Yankee Power Generation Facility

The power plant is in unincorporated Washington Township, at 9975 Yankee Street.  The plant is unmanned and is operated out of a larger plant located in Moraine.

Since late March and early April 2025, Washington Township has been made aware of growing noise concerns related to the power generation facility at 9975 Yankee Street. Residents from both the City of Centerville and unincorporated areas of the Township, as well as Miami Township, have reported excessive noise and vibrations affecting their homes. Key concerns include increased frequency and duration of facility operations, loud turbine noise disrupting peace, and the negative impact of ongoing noise and vibration on health and quality of life. In response, Washington Township has taken these concerns seriously and has engaged with the City of Centerville, Miami Township, and representatives from Rockland Capital and NAES, the facility operator, to address these issues and explore both immediate and long-term noise mitigation strategies.

• 1968-1970: Original construction and installation of 7 turbines.
  
  
• 2018: Site purchased by Rockland Capital.
  
  
• 2021: Trees removed for line clearing: a 10-foot acoustic fence was installed along the northern boundary.
  
  
• 2023: Fewer turbine starts occurred due to fuel limitations.
  
  
• 2025: Recent 13- and 19-hour operation periods have raised community concerns.

In 2024, plant owner Rockland Capital says the Yankee Street plant had 285 “starts” compared to 105 “starts” in 2019.  Rockland representatives indicate that a reduction on coal reliance, the increases of renewable power generation and the recent outages of generation have increased the electric supply need of smaller dispatchable plants. Plants like the one on Yankee Street are key to maintaining the PJM system’s reliability. Rockland Capital believes that when the current generation outages are completed the plant will return to normal peaking operations.

There have been no recent physical modifications to the turbines at the Yankee Street Facility.  However, Rockland Capital has explained that the increased frequency and duration of operations is due to directives from PJM Interconnection, one of several regional grid operators. Increased electricity demand across multiple states, especially during this time of year when other plants are undergoing maintenance or temporarily closed, has led to more frequent station startups and extended operational hours, sometimes running between 13 to 19 hours to meet regional energy needs.

Washington Township does not have regulatory authority over the plant, nor do the City of Centerville or Miami Township. However, all three jurisdictions are working closely with Rockland Capital and regional partners to advocate for noise mitigation and increased transparency.

In response to community concerns, Rockland Capital has taken several steps, including direct communication with residents and hiring a noise mitigation firm, which initially recommended a 60-foot sound wall—an option ultimately deemed not cost-effective. As a next step, Rockland has commissioned a study with engineering firm SVI Bremco to explore alternative noise-reduction solutions, with results expected in the coming weeks. While the Township recognizes the regulatory limitations of the facility—due to its grandfathered status and exemption from local zoning regulations—it is actively exploring solutions with the operator. Washington Township remains committed to working with Rockland Capital to find effective solutions and minimize the facility’s impact on the community.