ERMUSR MISC 09-11-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Energy Services Bulletin worked so well." Permits, exemptions granted Page 3 of 4 The open approach helped move the project forward through the usual funding and permitting hurdles powerplants face. During the public comment period, the Minnoscta PalJution Contra6 ,agency received 135 letters, mostly in support of the plant. Opposition surfaced at the public meeting Fibrominn held in Benson, but, "most of it came from people from the Twin Cities, three hours away," Wolfington recalled. The MCPA granted a permit to the project in October 2002, after more than a year of studying the environmental effects. It was the first project of its kind in the United States, so the state was cautious, said Wolfmgton. "'The company had to provide a lot of explanation and demonstrations." The permit included provisions for odor control and specific operating conditions to minimize the production of dioxins. The Minnesata Environmental Quality Board. also waived the powerplant siting review process, finding that the project "will not create significant human or environmental impact." First months' operation a success And so far, in four months of operation, said Wolfington, the city has not received a single complaint about the plant, or about the 100 trucks that daily transport litter through town. It helps, of course, that the truck drivers buy goods and services from local merchants. But the main advantage in terms of odor control is that Fibrominn trucks haul the litter away all at once. Farmers don't have to pile it up outside their barns where it can draw flies and spread odors. At the plant, Fibrominn prevents odors from escaping by drawing air from the storage building into the boiler. Another environmentally-friendly feature includes using gray water from Benson Municipal Water Treatment for some of the plant's cooling water requirements. Most turkey producers with long-term contracts will get $3 to $5 per ton, about what they got selling it for fertilizer. Other growers may find a market for their agricultural waste, too. Extensive testing indicates that the boiler can use ag-based biomass such as grain, straw, processing co- products and animal bedding. The plant's permit allows it to burn those wastes, which currently represent about one quarter of its fuel. Farmers will not be deprived of their fertilizer, either. The ash left after combustion is processed into high-value fertilizer, missing the nitrogen in turkey manure but with enhanced phosphorous and potassium. A renewable energy project that works out this well will spawn more like it. Fibrowatt LLC is planning similar plants in North Carolina, Arkansas, Maryland and Mississippi, all major poultry states. Another developer, Earth Resources Inc., plans to break ground soon on a chicken litter- burning plant neaz Carnesville, Ga. http://www.wapa.gov/es/pubs/esb/2007/sep/sep071.htm 9/4/2007