a publication of scana corporation war stories ... publication of scana corporation war stories //...

A publication of SCANA Corporation

WAR STORIES // CAMP LEOPOLD // ORCHID PAPERS

SUMMER2016

A publication of SCANA Corporation

For six months in 1945, Bill Watkinson served as a fighter pilot on the USS YORKTOWN. Flying the Navy’s famous Hellcat, he was specially trained as a night fighter. Most of his missions from the carrier were combat air patrol at night. During the signing of the surrender agreement with Japan on Sept. 2, 1945, Watkinson was flying patrol along the Japanese coast.

Now 94, Watkinson has shared his World War II experiences as part of the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum’s video series, “War Stories.” Last December, SCE&G announced a $125,000 donation to the USS YORKTOWN Foundation to fund the preservation of veteran war stories and oral histories. In this issue of Insights, you’ll learn more about this important project.

We’re also pleased to feature in this issue Camp Leopold, an environmental education day camp for South Carolina students in grades 3-7. Operated by the South Carolina Waterfowl Association, the camp provides an outdoor classroom experience focusing on wildlife, upland and wetland ecology. SCE&G has provided funding that will allow students to take field trips to Camp Leopold and participate in camp activities. You’ll read about how the camp is providing life-changing experiences for these kids.

In the course of serving our customers and communities, we strive to ensure that natural resources are preserved for future generations. One example of that commitment is the dramatic transformation that has taken place at our Urquhart Station. Through a series of projects completed in 2015, the retired coal yards have been turned into green space and a walking path. We’re pleased to tell this positive story.

Barnwell County in the southwestern part of South Carolina is continuing to

recover from the economic downturn that led to several major manufacturers closing their local plants. Orchids Paper Products Company has invested more than $110 million in building a new manufacturing facility in Barnwell that will create more than 130 jobs. The Barnwell plant will expand Orchids’ market reach and their story begins on page 2.

Last October, the historic flooding in South Carolina destroyed homes and businesses and uprooted the lives of thousands of people. Although eight months have passed, there are still many South Carolinians who need assistance. The Palmetto SC Region of the American Red Cross continues to work with local, state and federal partners to help our communities recover. In this issue, we highlight the tireless work of the Red Cross in the ongoing recovery effort.

Finally, hurricane season officially began this month, so please keep in touch with SCE&G on Twitter and Facebook. It’s the best way to stay informed in the event of severe weather.

Kevin Marsh, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCANA Corporation

SUMMER 2016 • VOLUME 29, NUMBER 2

2 ComingUpOrchidsOrchids Paper Products Company seeks to expand market reach with new manufacturing facility.

8 WarStories A new video series captures the experiences of those who served on the USS YORKTOWN.

14 ANaturalConnection Camp Leopold gives students a unique outdoor learning experience.

20 AftertheFlood Recovery from the historic flooding in South Carolina is ongoing and the Palmetto SC Region of the American Red Cross is leading the way.

22 LifeAfterCoal Coal-yard clearing transforms landscape at Urquhart Station.

26 IlluminatingSound New lighting upgrades bring Pecknel Music to life.

28 YoungProfessionalsLeadthe WayinNuclear

V.C. Summer chapter of NAYGN recognized for its outreach

Insights is produced three times a year by the SCANA Marketing & Communications Dept. SCANA Corp. is a $13 billion energy-based holding company with subsidiaries

providing electric, natural gas and telecommunications services.

Call 803-217-7628 if you have any comments, questions or ideas for articles, or email [email protected].

Insights can be viewed on the SCANA home page at scana.com/insights.

SCANA Corporation | Mail Code B227 | 220 Operation Way | Cayce, SC 29033-3701

© 2016 SCANA Corporation. All rights reserved.

29 DOLLARS FOR DOERS In their own words.

CoverWorld War II veteran Bill Watkinson served as a fighter pilot on the USS YORKTOWN.

Editor Jim Poindexter

Vice President of Marketing & Communications Cathy Love

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

XX%

Cert no. SCS-COC-00648

30%

BY JIM POINDEXTER | PHOTOS BY ROBERT CLARK

Orchids Paper Products Company seeks to expand market reach with new manufacturing facility.

COMING UP ORCHIDS

Have you ever really looked at a roll of toilet paper? Notice the decorative embossing. The perforations that allow a sheet to be separated from the roll without tearing. The way the roll is perfectly wound around the cardboard tube. It’s a marvel of design and engineering.

At Orchids Paper Products Company in Barnwell, South Carolina, making a standard roll of two-ply bathroom tissue is an ultra-high-tech operation. Based in Pryor, Oklahoma, Orchids Paper specializes in the manufacturing of private label tissue products. The company is in the second phase of construction for a new manufacturing facility adjacent to the Barnwell Regional Airport.

Orchids currently manufactures paper products at its Oklahoma facility and in Mexicali, Mexico through a partnership with Fabrica de Papel San Francisco. Total paper-making capacity at these two sites is approximately 94,000 tons. The company currently serves customers in the south central, lower west coast and some areas of the Southeast. The Barnwell facility will increase total production by over one-

third and allow the company to better serve existing and new markets in the Southeast U.S., according to Eric Diring, vice president of manufacturing.

“The Barnwell facility is a key part of our plan to make Orchids Paper a national company,” Diring said. “The facility will not only grow our capacity but expand our capability as well.”

When completed in 2017, the Barnwell facility will include two converting lines, a paper machine for making tissue paper and a paper recycling facility. One converting line came on line in the first quarter of 2016. A second converting line will go into production in the second quarter of this year.

Initially, the Barnwell facility is focusing on converting bulk tissue paper shipped from the company’s Oklahoma operation until the paper machine begins production in early 2017. The bulk tissue rolls are converted into bathroom tissue, paper towels and napkins. These bulk tissue rolls, referred to as parent rolls, weigh up to 5,000 pounds. On the converting line, the paper is embossed, laminated and perforated, pressed into multiple-ply products,

2 INSIGHTS • SUMMER 2016

With a capacity between 30,000 and 32,000 tons per year, the two converting lines at the Barnwell facility are capable of producing value through ultra-premium grades of tissue products.

SUMMER 2016 • INSIGHTS 3

Workers inspect rebar for the floor of the paper-making

facility. When operational in 2017, the facility will have a

paper-making capacity of up to 40,000 tons per year.


printed with designs, cut into rolls or stacks, wrapped in poly film and boxed for shipping.

“The technology that we’re putting into the plant will allow us to produce an entire range of products and quality, from value grades through ultra-premium grade.” said Plant Manager Romeo Urbinelli. “Currently, our facility in Oklahoma focuses on value and premium tier products. The plant here will allow us to better target customers who want a higher quality product.”

Orchids produces bulk tissue paper from both recycled and virgin fibers. Once the tissue paper machine now under construction becomes operational, the Barnwell facility will produce parent rolls of tissue paper on site. The paper machine will have a paper-making capacity of up to 40,000 tons per year.

“This will be one of the most state-of-the-art tissue paper machines in the world,” said Urbinelli. “We will be able to turn wet pulp into finished tissue in less than 10 seconds.”

Orchids plans to invest approximately $135 million in the new facility and create up to 134 jobs in Barnwell County. SCANA Economic Development and Local Government Manager Scott Neely said the addition of the Orchids facility is part of a positive trend for the county.

“2015 was a good year for Barnwell County,” Neely said. “I am hopeful that the Orchids Paper plant and other recent project announcements will lead to a marked improvement in the unemployment rate in Barnwell County.”

The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Barnwell County, the City of Barnwell and many other allies were involved in the effort to recruit Orchids Paper to Barnwell. SCANA offered incentives to Orchids Paper as part of the overall economic development package submitted for the project.

Orchids’ decision to locate a new facility within the City of Barnwell was welcome news for Barnwell Mayor Edward Lemon. In addition to providing new

For Plant Manager Romeo Urbinelli, having a reliable power supply is critical. Here, Urbinelli talks with SCE&G Large Customer Account Manager Mike Coleman (l) and SCANA Economic

Development and Local Government Manager Scott Neely (r).


investment and jobs, the Orchids plant will also help the City by boosting municipal revenues from water and sewer service.

“In 2009 both of the City’s remaining manufacturing plants closed, resulting in the loss of over 400 jobs,” said Lemon. “The Orchids Paper project represents a new start for manufacturing in the City of Barnwell, and we could not be more pleased with the company’s decision to invest in our community.”

Barnwell County Council Chairman David Kenner also knows the importance of recruiting new industry to the county.

“With the Orchids Paper announcement, Barnwell County started to see a resurgence in manufacturing,” Kenner said. “Manufacturing is vital to our future. We are proud that Orchids Paper selected Barnwell County as the site of the company’s new plant. We view their decision as a vote of confidence in our county and our workforce as we look to build a long- term partnership.”

SCE&G will provide electricity and natural gas to the Orchids facility. Construction for a new electric

substation and natural gas metering and regulating station will begin later this year. A new electric transmission line is also being extended to the site.

Urbinelli said having a reliable cost-competitive power supply to the facility is crucial.

“The paper industry is extremely competitive,” Urbinelli said, “and if you’re not running efficiently, 24/7, you’re not going to be able to compete from a cost standpoint. When we have unscheduled outages, whether power or otherwise, it hurts us in terms of being competitive in the marketplace.”

The Barnwell facility is Orchids’ first greenfield project. Diring said that, during the company’s search for a suitable location South Carolina and Barnwell County were especially responsive to the company’s business needs.

“The state, county and city organizations were and are key to Orchids Paper being successful in the Southeast region of the country,” Diring said. “Orchids is pleased to be able to support Barnwell County and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship as we grow our company.”

Co

mp

any

Pro

file Headquarters:

Located in the MidAmerica Industrial

Park, on a 35-acre industrial site in

northeastern Oklahoma.

Manufactures:Bulk tissue paper converted to a full

product line of consumer paper products.

Products:Private-label, value-tier, premium-tier and

ultra-premium-tier paper towels, bathroom

tissue and paper napkins.

Customers:Primarily value retailers, generally known

as “dollar” stores; grocery stores; grocery

wholesalers; and cooperatives. To a lesser

extent, janitorial and food service stores.

Service area:Orchids provides paper products to

customers located throughout the United

States. Sales efforts are currently focused

on areas within approximately 500 miles of

manufacturing facilities in Pryor, Oklahoma

and Mexicali, Mexico.


A worker monitors the automated packaging system that prepares cases of tissue paper for shipping.


War Stories

BY KEELA GLOVER | PHOTOS BY ROBERT CLARK


A new video series captures the experiences of those who served on

the USS YORKTOWN.


The sky is pitch black as the bomber takes off from the USS YORKTOWN and climbs above the Pacific. At about 2,000 feet, pilot Jim Hancock smells smoke. A crew member investigating the source of the fumes reaches for a nightlight. Suddenly, flames ignite between them. Thinking quickly, the crew member grabs an extinguisher and puts out the fire. But now the instrument panel and windshield are covered in foam. Hancock is flying blind. “Mayday. Mayday,” he yells into the radio.

More than 16 million Americans served in World War II. Today, there are approximately 650,000 living WWII veterans. Like Hancock, most are now in their 90s. According to the U.S. Veterans Administration, 430 veterans pass away each day, taking great moments of history with them.

In order to preserve as many memories from the Greatest Generation for future generations, the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, is using technology to capture, preserve and share personal stories of courage and sacrifice. The War Stories video series

is part of a new initiative to bring the museum to life. It features interviews and footage from the men and women who served our country during times of conflict, especially World War II and the Korean War.

“For the past couple of years, we’ve been taking exhibits that we’ve had in the past that are static and we’re finding ways to give that information in new interactive and immersive ways,” said Christopher Hauff, public information officer. “We’ve done that with holograms and theatrical presentations in our Vietnam Experience and on the YORKTOWN with the Apollo exhibit. We’ve been naturally looking for ways to use technology to tell these stories.”

During the same time, the museum’s staff had used a video camera to gather oral accounts of veterans who visited, documenting what they did during the war and on the YORKTOWN. A grant to provide long-distance learning opportunities for students led to the purchase of additional video equipment and gave staff members the idea to take these accounts used only internally and share them on social media. Last December, SCANA made a $125,000 donation

Touch-screen kiosks stationed throughout the museum areas will present the War Stories project to visitors to the YORKTOWN.


Ninety-four-year-old Bill Watkinson flew most of the aircraft on display aboard the USS YORKTOWN, including the Navy’s famous Hellcat.


to help provide touch screen kiosks that will be stationed throughout the museum areas. Scheduled to be installed in late summer, the kiosks will present the War Stories project to the more than a quarter million people who visit the YORKTOWN each year.

The videos help visitors walk in the steps of heroes through first hand accounts of events that had previously been told through photographs, displays and replicas of equipment in the museum.

Now, for example, visitors who stop at the display on mobile army surgical hospitals can watch a video of a husband and wife team describing their experiences in the MASH units as a surgeon and surgical nurse during the Korean War.

“If you’re standing in front of a plane, you can hit a button and hear from a veteran who flew that plane 70 years ago off the YORKTOWN explain what a Hellcat does, how fast it was and what it felt like to take off,” said Hauff. “It’s so much more impactful to hear that from a veteran than to read a static display.”

Bill Watkinson is another veteran who shares his knowledge of flying most of the aircraft displayed as you enter the YORKTOWN. The Pennsylvania

resident lives in Charleston about six months a year and proudly volunteers as a tour guide several times a week.

“The YORKTOWN is a fine boat,” said Watkins. “Each day you’ll see buses out front and these kids are getting an education that you don’t get from a school book and I enjoy supporting that. That’s why I’m here.”

The USS YORKTOWN became a museum ship at Patriots Point in 1975 and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark since 1986. From the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum to the top 10 most significant aircraft in U.S. carrier aviation history, there’s a lot to be learned for historical students of all ages and the War Stories series will add to the museum’s legacy.

Despite the disastrous fire, Hancock was able to land his plane safely that long-ago night. Neither he nor his crew member were injured. As you stand on the deck of the Yorktown and listen to him recall his harrowing experience on video, it’s almost as if you were there with him.

Photo Credit: Richard W. Rokes

One of the YORKTOWN’s many veteran volunteers leads a tour of the ship for a group of school children.


About the USS YORKTOWN (CV-10) n Commissioned on April 15, 1943, it is the 10th aircraft carrier to serve in the United States Navy.n It was supposed to be named the Bon Homme Richard, but was renamed while under construction to honor the USS YORKTOWN (CV-5), which sank at the Battle of Midway in June 1942.n YORKTOWN participated significantly in the Pacific Offensive that began in late 1943 and ended with the defeat of Japan in 1945. n Much of the 1944 Academy Award-winning documentary The Fighting Lady was filmed aboard the YORKTOWN, as well as the 1970 film Tora! Tora! Tora!n In December 1968, YORKTOWN recovered the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule.n YORKTOWN received the Presidential Unit Citation and earned 11 battle stars for service in World War II and five battle stars for service in Vietnam from 1965-1968.n YORKTOWN was decommissioned in 1970, became a museum ship at Patriots Point in 1975, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Passing of the Greatest Generationn 16 million Americans served in World War II n 430 veterans die each dayn Less than 700,000 veterans alive todaySource: US Veterans Administration

Want to see War Stories?Visit the Patriots Point Naval Maritime Museum pages on Facebook and YouTube.


BY KIM ASBILL | PHOTOS BY ROBERT CLARK

A Natural ConnectionCamp Leopold gives students a unique outdoor learning experience.


A Natural ConnectionCamp Leopold gives students a unique outdoor learning experience.


A student gets a close-up look at a box turtle.


“Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. How would you describe a reptile?” she asks the students.

“They have scales,” one boy shouts out before raising his hand.

“They are cold blooded,” another boy offers. “That’s right,” affirms Culp. “The word for that

is ectothermic! And don’t forget they lay eggs.”The group is gathered in Chace Lodge, the main

building at Camp Leopold, a 410-acre environmental education camp adjacent to Lake Marion near Pinewood, South Carolina. The building has a rustic look, but a large-screen television mounted on the wood-paneled wall provides the camp instructor access to PowerPoint technology to assist with the lesson on cold-blooded animals.

Culp continues with a discussion about snakes. “Did you know there are 38 species of snakes in South Carolina? How many of those are poisonous?” she asks.

The students look around, waiting for someone to answer.

“None,” Culp exclaims. “There are six snakes that are venomous, but none are poisonous. There is a difference!”

Camp Leopold was founded in 2012 with a mission to enlighten students’ awareness of the natural world while instilling a love, respect and admiration for the land. A $30,000 gift from SCE&G to the South Carolina Waterfowl Association, which runs the camp, will allow third-through-seventh grade students to take field trips to Camp Leopold and participate in camp activities designed to help them achieve academic standards in science, reading and

math through hands-on lessons focusing on wildlife, wetland and upland ecology.

Camp Leopold hopes to host more than 5,000 youth, parent chaperones and teachers in the coming academic year. The sixth graders from Newberry Academy are on a day trip, but overnight trips are also available for school groups. The students arrived at 9 a.m. and started the day with a hike through the forests of Camp Leopold where they see birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

Camp Director of Operations Joe Gonzalez says that, after a long bus ride, it works well to get the kids out and moving right away.

“It’s just so easy to lose touch with nature when technology seems to be taking over everything,” Gonazlez says. “It’s important to go back to the basics. And that’s kind of the principal that we’re founded upon here. Aldo Leopold believed that everybody should have their own kind of personal connection with the land. He called it a land ethic.”

After the hike, the students come to the lodge for the classroom program. Gonzalez and environmental instructors Katie Childress and Alexis Patel help Culp with the lesson by adding facts about other snakes, including water moccasins.

“No snake is going to go out of its way to attack you,” Gonzalez says. “They don’t want to use their venom. It’s like gold.” When he describes the venom as modified snake spit, the teachers lean in, the students crinkle up their noses and the mom-chaperones glance around in disgust.

Programs at Camp Leopold are beneficial for teachers because they make learning come to life by exposing students to science in the outdoors.

About 20 sixth graders from Newberry Academy pile onto four oversized

leather sofas in front of an immense brick fireplace. A fire crackles as the

flames provide warmth to the students who are mostly dressed in sweatshirts

and jeans. Two mounted deer heads peer down at the group as instructor

Katy Beth Culp begins her lesson on herpetology.


“The same concepts that they’re touching on in the classroom are going to be touched upon here in a way students can experience,” Gonzalez says. The program builds upon what’s already being learned in the classroom.”

The interactive reptile lesson continues with tips on how to avoid being bitten by a snake.

“Don’t throw rocks at ’em,” one boy offers. “Yes,” Gonzalez says encouragingly. “Believe

it or not, that’s actually how the majority of bites happen. When snakes are provoked.”

Another girl says, “don’t wear shorts or flip flops.”

“That’s right!” Culp encourages. “Boots are best, but tennis shoes are good too.”

The classroom program concludes with an opportunity for the students to touch a yellow rat snake and a turtle. The turtle’s name is Sammy, and the students line up to hold him and touch his hard shell. Student Kailey Cheeks is apprehensive as she wraps her fingers around its greenish-grey shell and hesitantly glances back at her teachers, who quickly snap a picture. Later, on the back porch, she is laughing with her friends. “It is really fun. And probably the best field trip I’ve ever been on,” she says.

On the back porch of the main lodge, a row of green Adirondack chairs invites guests to enjoy the peaceful view of Bullington Pond, which is where the students end up after their square pizza, salad and lemonade lunch. A truck carries them to the other side of the pond for the

highlight of the trip: the canoe paddle through the Cypress swamp.

The canoeing adventure exposes students to wetland biology and the natural history of South Carolina’s wetland ecosystem. After a safety lesson, the students are grouped in threes and called to the edge of the pond. With their bright orange, red, yellow and blue lifejackets buckled, one-by-one the groups of three step into a canoe and eagerly paddle their way to the middle of the pond.

“A lot of students that come through our camp don’t have that experience in the outdoors. Some of them have never even really been outside in nature, so this is their first real connection with the land,” Gonzalez says.

“You want to be able to explain it in a way that they’ll understand it, but you also want them to appreciate it. You know if they have their own connection to it, they’re more apt to care about it and make smart decisions in the future.”

Gonzalez says the donation from SCE&G allows kids to visit Camp Leopold who might not necessarily get the opportunity.

“It allows them to come and experience this. In my opinion, I wish we could have every school in the state. I feel like students who come on those trips, they really appreciate it more. They get a lot out of it. It’s just so rewarding to be able to offer it to them.”

Instructor Katy Beth Culp shares facts about snakes in South Carolina with a group of students from Newberry Academy.


The South Carolina Waterfowl Association maintains more than 200 acres of wintering waterfowl habitat at its Wildlife Education Center. The wood duck is by far the most common waterfowl species nesting in South Carolina. SCWA is a leader in installing, maintaining and servicing wood duck boxes across the state. Since 1987, more than

940,000 wood ducks have hatched from 22,000 SCWA-installed nesting boxes.


In the days following the historic flooding that destroyed homes and uprooted the lives of South Carolina residents last October, the strength and spirit of the community emerged as thousands of disaster relief workers and community volunteers united to provide food, shelter and comfort to those in need.

Although the floodwaters receded months ago, the recovery effort is ongoing. At the forefront of that effort is the Palmetto SC Region of the American Red Cross. Working with local, state and federal partners, the Red Cross continues to assist thousands of South Carolinians impacted by the floods.

“Recovering from a natural disaster takes time and a comprehensive network of organizations and services to make sure people have the help they need,” said Louise Welch Williams, regional CEO of the Palmetto SC Region of the American Red Cross. “We’ve been here and will continue to be here in the months ahead to bring hope and help to those in South Carolina still recovering from last year’s devastating floods.”

Through its recovery programs, the Red Cross is providing additional direct financial assistance for those impacted by the flood to help them overcome obstacles on their road to recovery. Additional efforts include working with partners to help with mold remediation and removal from impacted homes, and support for health-related recovery for people experiencing upper respiratory ailments following the floods and extended exposure to mold and mildew, especially for those in need or who do not have regular access to health care.

“Post-disaster collaboration and communication is critical to ensuring that people have the support they need,” said Mark Smith, executive director of recovery operations for the American Red Cross. “This is why the Red Cross is working closely with emergency officials, partner agencies, local communities and residents to identify and address emerging recovery needs related to the floods.”

Through collaboration with other groups and agencies across the state, the Red Cross identifies the most vulnerable communities and implements key support strategies aimed at helping highly

After the Flood

BY STEPHANIE JONES

Recovery from the historic flooding in South Carolina is ongoing and the Palmetto SC Region of the American Red Cross is leading the way.


vulnerable populations, including the elderly and economically disadvantaged, overcome recovery roadblocks and barriers.

“Oftentimes, we find that 50 to 60 percent of people who are impacted by a natural disaster can self-recover within three months with insurance, FEMA assistance and other personal resources, and an additional 20 to 30 percent of those impacted can recover with additional assistance after three months,” said Smith. “However, it’s the final 10 percent of impacted individuals and families who need significant support for an extended period of time that we’re seeking to help with recovery programs. Without ongoing assistance, they risk losing everything and falling even further into poverty.”

Red Cross caseworkers are currently reaching out to 1,200 families whose homes were destroyed or sustained major damage from the floods to identify any gaps in the families’ personal recovery

plans and help finalize their recovery efforts. Thanks to financial support from individuals, community organizations and businesses —including SCE&G—Red Cross disaster recovery programs are able to provide the additional financial assistance and support that can help those in need secure stable housing, make necessary home repairs, and receive help with health care needs, mold remediation or removal, and more.

Although the work of the Red Cross in disasters is never truly done, the organization and its volunteers remain committed to creating a more sustainable living situation for those who have been impacted by disaster in order to strengthen the critical infrastructure that helps entire communities recover. To learn more about ongoing flood recovery efforts in South Carolina, visit: redcross.org/southcarolina.

Red Cross Flood Recovery Assistance By the Numbers(as of March 2016)

Since the flooding began, the Red Cross has mobilized more than 1,700 Red Cross workers and 45 response vehicles that:n Provided over 4,700 overnight shelter staysn Served more than 154,000 meals and snacks working with community partnersn Handed out over 181,000 relief items including comfort kits, tarps, flashlights, trash bags, shovels, rakes, bleach and work gloves n Provided nearly 7,000 health and mental health servicesIn addition:n Red Cross workers have opened nearly 2,000 cases to help more than 5,000 people affected by the floods.n The Red Cross has raised more than $8.8 million for S.C. floods and disaster recovery services. Of that, approximately $1.3 million remains and is being put back into S.C. for continued recovery efforts.


Since 2012, the three power generating units at Urquhart Station have run exclusively on natural gas.


Life After CoalCoal-yard clearing transforms landscape at Urquhart Station.

If you stand in the wide, green field beside Urquhart Station, you might see

an occasional lawnmower interrupting the otherwise-peaceful landscape.

Quietly soaking in the sunshine, you may find it hard to imagine that, just

a few years ago, long freight trains arrived here day and night, bringing

loads of coal to fuel the plant’s three electric generating units. The now-

flat green field looked more like a range of small black coal mountains.

BY GINNY JONES | PHOTOS BY TAYLOR KEARNS


Urquhart Station Plant Manager Dave Jerome is pleased the plant has been able to adapt in a way that will positively impact the environment.


In 2002, the coal-fired boilers on Urquhart Units 1 and 2 were retired, and the units were repowered to burn natural gas with the installation of two gas turbines and heat recovery steam generators. This reduced the plant’s emissions and helped SCE&G meet federal emissions requirements. Then, in 2012, Urquhart Unit 3 began burning natural gas exclusively, again reducing the company’s emissions and ending the plant’s use of coal.

Until recently, despite a dramatic transformation in how it generates electricity, Urquhart Station’s years as a coal plant were still visible. But through a series of projects completed in 2015, the landscape has significantly changed.

After the plant stopped burning coal, it was time to decommission the retired coal yard, said Ray Ammarell, an engineer with SCE&G’s Fossil Hydro group.

“It needed to be cleared, and the coal-handling system demolished, so it wouldn’t become a deteriorating problem,” Ammarell said. “There were transfer towers, coal unloading equipment, a railroad spur line – all the things we once needed to run a coal plant.”

As the coal yard clearing was in process, SCE&G also redesigned containment ponds and diverted storm water runoff to limit its impact to soil and groundwater into the future.

Dave Jerome, Urquhart Station plant manager, said the inside of the main building looks much the same as it always has, but those who work there every day know the difference.

“It’s certainly a different plant now to people who have worked here for 25 years,” Jerome said. “And if you look where the coal yard used to be, that’s radically different. It’s a flat area with green grass growing.”

“We drastically reduced the air emissions from this site in terms of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide when we changed to burning natural gas,” Jerome continued. “And since we removed the coal pile, the quality of the water discharging from the site has naturally improved and is now just considered storm water.”

Jerome said the plant continues to look toward the future in terms of upgrades and improvements.

“We’re still a valuable generating asset and we’re happy to be that, and we will likely be a valuable generating asset for years to come,” Jerome said. “We’re happy to still be here and be a part of SCE&G’s generation portfolio.”

With fields of grass where coal yards once were, and a footpath where rail cars once parked, Urquhart Station stands as an example of SCE&G’s commitment to protect the environment while delivering safe, reliable electricity to customers.

Urquhart Station began operating in 1953 as a coal-fired generating station in

Beech Island, S.C., and remained a key part of SCE&G’s coal fleet for more than half

a century. But over time, the use of coal as a fuel has been dramatically reduced as

regulators and utilities seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.


When you own a small business in a beautiful shopping district such as 5 Points in Columbia, South Carolina, the last thing you want is to lose valuable foot traffic because your lights are on, but no one knows you’re home.

“I literally saw a customer one day walk up outside, put his hand to the door, then turn and walk away,” said Paul Morgan, manager of Pecknel Music. “Our store was so dark, he thought that we were closed.”

As a showroom for musical instruments, Pecknel requires tinting on its front windows to protect valuable inventory from sun damage. That tinting, combined with old incandescent light bulbs, created a dimming effect that was inadequate to display the array of band and orchestra instruments the company rents locally. Full-service repair of the instruments was made tedious and complicated under the dull lighting; technicians strained to see small parts.

In 2015, SCE&G – through its Small Business Energy Solutions Program – conducted a free, on-site analysis of the store and suggested simple lighting upgrades to not only improve the appearance and functionality of the space, but to save money through greater energy efficiency.

Pecknel has been located in the same building for close to 50 years, so a lighting upgrade was in order. SCE&G replaced all of the old incandescent ceiling

lights in the instrument showroom and repair shop with LED ceiling panel lights and spotlights. The total cost of the upgrades was $4,460, with SCE&G covering $3,303 of that amount. Morgan said his company is on track to get a return on its portion of the investment in the seven-month period estimated in the proposal. He’s already looking at ways to invest the savings back into the business, such as other interior upgrades or new inventory.

“Our folks working on small instrument parts all day were probably the happiest, because now they can really see what they’re doing,” said Morgan. “But we’ve also had customers mention it, so I know it’s having a positive impact on their experience, too. Even better, the return on our investment is taking less than a year to realize. Everything we save is going right back into the business to purchase more inventory or to make the store more appealing to our customers. I would definitely recommend this to other small businesses.”

If you’re an SCE&G small business or nonprofit customer with five or fewer electric accounts and an annual energy use of 250,000 kWh or less, call 877-784-7234 or visit sceg.com/smallbusiness to see how the Small Business Energy Solutions Program can energize your operating efficiency.

Illuminating Sound

BY TERRI RANDALL | PHOTO BY ROBERT CLARK

New lighting upgrades bring Pecknel Music to life.


Features of SCE&G’s Small Business Energy Solutions ProgramEfficiency upgrades for lighting and refrigeration

n Free, on-site energy analysis of energy usen Simple, cost-effective options and easy-to-follow recommendations for managing lighting and refrigeration-related expensesn Financial incentives that cover 80% (up to $4,000) of total costs of most lighting and refrigeration controls retrofit projectsn Fast return on investmentn Local contractors who work at your conveniencen Removal and environmentally friendly disposal of old fluorescent lamps and ballasts

Paul Morgan, manager of Pecknel Music SUMMER 2016 • INSIGHTS 27

Courtney Tampas is referring to the 2015 North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAGYN)Best Overall Chapter Award the V.C. Summer Chapter of NAYGN received in May. Earlier this year, the chapter received the 2015 Best in Region-Carolinas Award. Tampas, an engineer at Units 2 and 3, is the current chapter president. The group was recognized for their commitment to professional development, public information, community service and networking.

“Our members are the reason this chapter continues to be successful,” Tampas said, “and this award symbolizes everything they have done to contribute to our ongoing success.”

Founded in 1999, NAGYN provides opportunities for young professionals in the nuclear industry to develop leadership and professional skills. Over the past two years, the V.C. Summer chapter has developed new public information events and increased their participation in community service projects and fundraisers including school supply, food and toy drives.

The chapter made a significant impact in the community with its events in 2015. More than 100 members participated in the Columbia Heart Walk. Members also collected food to support the

Harvest Hope Food Bank after the devastating floods in October.

In addition to supporting the well being of the local community, NAYGN also strives to engage and educate the public about nuclear power.

For the past two years, the V.C. Summer Chapter has held a public information outreach event known as the “nuclear blitz.” The chapter co-sponsors the event with the Midlands Education and Business Alliance. In 2015, the blitz reached 3,800 middle and high school students at 22 schools. Fifty-five volunteers took part in the one-day event.

“High school students are looking at what careers to pursue post-graduation and our blitz is intended to give them an overview of nuclear power and the benefits of joining a company like SCE&G,” said Tampas. “We also use this event to emphasize the safety and reliability of V.C. Summer and nuclear plants around the country.”

As V.C. Summer moves toward bringing two new reactors online and the current nuclear workforce reaches retirement, it’s important to prepare a new generation to take the reins.

“I’m very grateful and excited for this opportunity,” said Tampas. “This is the first time in recent years that V.C. Summer NAYGN has gotten this level of recognition.”

Young professionals

lead the way in nuclear.

BY ERICA KNIGHT

“Winning this national award has been a huge accomplishment for our chapter.”

n Over 3,700 participation hoursn 1,300 professional development hoursn Over 1,000 networking hoursn Nearly 1,500 combined public information and community service hours

n Nearly 4,000 non-members reached through public information eventsn Over 5,800 non-members directly impacted through community service events20

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A pair of wreathed hornbills survey their surroundings at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

“I am a volunteer with McLeod Hospice House here in Florence. I have always been concerned for people who are experiencing life threatening or terminal illnesses. It is my goal in life to assist as many people as possible in getting the most comfort out of the life they are living. I answer the phones and the doorbell after hours to allow family members entrance to visit with loved ones. This gives the nurses more quality time to spend with the patients who really need them.

“I also answer the call lights from the patients and assist them with items that I can, or relay messages to the nurse for things beyond what I

qualify to assist with. The patients are sometimes in need of a listening ear and I’m always available for that. Everyone is not fortunate enough to have family checking on them and visiting them around the clock. I try to spend time with those who have the greatest need. I also give assistance to family members while they are staying at the Hospice House with their loved ones by supplying them with blankets, pillows and towels for their stay. There are times when a patient is in need of small personal items and the “Dollars for Doers” money assists with making these purchases possible.”

In their own words

Name: Debra Rogers Title: Customer Service Lead Representative, Eastern Gas OperationsYears of service: 17Supports: Mcleod Hospice House, Florence, S.C.

SCANA’s employees contribute an incredible amount of volunteer service to their local community. The Dollars for Doers program is designed to recognize employees for their volunteerism and reward the nonprofit organizations they support through annual volunteer matching gifts. The program provides additional funding to eligible nonprofit organizations when SCANA employees complete at least 20 hours of qualified volunteer service annually.

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