of the pipeline. We had complete confidence in their ability."

The pipeline project was completed in 2001, on schedule and meeting all OPG requirements. Today, the Lambton Generating Station has one of the lowest NOx emissions of the 194 coal fired generating stations affecting the SW Ontario airshed.

"Meeting the deadlines on the ammonia pipeline was very important to our company and the community," said Chiarotto. "Terra understood that and they delivered. They're very knowledgeable in all aspects of anhydrous ammonia and related systems, and always a phone call away if we need them. It's a strong partnership."