Big Bend Power Station Big Bend Power Station is a coal-fired power plant located on the eastern shore of Tampa Bay in Apollo Beach, Florida. Operated by Tampa Electric (TECO Energy), the facility has been a major electricity provider for the Tampa Bay region since the 1970s.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Big Bend Power Station began operations in 1970 with Unit 1, and expanded through the 1980s with additional generating units. During its construction and early decades of operation, asbestos-containing materials were extensively used throughout the facility for thermal insulation. The plant was one of the largest coal-fired facilities in Florida and employed hundreds of workers who were routinely exposed to asbestos during maintenance and repair operations.
Workers at Big Bend Power Station encountered asbestos in boiler insulation, pipe lagging, turbine wrapping, and gasket materials. Maintenance crews regularly disturbed asbestos-containing materials during scheduled outages and emergency repairs, releasing friable fibers into the work environment. Electricians, pipe fitters, and insulators faced particularly high exposure levels when cutting, stripping, or replacing insulation in confined boiler areas.
The following job categories at Big Bend Power Station had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Former workers at Big Bend Power Station have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer. The latency period for these diseases is typically 20 to 50 years, meaning workers exposed in the 1970s and 1980s may still be receiving diagnoses today. Families of workers were also at risk from secondary exposure through asbestos fibers carried home on clothing and equipment.
Health information is based on established medical research on asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult a physician for medical advice specific to your situation.
Workers exposed to asbestos at Big Bend Power Station may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds, personal injury lawsuits, or veterans benefits. Mesothelioma patients and their families have recovered billions in compensation from companies that manufactured or used asbestos products.
3 asbestos trust funds have been identified as potentially related to exposure at this site. Many mesothelioma patients qualify to file claims with multiple trusts simultaneously.
Find Out If You QualifyWorkers who were employed at Big Bend Power Station between 1950s–1980s may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have legal options including trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Workers exposed to asbestos at Big Bend Power Station may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
If you were exposed to asbestos at Big Bend Power Station and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Florida may be able to help.
Yes. Asbestos-containing materials were used extensively during the construction and operation of Big Bend Power Station, particularly in boiler insulation, pipe lagging, turbine insulation, and gaskets throughout the facility.
Boiler operators, maintenance workers, pipe fitters, insulators, and electricians faced the highest levels of asbestos exposure, especially during scheduled outages when insulation was removed and replaced.
Yes. If you or a loved one worked at Big Bend Power Station and were diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to file a legal claim or access asbestos trust funds for compensation.
If you or a loved one worked at Big Bend Power Station and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, our attorneys can help you explore your legal options. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.
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