The Samuel A. Carlson Generating Station (Carlson Plant) was initially constructed in 1891 in Jamestown, New York, in order to provide street lighting. Located on Steele Street near the Chadakoin River, Carlson Plant is one of the oldest municipal power plants in the United States. It is also the largest municipal power plant in New York State. Since 1923, the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities has managed its operation. Carlson Plant currently utilizes four coal-fired boilers which power two turbine generators that have a maximum output of 50 megawatts.

Prior to the late 1970s, asbestos was incorporated into a variety of materials that insulated equipment associated with the steam system at Carlson Plant. During maintenance procedures, workers removed and applied asbestos-containing pipe covering, packing material, insulating cement, gaskets and block insulation. Inhaling dust and particles from the application and removal of asbestos-containing materials placed workers at risk for developing mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Carlson Plant’s four coal-fired boilers produced steam in order to turn its two turbine generators. The steam was delivered to the turbines through a network of asbestos-covered pipes, pumps, steam traps and valves. Asbestos-containing insulation also covered the turbines. During maintenance procedures on the steam system, laborers removed asbestos-containing insulation. New insulation was applied after maintenance and repairs were completed. Most workers were completely unaware of the dangers of exposure to the asbestos dust and performed their work without masks or protective gear.

Asbestos-containing gaskets were also utilized at Carlson Plant in order to create a tight seal between pipe flanges, valves and pumps. Asbestos-containing packing material was wrapped around pump shafts and valve stems in order to prevent leaks. Laborers replaced asbestos gaskets and packing material during maintenance on pumps and valves. During the replacement process, asbestos dust and fibers were emitted, which workers inhaled.

Roughly once a year, the Carlson Plant in Jamestown went into a maintenance period called shutdown. When a shutdown was ordered, workers performed maintenance on boilers, turbines, valves, pumps and pipes. Worn asbestos insulation was removed from equipment in the steam system using scrapping tools, such as claw hammers and hand saws. When the worn insulation was removed and the repairs were made, new asbestos insulation was applied to the pipes, boilers and turbines. These processes emitted large amounts of asbestos dust. Asbestos dust was also released into work areas of employees who did not participate in shutdowns or have direct contact with asbestos-containing materials.

Our clients understand the importance of securing legal representation as soon as possible after a diagnosis of mesothelioma or lung cancer. If you or a loved one were once employed at the Samuel A. Carlson Generating Station in Jamestown, New York, and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.