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Power Plants

Centralia Power Plant

Centralia Power Plant

Centralia Power Plant Centralia Power Plant, also known as TransAlta Centralia Generation, is the only coal-fired power plant in Washington state. Located near Centralia in Lewis County, the two-unit facility has been a significant employer in the region.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Written by Paul Danziger, J.D. & Rod De Llano, J.D.
•
Legally reviewed by Michelle Whitman, Mesothelioma Litigation Specialist
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30+ years of mesothelioma litigation experience
Location
Centralia, WA
Industry
Coal-Fired Electric Power Generation
Exposure Era
1970s–1980s
Primary Asbestos Products
Boiler insulation, Pipe insulation, Turbine insulation, Gaskets, Refractory materials, Cement products
Job Categories at Risk
Boiler operators, Maintenance workers, Pipe fitters, Insulators, Electricians, Millwrights

History & Asbestos Use

Centralia Power Plant's Unit 1 began operation in 1971 and Unit 2 in 1972. Originally built by Pacific Power & Light, the plant was later acquired by TransAlta. Both units were constructed during the peak era of asbestos use in power plant construction, and asbestos-containing materials were installed throughout the facility. Under Washington state legislation, Unit 1 was retired in 2020 and Unit 2 is scheduled for closure by 2025 as part of the state's clean energy transition.

Exposure Details

Workers at Centralia Power Plant were exposed to asbestos in boiler insulation, pipe lagging, turbine wrapping, gaskets, refractory materials, and cement products. The Pacific Northwest's wet climate led to moisture infiltration in insulation systems, requiring frequent maintenance and replacement of asbestos-containing materials. Maintenance workers who performed boiler overhauls and pipe repairs in confined spaces faced the most concentrated asbestos exposure.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Centralia Power Plant had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

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

Health Effects

Former Centralia Power Plant workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer attributed to occupational asbestos exposure. Washington state has documented significant asbestos-related disease cases from its industrial, shipbuilding, and power generation sectors. Workers employed during the plant's 1970s construction and early operational years face the highest risk.

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 Centralia Power Plant 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 Centralia Power Plant?

Workers who were employed at Centralia Power Plant between 1970s–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.

Speak with an Attorney — Free Request a Free Case Evaluation

Related Asbestos Trust Funds

Workers exposed to asbestos at Centralia Power Plant may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:

Treatment Centers in Washington

If you were exposed to asbestos at Centralia Power Plant and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Washington may be able to help.

Fred Hutch Cancer Center

Fred Hutch Cancer Center

Seattle, WA

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile

Browse all treatment centers →

Frequently Asked Questions

Was asbestos used at Centralia Power Plant?

Yes. Both units at Centralia were built in the early 1970s using asbestos-containing materials for boiler insulation, pipe insulation, turbine wrapping, gaskets, and refractory materials.

Who was most at risk for asbestos exposure at Centralia?

Boiler operators, pipe fitters, insulators, and maintenance workers faced the highest asbestos exposure levels, particularly during boiler overhauls and insulation replacement work in confined spaces.

Can former Centralia Power Plant workers file asbestos claims?

Yes. Former workers diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds and legal claims against manufacturers of asbestos products used at the facility.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at Centralia Power Plant 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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Over 25 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.
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Sources:

  • EPA records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • TransAlta historical records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Washington Department of Ecology records — accessed 2026-03-09
← All Exposure Sites in Washington ← All Exposure Sites
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