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Power Plants

Brayton Point Power Station

Brayton Point Power Station

Brayton Point Power Station Brayton Point Power Station was the largest fossil fuel power plant in New England, located at the confluence of the Taunton River and Mount Hope Bay in Somerset, Massachusetts. The facility was operated by various owners including New England Power Company and Dynegy.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Location
Somerset, MA
Industry
Coal & Oil-Fired Electric Power Generation
Exposure Era
1960s–1980s
Primary Asbestos Products
Boiler insulation, Pipe insulation, Turbine insulation, Gaskets, Valve packing, Refractory materials
Job Categories at Risk
Boiler operators, Maintenance workers, Pipe fitters, Insulators, Electricians, Laborers

History & Asbestos Use

Brayton Point Power Station began operations in 1963 and grew to include four generating units burning coal and oil. As New England's largest fossil fuel plant, it was a critical part of the regional power grid for over 50 years. Asbestos-containing materials were used extensively during the plant's construction and expansion. The facility was decommissioned in 2017 and the iconic cooling tower was demolished in 2019, marking the end of an era for New England power generation.

Exposure Details

Workers at Brayton Point were exposed to asbestos through boiler insulation, pipe lagging, turbine wrapping, gaskets, valve packing, and refractory materials. The plant's four units required continuous maintenance, and workers regularly encountered deteriorating asbestos insulation. During outage periods, crews performed extensive insulation replacement work inside boiler enclosures and turbine halls, where airborne asbestos fibers accumulated in confined spaces.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Brayton Point Power Station had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

  • Boiler operators
  • Maintenance workers
  • Pipe fitters
  • Insulators
  • Electricians
  • Laborers

Health Effects

Former Brayton Point workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer. The New England region has documented significant numbers of asbestos-related disease cases linked to power plants, shipyards, and industrial facilities. Workers who were employed during the plant's early decades face the highest risk due to minimal protective measures in that era.

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.

Compensation May Be Available

Workers exposed to asbestos at Brayton Point 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 Qualify

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Brayton Point Power Station?

Workers who were employed at Brayton Point Power Station between 1960s–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.

Related Asbestos Trust Funds

Workers exposed to asbestos at Brayton Point Power Station may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:

Treatment Centers in Massachusetts

If you were exposed to asbestos at Brayton Point Power Station and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Massachusetts may be able to help.

Browse all treatment centers →

Frequently Asked Questions

Was asbestos used at Brayton Point Power Station?

Yes. Brayton Point was built in the 1960s and expanded through the 1970s using asbestos-containing materials for boiler insulation, pipe insulation, turbine wrapping, gaskets, and refractory materials.

Who was at risk for asbestos exposure at Brayton Point?

Boiler operators, pipe fitters, insulators, maintenance workers, and electricians all faced significant asbestos exposure, particularly during outage maintenance when insulation was removed and replaced in confined boiler and turbine areas.

Can former Brayton Point workers file compensation claims?

Yes. Workers diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases after working at Brayton Point can pursue compensation through asbestos trust funds and legal claims, even though the plant has been decommissioned.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at Brayton Point 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.

Free & Confidential No upfront costs, no hidden fees. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
Nationwide Representation Licensed to handle mesothelioma cases in all 50 states from our Houston office.
Over 25 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.
Fast Results Trust fund claims can resolve in as few as 90 days. We move quickly for our clients.

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Sources:

  • EPA records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • New England Power Company historical records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Massachusetts DEP records — accessed 2026-03-09
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