In the chilly wind that blows off the San Francisco Bay, a new energy is emanating from the Potrero Hill neighborhood.
This industrial enclave is experiencing a rebirth, with multimillion-dollar condos, upscale lofts, nightclubs, and restaurants joining a long-standing neighborhood dotted with factories, warehouses, auto repair shops, the city's largest sewage treatment facility — and Mirant's Potrero Generating Plant. The plant supports the thriving San Francisco Bay area, one of the world's most desired addresses for living, working, and vacationing.
Environmental Highlights
- With the exception of the Potrero jets, Potrero units are governed by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's Rule 9-11, and consistently comply with air emission standards.
- Implementation of Rule 9-11 has resulted in a more than 90% reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx).
- Installation of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) equipment at Potrero has been completed and NOx emissions have been reduced.
- Since taking ownership of Potrero in 1999, Mirant has invested over $26 million to reduce NOx emissions at the plant.
- Mirant successfully completed a "clean closure" of the plant's waste ponds, removing all hazardous waste in accordance with California regulations.
- Mirant continues to pursue technologies and operating strategies that will reduce air emissions
Community Outreach
Gifts for Kids in Need
Employees from Mirant California helped coordinate the Holiday Helpers Warehouse community charity that provided needy children with toys, clothing and other items over the holidays. Potrero also set up a Salvation Army Gift Giving Tree in the plant, featuring tag "ornaments" that listed items needed for specific children. Employees bought and wrapped the items and the Salvation Army distributed them.
Taking Pounds Off the "Wasteline"
Last September, Potrero joined other Mirant California locations in the California Coastal Commission's Coastal Cleanup Day. The Mirant group covered approximately two miles of shoreline and collected over 310 pounds of garbage from the ground and water. Potrero employees also participated in the Warm Water Cove Clean-Up in San Francisco.
Child Spree
Mirant California sponsored the Child (shopping) Spree back-to-school event, helping underprivileged children start the new school year with fresh clothes and supplies. Potrero employees and their fellow Mirant California colleagues assisted the children in selecting clothes, shoes, and school items.
Charitable Donations
The Delta Potrero Employee Association is dedicated to coordinating charitable work for our communities. Since 1999, Mirant has donated over $4 million to local charities including:
- Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Hands On San Francisco
- Hunter's Point Boys & Girls Club
- Junior Achievement of the Bay Area, Inc.
- Potrero Hill Neighborhood & House, Inc.
- San Francisco Food Bank
- United Way of the Bay Area (won Mirant award for highest participation rate in the company in 2007 and 2008)