Kyle Wilson, Creston News Advertiser, Iowa –
By KYLE WILSON
CRESTON — Prairie Solid Waste Board decided during a special meeting Wednesday, May 9, they will not even look at GGI Energy’s 20-year feedstock waste agreement until the company comes to Creston and completes a feasibility study.
“We’re not doing anything until they put someone on the ground,” said Larry Wagner, board member. “Why do we have to make the first move? Lets put the ball back in their court.”
Al Davis, director of sales for GGI Energy, could not be reached for comment Thursday regarding whether GGI will move forward and complete a feasibility study.
Davis said during a public hearing in February via Skype, the feasibility study would cost about $50,000 to $60,000 and would be paid for by GGI Energy. It would include but not be limited to the specific location of the site, access roads, zoning and specific studies regarding the waste composition and the amount of carbon within the waste.
If and when the feasibility study is complete, and the 20-year feedstock waste agreement is signed, the design of the plant would then begin. GGI would seek compliance with all local and state regulations at that time and would apply for proper permits. Finally, construction of the plant and training for the workers would begin. The entire process would take anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
The Creston News Advertiser will continue to provide updates as this story develops.
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Background
Union and Clarke counties have been in discussion with GGI Energy since October 2011 as GGI claims they have researched, developed and improved patented technology to transform southwest Iowa’s everyday garbage into diesel fuel and electricity with minimal emissions.
GGI Energy officials are proposing a 40-ton-per-day, waste-to-energy facility be built in Union County, which, they say, would generate about 5,200 gallons per day of commercial-grade diesel fuel.
GGI Energy is requiring a 20-year feedstock waste agreement. The 20-year feedstock waste agreement being proposed by GGI states Creston and surrounding locations will need to provide 40 tons of dry waste (feedstock) to the plant per day for 340 days per year. GGI is also asking for a low-cost land lease (about $10 per year) for about three acres near Prairie Solid Waste Agency.
Currently, Prairie Solid Waste Agency receives about 56 tons per day from the cities of Woodburn and Murray and Union, Clarke, Taylor and Adams counties. Union County would need all of the above locations to also sign the 20-year agreement and cooperation from Waste Management, the local waste collection service, before the plant is built.
