[1][2] The plant, owned by TransAlta, is situated on 11,000 acres (4,500 ha) and at its peak, generated energy ample enough to power Los Angeles.

(Bonneville Power Administration 1980 EIS) In following the 2011 agreement to close the plant, the first boiler was shut down in 2020 with the second unit planned for closure in 2025.

[4] To complete this transition, TransAlta received an expedited permit, and is also exempt from any Environmental Impact Assessment that would otherwise be required.

Mercury pollution is a bio cumulative neurotoxin which causes brain damage in humans and is especially dangerous for children and pregnant or nursing mothers.

Key to the agreement is TransAlta's willingness to voluntarily reduce mercury emissions by at least 50 percent by 2012 to address air quality concerns in the region.

Additionally, continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) for mercury measurement was certified by the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC).

[16] Future plans for the site include the operating of several green energy facilities, including generating power via hydrogen and nuclear fusion, and the decommissioning of the Centralia Coal Mine is expected to incorporate renewable energy machinery as the coal plant closes.

The company created a $20 million fund for training and educational work programs for remaining employees of the plant.