W/NW Steam Plants
- Thread starter ampguy
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n5jrn
Well-known
Pity that Portland's district heating system was scrapped decades ago. Until a few years ago, Seattle had a steam plant of about that vintage that was still being used as a steam plant. I believe it's since been replaced with a new plant across the street, though I'm not living there anymore so I've lost track.
Old industrial facilities are fascinating, particularly when they're still being used for their original purpose.
Old industrial facilities are fascinating, particularly when they're still being used for their original purpose.
Brian Legge
Veteran
Seattle still has one. They've gotten a little more paranoid about photography recently (lots of stacking issues - post 9/11 security concerns, aggressive photographers, a steampunk shoot with some drug paraphernalia or something, etc). Last time I was there, no bags or tripods allowed. Its still a neat place to visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cannelbrae/4635441553/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cannelbrae/4636044582/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cannelbrae/4635445611/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cannelbrae/4635441553/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cannelbrae/4635445611/
ampguy
Veteran
This particular one would have needed a significant rebuild to continue running into the '90s, or to be converted to a clean energy steam plant. Most of the controls, piping, and valves were of '50s and '60s vintage. Since it was privately owned, and the owners also owned the delivery of gas to most business and residential areas, it was probably a financial decision to de-commission it in the '80s, maybe with pressure from the EPA as well as it was burning all kind of nasties: coal, oil, sawdust, whatever.
