Ongoing dedication to safety by the employees at the Tenaska Ferndale Cogeneration Station earned them the distinguished Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Star Worksite designation presented by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) on July 9, 2008.

The Tenaska Washington Partners Ferndale Cogeneration Station is a combined-cycle cogeneration facility that produces electric power, steam, and hot water from the combustion of natural gas. The electric power generated is transferred to the Puget Sound Energy Company grid. The steam and hot water are transferred to the adjacent Conoco Phillips Refining Company for use in the oil refining process. Tenaska produces electricity and steam on an intermittent basis as electrical demand and economic factors allow. The facility is capable of producing 270 megawatts of electricity, 10 percent of Puget Sound Energy's electric base load. The Ferndale plant has operated safely and reliably since it started generating electricity in 1994. Tenaska Ferndale employees have worked more than 13 years without an occupational injury or illness involving days away from work, an amazing statistic. Tenaska Cogeneration Station, Ferndale, management and employees are committed to a safe and healthful worksite and participation in the VPP. This became very evident to the review team members during the onsite visit. The Tenaska Team was consistent in providing world class programs, processes and answers during the VPP audit.

A well-orchestrated STAR Ceremony was held at the Ferndale site on July 9, 2008. Scott Christensen, Manager of Environmental Health and Safety, Tenaska, Inc. was the Master of Ceremonies. Distinguished guests included: Mike Lebens, President and CEO, Tenaska Operations Group, Tenaska, Inc.; the Honorable Dale Brandland, Washington State Senator, District 42; the Honorable Doug Ericksen, Washington State Representative, District 42; the Honorable Pete Kremen, Whatcom County Executive; Stephen Cant, Assistant Director, Washington Division of Occupational Safety and Health; Mel James, Consultation, Education and Outreach Program Manager, Washington Division of Occupational Safety and Health; and John Geppert, Outreach and Voluntary Services Program Manager, Washington Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

Steve Cant, Assistant Director, and John Geppert, Outreach and Voluntary Services Program Manager, Washington Division of Occupational Safety and Health, stand with the Safety Committee and their STAR Flag.

Tenaska salutes the employees at the Ferndale Cogeneration Station for achieving the prestigious VPP Star Recognition. Bryan Alexander, Operations Manager; Jeremy Benson, Maintenance Mechanic; Judy Boling, Administrative Assistant; Kelly Bonham, Maintenance Manager; Tanya Braumiller, Lab Technician and Plant Operator; A.D. Dumont, Purchasing/Warehouse Coordinator; Scotty Edwards, Control Room Operator; Russ Felder, Plant Operator; Alan Grantham, Control Room Operator; Michael Hunt, Maintenance Mechanic; Andy Jenkins, Plant Operator; Bill Knott, Plant Operator; Ken Kober, Plant Operator; Joe Krawczak, Control Room Operator; Shawn Mason, Control Room Operator; Tim Miller, Plant Manager; Barry Munson, Lead Control Room Operator; Jim Nevins, Instrumentation and Electrical Technician; Diane Perry, Plant Controller; Dave Pilcic, Instrumentation and Electrical Technician; Marty Stangland, Instrumentation and Electrical Technician; Jim Stevens, Maintenance Mechanic; and Mark Young, Plant Engineer.

"The safety of our workforce is the top priority at all Tenaska generating plants, and the Tenaska Ferndale Cogeneration Station has an outstanding safety program," said Tim Miller, plant manager. "On behalf of our employees, we are honored by this award because it recognizes their ongoing commitment and dedication to a safe workplace."

VPP status is approved by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health and the Director of the Department of Labor & Industries for worksite applicants who have achieved outstanding safety and health programs. Only 2000 sites nationally have achieved this elite VPP status. The Tenaska Ferndale Cogeneration Station is one of 26 in the state.

For more information, contact Tim Miller, Plant Manager for the site at 360-380-2119, x1002.

For more information about DOSH’s Voluntary Protection Program, where DOSH and Washington companies work together to improve safety and health programs, call, Tom Norris , Safety and Health VPP Specialist, 360-902-4792.