POWERGRAMS

Plant Barry research earns national technology honors Rescuing fish at Plant Barry is not only an environmental accomplishment; recent efforts netted two Alabama Power employees a national award from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). EPRI recognized Alabama Power with the Technology Transfer Award for not only being the first company in the United States to install and outfit an entire intake with new high-tech fish- saving screens, but also for pioneering techniques to evaluate the performance of the screens. The innovative "fish friendly" screens installed at Plant Barry's units 4-5 cooling water intake feature elevator buckets that help return trapped fish to the Mobile River. "Alabama Power and Southern Company are on the forefront for fish protection for the entire electric utility industry," said Justin Mitchell, an Environmental Affairs team leader and one of the winners of the EPRI award. "Low-cost fish protection technologies such as these Hydrolox screens benefit our diverse ecosystem as well as maintain our fleet reliability." Joining Mitchell in winning the award for environmental research and development was Jon Ponstein, Environmental Affairs principal engineer. Mitchell accepted the award during EPRI environmental meetings in Charleston, S.C., Feb. 10. Angie Jimmerson, compliance specialist at Plant Barry, accepted the award on behalf of Ponstein. "Alabama Power is ahead of the curve, and the partnership with EPRI is a big part of the reason why," Ponstein said. "With a focus on meeting environmental regulations, these projects help us identify state-of-the-art equipment and cost-effective solutions." Employees from Environmental Affairs and Plant Barry collaborated with EPRI to identify potential benefits of the screens, then created and executed a study at the plant. Paul Hennis, mechanic and general service water system owner, and Jimmerson were on the Barry team installing the screens in 2013 and operating the technology, while providing engineering and compliance support. "The teamwork exhibited by all parties during this study was impressive," said Plant Barry Manager Jay Burdette. "This project is yet another example of how Alabama Power and Southern Company are working with EPRI to find innovative ways to promote environmental stewardship and simultaneously add value for our customers." Alabama Power's Environmental Affairs Department and Plant Barry "made significant achievements in applying EPRI research results or acting as champions for EPRI research programs," said Anda Ray, EPRI's vice president of environment and chief sustainability officer. The Hydrolox molded polymer traveling water screens are innovative because the screen mesh is lighter, stronger and more durable in contrast to those traditionally made with steel. The screen, which protects the plant cooling system, incorporates a unique "cantilevered" design that makes removing fish and debris easier. Meanwhile, fish buckets provide a way to gently move fish from the screens and return them downstream. "We appreciate Jon, Justin, Paul and Angie for their hard work on this project that puts Alabama Power at the forefront of research and development on cost-effective ways to meet new environmental requirements," said Matt Bowden, vice president of Environmental Affairs. The project included Alabama Power staff collecting, identifying, counting and recording the survival of fish for up to 48 hours in a specially designed fish-holding facility built at Plant Barry. "The EPRI co-sponsored installation not only allows Southern Company Generation and Environmental Affairs to learn and gain firsthand operational experience for Plant Barry," Mitchell said, "but may also serve as an application for other utilities nationwide." EPRI awarded Technology Transfer Awards to 38 people representing 24 electric utility companies. "The commitment and collaboration demonstrated by these individuals and teams enables the power industry to continuously improve its safety, reliability and affordability, and be more environmentally responsible for the benefit of their stakeholders and society," said Ray. By Gilbert Nicholson ENVIRONMENT 3 Ponstein, Jimmerson, Hennis and Mitchell at Plant Barry. Photo by Dan Anderson

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