July 2025 Update

Beginning the week of July 13, OPPD and contractor crews will drill two deep water wells needed to cool three new power generators coming to Cass County as part of OPPD’s station expansion.

Two crews of six workers will drill around the clock, with the operation expected to take about four weeks to create a well 1,200 feet deep. Neighbors may hear pipe banging sounds and see overnight lighting coming from OPPD property while the first well is being dug. As part of OPPD’s commitment to be a good neighbor, we have requested the well-digging crew not to direct lights toward nearby homes and to shut down the lights when no work is underway.

After installation of the first well, the crews will drill a second well near the northern border of the Cass County Station property. Our neighbors may hear noise and see lights from OPPD property during overnight hours. Completion of the second well is expected to take another four weeks, again with crews working 24 hours a day.

The new combustion turbines and associated equipment generate a lot of heat, and a dedicated water source will prevent them from overheating and maintain safe operating temperatures. The deep wells are designed so that they will tap non-potable water in the ground that cannot be used for drinking or agriculture.

The installation of the two new water wells is scheduled to be completed by early fall, with the new generation units expected to be in service by 2029.