MGE renewed its Environmental Cooperative Agreement (ECA) with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) through September 2012. MGE signed the original five-year agreement in 2002.

By participating in the WDNR's Environmental Cooperation Pilot Program and continuing this commitment, MGE pledges to meet higher environmental standards at our Blount Generating Station than those required by regulation. In return, the WDNR provides flexibility in record keeping and reporting. This saves time and money for MGE and the WDNR while ensuring ample regulatory oversight.

Some of MGE's ECA achievements

• ISO 14001 certification. Blount was the first power plant in the state to earn this international standard for environmental management systems.
• Boiler combustion improvements. Allowed MGE's largest boiler to burn more alternative fuels and lower nitrogen oxide levels under most conditions.
• Ash reuse. By-products of coal production were recycled. Blount switched to natural gas as its primary fuel in 2010. Previously, coal was the main fuel.
• Biodiesel fleet use. Reduced air emissions and reliance on imported oil for more than 100 trucks and off-road equipment.

Continued public input
Our Community Environmental Advisory Group (CEAG) is made up of representatives from:

• Blount neighborhood.
• Local business and environmental groups.
• WDNR.
• Elected officials.

The CEAG will continue to meet regularly to provide MGE guidance for implementing the agreement.

For more information
ECA full text [PDF - 171 KB]
Baseline Report [PDF - 3.1 MB]
2003 ECA Annual Report [PDF - 1.7 MB]
2004 ECA Annual Report [PDF - 701 KB]
2005 ECA Annual Report [PDF - 1.2 MB]
2006 ECA Annual Report [PDF - 2.9 MB]
2007 ECA Annual Report [PDF - 1.8 MB]
2002-2007 ECA Major Accomplishments [PDF - 446 KB]
2008 ECA Annual Report [PDF - 976 KB]
2009 ECA Annual Report [PDF - 1.3 MB]

MGE contact: Jeff Jaeckels, Director - Safety and Environmental Affairs

Related links
DNR contact: Kim McCutcheon
DNR Web site