Press Releases

Testing expected to produce a visible plume of exhaust

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) will be testing the capability of Turbine 5 to run on diesel fuel. The test, conducted by General Electric Co., is expected to cause dark exhaust to be released from the smokestacks at the Carrollton Water Plant. The plume will be visible around the city.

This test is part of regular operating procedures. Turbine 5 is a duel-fuel turbine generator that typically runs on natural gas, but can switch to diesel to ensure it has a backup fuel source during rain events. The SWBNO's diesel delivery systems underwent necessary maintenance and repairs to improve its reliability.

The SWBNO’s Environmental Team has been notified and will be on hand to observe the testing. Additionally, the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) has been notified.

This test is a follow-up to a previous attempt to restore Turbine 5’s diesel capability in May 2018. That testing was suspended to ensure Turbine 5 would be available for use during the 2018 hurricane season.

The testing will take place this morning and last approximately an hour. Residents with questions can call 52-WATER or 311.

Turbine 5 is capable of producing 20 megawatts (MW) of 25 Hertz power to run SWBNO's operations.

Turbine 5 was returned to service in March 2018 after undergoing emergency repairs in the aftermath of the summer 2017 flood events. It has successfully performed through two major rain events in 2018 and remains available.

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