Overview
Lake Mills is an 18.5 MW diesel power plant in Lake Mills, Iowa, United States. Operated by the City of Lake Mills, it provides local grid support using oil as its primary fuel.
Lake Mills is a diesel power plant located in Lake Mills, Iowa, United States. With a capacity of 18.5 MW, it is a small-scale facility serving the local community. The plant is owned and operated by the City of Lake Mills and is currently operational. The plant uses oil as its primary fuel, typical for diesel power plants. In the United States, such facilities are subject to the Clean Air Act (CAA) regulations, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and emission limits for criteria pollutants. As a small diesel plant, it likely operates under state-level permits and may be used for peaking or emergency power. Lake Mills plays a role in local energy reliability, providing backup or supplemental power to the grid. Its small capacity and diesel fuel source mean it has a moderate environmental footprint compared to larger fossil fuel plants. The plant's location in a rural area reduces direct population exposure to emissions.
Environmental context
The plant's use of oil as fuel results in CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, though its small capacity limits overall impact. Proximity to Lake Mills, a small town, means local air quality effects are minimal. Diesel plants typically have lower efficiency than combined-cycle gas turbines. Regulatory compliance under the Clean Air Act helps manage emissions.
Frequently asked questions
The Lake Mills power plant is located in Lake Mills, Iowa, United States, at coordinates 43.417200, -93.532200.
Lake Mills is a diesel power plant that uses oil as its primary fuel to generate electricity.
The Lake Mills plant has a capacity of 18.5 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale power generation facility.
The Lake Mills power plant is owned and operated by the City of Lake Mills.
Diesel power plants in the United States must comply with the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and emission limits for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.