Yankee Power Generation Facility

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Yankee Power Generation Facility
Posted on 04/17/2025

Update on Yankee Peaker Plan Noise Mitigation Efforts

Posted on 06/06/2025

Rockland Capital shared initial findings from a third-party assessment of the Yankee Street Peaker plant with staff from the City of Centerville, Washington Township and Miami Township, offering the first look at proposed solutions that may help reduce sound coming from the plant.

Rockland initiated the assessment in early April after increased plant operation led to reports of sound disturbances overnight and for long periods of time. While the full report from SVI Bremco, an independent industrial service company for gas power plants, is still under internal review, Rockland shared that the report includes several recommendations, two of which are already in progress. These solutions are expected to be completed by mid-July.

Preliminary solutions:
•    Sealing and securing exterior components: Rockland has started to seal and secure all external panels, access doors and expansion joints to minimize mechanical sound.

•    Installation of sound blankets: Acoustic “sound blankets” are being installed around equipment to limit emissions to 85 decibels. Some turbine readings had previously reached as high as 95 decibels.

In addition, Rockland is evaluating a third recommendation — replacing the plant’s existing exhaust silencers with an upgraded bar-silencer design — for feasibility. Rockland expects to complete that evaluation by late July.

Officials also confirmed that the plant has not operated since April 24, as other power generation facilities within the PJM Interconnection grid have come back online. This has temporarily eased demand on the Yankee Street site. That said, PJM Interconnection will likely require power from the Yankee Street plant in the coming months due to increased use of air conditioning, fans, etc.

Although the facility is located just in Washington Township, its impact on residents has prompted an ongoing response from Centerville, Washington Township and Miami Township. 

The jurisdictions plan to continue meeting with Rockland and regional partners as more data and recommendations become available.
 

Background and History
Posted on 04/17/2025

Since late March and early April 2025, Washington Township has been made aware of growing noise concerns related to the power generation facility at 9975 Yankee Street. Residents from both the City of Centerville and unincorporated areas of the Township, as well as Miami Township, have reported excessive noise and vibrations affecting their homes. Key concerns include increased frequency and duration of facility operations, loud turbine noise disrupting peace, and the negative impact of ongoing noise and vibration on health and quality of life. In response, Washington Township has taken these concerns seriously and has engaged with the City of Centerville, Miami Township, and representatives from Rockland Capital and NAES, the facility operator, to address these issues and explore both immediate and long-term noise mitigation strategies.

Where is the Power Generation Facility located?

The power plant is in unincorporated Washington Township, at 9975 Yankee Street.  The plant is unmanned and is operated out of a larger plant located in Moraine.

What is generating community concern with the operation of the facility?

Since late March and early April 2025, Washington Township has been made aware of growing noise concerns related to the power generation facility at 9975 Yankee Street. Residents from both the City of Centerville and unincorporated areas of the Township, as well as Miami Township, have reported excessive noise and vibrations affecting their homes. Key concerns include increased frequency and duration of facility operations, loud turbine noise disrupting peace, and the negative impact of ongoing noise and vibration on health and quality of life. In response, Washington Township has taken these concerns seriously and has engaged with the City of Centerville, Miami Township, and representatives from Rockland Capital and NAES, the facility operator, to address these issues and explore both immediate and long-term noise mitigation strategies.

Who owns and operates the facility?
Rockland Capital, a private energy investment firm based in The Woodlands, Texas, owns and operates the Yankee Street Power Facility, which it purchased in 2018.  The facility includes seven turbines, originally installed between 1968 and 1970, and generates up to 124 megawatts of electricity - enough to power approximately 124,000 homes.  Rockland Capital specializes in acquiring and improving energy infrastructure across North America and Europe and operates within the PJM Interconnection grid.  PJM Interconnection is a nonprofit organization that manages the flow of electricity and oversees the wholesale energy market for over 65 million people across 13 states and the District of Columbia.  Acting as the "air-traffic controller" for the energy grid, PJM ensures reliable electricity delivery without owning power plants, and it directs facilities like Yankee Street during periods of high demand.
Yankee Peaker Facility
What is the history of the site?
  • 1968-1970: Original construction and installation of 7 turbines.

  • 2018: Site purchased by Rockland Capital.

  • 2021: Trees removed for line clearing: a 10-foot acoustic fence was installed along the northern boundary.

  • 2023: Fewer turbine starts occurred due to fuel limitations.

  • 2025: Recent 13- and 19-hour operation periods have raised community concerns.
Has the Yankee Street plant increased its production?

In 2024, plant owner Rockland Capital says the Yankee Street plant had 285 “starts” compared to 105 “starts” in 2019.  Rockland representatives indicate that a reduction on coal reliance, the increases of renewable power generation and the recent outages of generation have increased the electric supply need of smaller dispatchable plants. Plants like the one on Yankee Street are key to maintaining the PJM system’s reliability. Rockland Capital believes that when the current generation outages are completed the plant will return to normal peaking operations.


Yankee Station Operating Profile

What has changed at the facility in the recent year generating additional noise?

There have been no recent physical modifications to the turbines at the Yankee Street Facility.  However, Rockland Capital has explained that the increased frequency and duration of operations is due to directives from PJM Interconnection, one of several regional grid operators. Increased electricity demand across multiple states, especially during this time of year when other plants are undergoing maintenance or temporarily closed, has led to more frequent station startups and extended operational hours, sometimes running between 13 to 19 hours to meet regional energy needs.

Can Washington Township stop the noise?

Washington Township does not have regulatory authority over the plant, nor do the City of Centerville or Miami Township. However, all three jurisdictions are working closely with Rockland Capital and regional partners to advocate for noise mitigation and increased transparency.

What is being done to reduce the noise?

In response to community concerns, Rockland Capital has taken several steps, including direct communication with residents and hiring a noise mitigation firm, which initially recommended a 60-foot sound wall—an option ultimately deemed not cost-effective. As a next step, Rockland has commissioned a study with engineering firm SVI Bremco to explore alternative noise-reduction solutions, with results expected in the coming weeks. While the Township recognizes the regulatory limitations of the facility—due to its grandfathered status and exemption from local zoning regulations—it is actively exploring solutions with the operator. Washington Township remains committed to working with Rockland Capital to find effective solutions and minimize the facility’s impact on the community.

Stay Informed

If you would like to stay informed on all updates regarding the Yankee Power Generation Facility, please email [email protected] and provide your contact information.