Waste-to-energy plant proposed for region

Plant could provide

regional alternative

to garbage disposal

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

SPRINGFIELD -- Redwood County officials presented information on a proposed waste-to-energy plant project at the 20th Annual Redwood-Cottonwood Rivers Control Area Board of Directors annual meeting Monday at the Springfield Community Center.

The RCRCA board learned about the $22-$28 million project from Redwood County Environmental Director Jon Mitchell, Redwood County Commissioner Brian Kletscher, Lamberton Economic Development Director Steve Krinke and Red Rock Central Technology Coordinator Leonard Runck.

The men said the project would provide a regional alternative to garbage disposal, complement existing recycling programs and landfills, efficiently dispose of waste by burning it while creating steam and electricity that could be sold.

The plant's mass burn system with no moving parts would use combustion technology to achieve a 90 percent reduction in waste volumes. Up to a 95 percent reduction would be achieved with a ferrous metal recovery system, which could be included in the project.

Kletscher said Minnesota now has a dozen such plants. They are located in the Twin Cities, Mankato, Rochester, Elk River, Alexandria, and Perham. There are now 102 waste-to-energy plants in 31 states in the country that generate power for 2.4 million homes.

Information promoting the plants claimed they eliminate the need for new landfills, do not contaminate ground water, release millions of tons of methane gas and provide a clean source of electricity and trash disposal.

Plant funding would come from the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance, USDA Rural Development Grants, bonding, tipping fees, industries that buy plant steam and electricity.

Kletscher said a project feasibility study is under way. Results are expected this summer. At that time, the group will contact counties in southwestern and southcentral Minnesota to see if they are interested in participating. A 12-county joint powers board to deal with the project is already in place, but additional nearby counties are interested in taking part.

The plant could create 20-25 good-paying jobs, Krinke said. The most desirable location for the plant is in an industrial park on the east or west edge of Lamberton. It would be called the Cottonwood River Energy Park.

The plant would generate 3-5 megawatts of electricity per hour. One megawatt equals 1,000 kilowatts, which is enough to power 2,000-3,000 homes, Mitchell said.

It would produce an ash that hardens. Ashes could be used in asphalt pavement or be ground up and mixed with sand as a de-icing agent.

Environmentally-friendly, spin-off industries would be another bonus.

"I have some good nibbles on industries interested in locating near the plant," Krinke said. "The forecast is good, but the waste-to-energy plant must be up and running first."

One hurdle to the project is that Minnesota -- unlike many other states -- does not recognize solid waste as a renewable resource, according to Mitchell. Senate File 135 and House File 208 would change that.

Mitchell said that Greater Minnesota counties don't produce enough garbage alone to make such a plant feasible but if they work together, such a plan would be an economic stimulus in many ways.

"People need to look at the big picture," Mitchell said. "This is a big opportunity."

The RCRCA was organized to develop and implement plans to protect property from flood damage; protect property, rivers and lakes from sedimentation and pollution; maintain and improve water quality in rivers, lakes and groundwater; and improve recreational and wildlife opportunities in the Redwood and Cottonwood River watersheds.

For more information, visit www.rcrca.com