During the spring of 2004, Santee Cooper, the state utility of South Carolina, started construction on a 580-MW unit as part of a plan to bring more than 10,000 MW of new coal-fired energy on line. A second identical unit was also approved and is due to be completed in 2009. During the initial construction phase, Pullman Power LLC used slipform construction to raise the 463-foot chimney for the two 580-MW coal units under construction at the Cross Generating Station in Cross, South Carolina.

Cross Station is located on the South Carolina coast-a high risk area for earthquakes and hurricanes. To build a structure strong enough to withstand these challenges, approximately 660 tons of reinforcing steel and 5,000 cubic yards of concrete were used to build the chimney. After four weeks preparing the work deck and slipform equipment, Pullman Power began construction of the chimney shell on April 14, 2004. Pullman completed the concrete column five weeks later, on May 19, ahead of schedule while meeting project and industry standards for quality.

After the construction of this new chimney shell, installation of two Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) liners was started. This is the first time in twenty years that the FRP liner method was specified. The owner chose this system because it offers excellent corrosion resistance to the high acidity of chimney flue gas and is available at a lower cost than C276 clad or solid alloy. The liner choice is significant because between the bid phase and the construction phase of the chimney, prices for steel rose sharply and some specifications for stainless steel were no longer available due to negligible demand. Pullman Power suggested substituting the significantly less expensive FRP for the high nickel alloys. As a result, the handrail on the chimney roof, other exposed items within 50 feet of the chimney top, and the liner section are made from FRP.

Fabrication of the liner sections took place at an on-site facility, while breeching sections were fabricated at the subcontractor's fabrication facility about 85 miles away.

Pullman Power is utilizing its experience and expertise in concrete construction and troubleshooting to maintain on-schedule construction for all phases of this project. Additionally, Pullman Power's excellent safety record and overall focus on a safe working environment contributed to the success of the project which is expected to be completed, including all subcontracts, by July 2005.