River's flooding closes power plants in Iowa

摘要

At least two Iowa coal-fired power plants along the Cedar River were dealing with floodwaters late last week while the out-of-control river swamped the cities the plants power. Cedar Falls, Iowa, Utilities coal buyer Dave Rusley was answering questions about fuel purchases June 10, although water behind a 500-year-flood levee was within minutes of covering the first floors of the 35-MW unit and 16-MW unit at the Streeter station. Rusley said he had abandoned a "sinking ship" and was waiting to board one of five rescue boats on the way. Therefore, he would not be buying additional coal for the station this year. Earlier, he bought coal from Colorado through Avoca Bement and some Alpha Natural Resources/Knight Hawk Coal Illinois stoker coal.