In 1948, New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) constructed the Hickling Power Station. The power station was constructed during a period of rapid expansion for NYSEG, which doubled the company’s electrical output capacity. Located in Corning, New York, Hickling Station was named for former NYSEG vice president William G. Hickling. The power generation equipment at the power station consisted of four boilers that provided steam to two turbine generators, with a maximum output of 85 megawatts. In 1999, AES Corporation purchased Hickling Station, and in 2000, the plant was permanently closed.

Up until the late 1970s, workers at Hickling Station applied and removed asbestos-containing materials during maintenance procedures. Pipe covering, insulating cement, block insulation and gaskets contained asbestos. Workers who handled asbestos-containing materials, or those who worked in the vicinity of where these materials were used, are at risk for developing an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Hickling Station utilized coal-fired boilers and turbine generators in order to generate electricity. The boilers produced steam, which was delivered to the turbine generators through a network of pipes, valves and pumps. In order to increase the efficiency of the steam system, equipment within the system was covered with asbestos-containing insulation. During repairs on the steam system, workers removed asbestos insulation in order to access necessary equipment. When repair procedures were completed, new asbestos-containing insulation was applied. Removing and applying insulation caused asbestos dust and fibers to become airborne.

Roughly once a year, Hickling Station went into a maintenance period called a “shutdown.” During a shutdown, workers performed maintenance on boilers, turbines, pumps and pipes. Worn asbestos insulation was removed from equipment within the steam system and replaced with new insulation. This process was extremely messy and created large dust clouds. Many workers were not aware of the dangers of exposure to asbestos dust, and they carried on their work without wearing protective masks or clothing.

Our clients understand the importance of securing legal representation as soon as possible after a diagnosis of mesothelioma. If you or a loved one once worked at the Hickling Power Station in Corning, New York, or another NYSEG facility, and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, please contact us regarding your legal rights.