It's the ninth most populous of California's 58 counties — and people and business just keep pouring in.
Contra Costa County has experienced a population boom since 1990, thanks to a growing California economy — the seventh largest in the world — and the perennial high ranking of the San Francisco Bay Area as a "Top 10" place to live and work. Mirant's Contra Costa Power Plant supports the increasing growth of this region with power generation that has progressively become cleaner and more reliable.
Environmental Highlights
- Mirant has invested over $18 million to reduce NOx emissions at Contra Costa. This includes installation of low NOx burners, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) equipment, and separated over-fire air equipment.
- Mirant continues to pursue technologies and operating strategies that will reduce air emissions.
Like other Mirant units in California, Contra Costa is governed by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's Rule 9-11, and consistently complies with air emission standards.
- Implementation of Rule 9-11 has resulted in a more than 90% reduction in NOx (nitrogen oxide).
Community Outreach
Gifts for Kids in Need
Employees from Mirant California helped coordinate the Holiday Helpers Warehouse, a community charity that provided needy children with toys, clothing and other items over the holidays.
Support for Middle School Metal Shop
In 2006, employees from Pittsburg and nearby Contra Costa Generating Plant teamed up to donate equipment and mechanical repair services to keep metal shop classes open at Willis Jepson Middle School.
Partnership with Antioch High School
Contra Costa is a key corporate partner to nearby Antioch High School, sponsoring and assisting with a number of school activities — from vocational electrical training to the school's community garden.
Library Operations
Mirant's contributions have enabled several library branches in underprivileged neighborhoods to maintain longer operating hours, providing greater access to this critical community resource.
Charitable Donations
- Junior Achievement of the Bay Area, Inc.
- Meals on Wheels
- Mt. Diablo Habitat for Humanity
- Project Second Chance, Inc.
- Soroptimist International
- United Way of the Bay Area
- Antioch Kiwanis Club
- Antioch Rivertown Association
- Community Violence Solutions
- Contra Costa Council
- Contra Costa County Libraries
- Contra Costa Food Bank
- East County Boys & Girls Club
- Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Benefits of Competition in California