Mesquite Power

Environment

Mesquite Power operates one of the nation’s cleanest and most efficient natural gas-fueled power plants, located 40 miles west of Phoenix, Ariz. The 1,250 megawatt generating station uses state-of-the-art emissions control technologies. Mesquite Power has some of the lowest operating air emissions of any plant built in the Buckeye Valley and Harquahala areas. The plant produces zero process water discharge and continues to optimize its systems to reduce water usage.

At Mesquite Power, environmental stewardship is a cornerstone of our commitment to the community and to enhancing the relationship with and blending into the Arizona landscape. Here are some of our efforts that are making a difference:

Landscaping

To preserve native vegetation on the 400-acre site, Mesquite Power created a temporary plant nursery to care for thousands of plants that were removed prior to building the facility. With the help of a local landscaper, thousands of mesquite and palo verde trees and cacti from the site were transplanted to the nursery over the course of almost four months. The nursery plants were then brought back as the facility’s natural landscaping following construction completion. Mesquite Power also preserved three areas of the site that had significant mesquite vegetation, making them available to existing wildlife and also acting as visual screening for the facility.

Revegetation project

Mesquite Power is working with vegetation experts from the University of Arizona to restore over 3,000 acres of natural desert vegetation on the company’s property near the power plant. What was once barren farm land is being revegetated with thousands of native plants that were grown in local nurseries. This restoration program will take 10 years to complete on the property surrounding the power facility and, when finished, will be a beautiful habitat suitable for native birds and animals.

Special lighting

Mesquite Power incorporated special lights into its construction design to minimize light pollution. The plant is committed to doing its part to help preserve and restore dark skies, an important initiative across the state of Arizona.

Special fencing

Mesquite Power’s environmental sensitivity also extends to the protection of local wildlife. In conjunction with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Mesquite Power installed special fences throughout the water property’s perimeter that have smooth wire strands at their top and bottom. Wildlife is able to pass over or under these fences and safely access the restored property.

Fire districts

Through a partnership with local fire agencies, including the Buckeye Valley Fire District, Mesquite Power provides needed funds for EMT training, equipment upkeep and program support for various school programs.