Visiting Energy Northwest

Welcome to Energy Northwest. Please see our Visitors Guide below to help make your time at our facilities smooth and enjoyable.

PLEASE NOTE: Columbia Generating Station is a high-security area with a security checkpoint. Certain items are prohibited inside a 1.2 mile radius of Columbia. Please review the Policies section below - specifically, the Restricted Items section.

Directions to Columbia Generating Station from Pasco Airport

For a direct driving path to the site, take Exit 4. For Richland accommodations take I-182 west toward Richland to Exit 5B, George Washington Way. The mileage from the airport to Columbia is approximately 27 miles. The address is 76 North Power Plant Loop, Richland, WA 99354.

Directions to Energy Services & Development (MPF Building) from Pasco Airport

Take I-182 west toward Richland to Exit 5B, George Washington Way. Travel along George Washington Way for 6 miles. The building will be on your right. The address is 3000 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99354.

Policies

Since our projects are operating electrical generation facilities, there are a number of safety rules and guidelines in place. All visitors must read and adhere to the following:

Access

Each person must have some form of picture identification. For U.S. citizens, a valid driver’s license or passport are acceptable forms of identification to present upon arrival. All foreign nationals must be pre-authorized and have a valid passport with them.

Clothing

Energy Northwest dress code is business casual, with jeans on Thursdays.

If you will be entering a radiologically controlled area of Columbia Generating Station, additional clothing requirements follow. It is important that you wear natural fiber clothing rather than polyester or acrylic. These materials are typically found in the nylon in slips or windbreakers; acetates in coat linings; polyester or cotton/poly blends in slacks and shirts; women’s panty-hose; and wool/polyester blends in slacks and suits. Corduroy is also unacceptable. Examples of acceptable materials include; 100% cotton, wool, or denim, such as Dockers®.

Shorts are not allowed.

Shoes

Leather uppers are preferred for safety reasons. Tennis shoes, high heels, sandals and shoes with open toes or open heels are not allowed outside of Energy Northwest office areas.

Cameras and Cell Phones

Cameras and cell phones are allowed at all EN projects, with the exception of Columbia Generating Station’s protected area due to heightened security and sensitive equipment. Phones may be left in your vehicle, at your workstation or with your escort if you need to enter protected areas.

Restricted Items

Certain items are prohibited on all Energy Northwest property, and are a misdemeanor under Benton County Ordinance #225, which includes the parking lots and vehicles in those lots. Prohibited items include firearms, ammunition, explosive devices, incendiary devices, self-defense sprays (such as mace), alcoholic beverages, street drugs and non-prescription controlled drugs. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are allowed. Pets, with the exception of service dogs, are not allowed.

Tobacco Use

Use of tobacco products is allowed only in designated areas.