42 WCHGT: H.F.Lee Power Plant Traditional Cache

WCHGT caches were created as the 2016-2017 Leadership Wayne class project. We decided that we wanted to create a fun, educational, and adventurous way for families and friends to connect to the county in which they live. Therefore the 50 caches connected to this trail will give you a glimpse of the PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE of Wayne County.

Some caches are micros, a few can hold a trackable, some are easy finds, and others prove to be quite difficult. All we ask from the Leadership Wayne class is that you enjoy the finds and learn something new about our wonderful county. Upon completion of the entire trail you will be able to collect your GeoCoin at the Wayne County museum after you have recorded your code words on the passport from each of the 50 locations.

After serving customers for more than 60 years, the H.F. Lee coal-fired plant was retired on Sept. 15, 2012. As part of Duke Energy's commitment to a cleaner, more efficient energy future, three coal-fired units were retired in September 2012 followed by four oil-fueled combustion turbine units in October 2012.

Originally known as the Goldsboro Plant, operation began shortly after the end of World War II. Customer demand helped necessitate additional coal units in 1952 and 1962, and four oil-fueled combustion turbine units between 1967 and 1971.

In March 1964, the plant was renamed after Harry Fitzhugh Lee, a district manager who retired from Carolina Power & Light after a 45-year career. Associates said his name was synonymous with electric service in Wayne County. Lee was a great grandson of "Light Horse" Harry Lee of Revolutionary War fame, and a grandnephew of Robert E. Lee, the Confederate general.

When the coal-fired plant retirement was announced in 2009, the company also announced plans to construct a gas-fired combined cycle plant. The 920-MW station began operation in December 2012.

In addition to the retired coal-fired plant, the H.F. Lee Complex includes:

• H.F. Lee Combustion Turbines (retired)

• H.F. Lee Combined Cycle Power Block

• Wayne County Combustion Turbines