by jboullion | Dec 1, 2010 | Uncategorized
From an article by Jake Miller in the Wausau Daily Herald:
ROTHSCHILD — Union leaders, village officials and small business owners were among the overwhelming majority who spoke Tuesday in favor of a proposed — and highly debated — biomass plant.
Only four of the 43 speakers opposed the plant during the first of two public hearings held by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, which will assess the comments when deciding whether it will approve the project in mid-January, said Administrative Law Judge Michael Newmark.
We Energies and Domtar first proposed the plant, which will burn a woody biomass as fuel, in September 2009. It has been at the center of public debate for nearly as long.
At the afternoon hearing attended by about 200 people — another hearing was held Tuesday evening — supporters continued to argue that the biomass plant is critical to keep Domtar competitive and that it will create both temporary and permanent jobs.
Opponents stood strong, saying the plant, which is expected to burn 500,000 tons of biomass each year, will adversely affect air quality despite We Energies data that say emissions would be cut by 30 percent.
Jeff Morzenti, an employee at the Domtar Mill in Rothschild for more than 25 years, said he is one of those responsible for monitoring what exits the mill’s smoke stacks.
Not just as an employee, but as a longtime resident of Weston, the 51-year-old Morzenti said he wouldn’t support the plant if he didn’t believe it was safe.
by jboullion | Nov 29, 2010 | Uncategorized
From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
As a new administration prepares to take office in Madison, with a different attitude toward renewable energy than the Doyle administration, We Energies is pressing forward with plans to build a wood-burning power plant in north-central Wisconsin.
The state Public Service Commission will hold a hearing on the project this week, with a decision expected early in 2011.
Concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, the cost of the project and even competition for biomass are all being reviewed as the proposal makes its way through the state approval process.
We Energies is optimistic, as it has won all the local approvals it needs from officials for the Village of Rothschild and the Village of Weston, utility spokesman Brian Manthey said.
“We believe we’ve answered every question that has come up, and we are pleased that we’ve gotten unanimous support from the municipal boards for the project,” he said. “We’ll continue to supply the information needed to move the project forward at the state level.”
The $255 million project at the Domtar Corp. paper mill in Rothschild, south of Wausau, would generate 50 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 40,000 typical homes. It also would provide steam for the Domtar mill. . . .
The $255 million cost of the Domtar project is also raising concerns.
An analysis by auditors at the PSC found that building a wind farm would be less expensive for customers than building this project. The commission suggested that We Energies explore the possibility of burning wood in conjunction with coal at some of its existing coal-fired power plants, such as its older coal plant in Oak Creek.
An estimate by the customer group Citizens’ Utility Board found the plant would be twice as expensive as a similar-sized wind farm, executive director Charlie Higley said.
While the cost may be higher, We Energies said the utility wants to diversify its renewable energy sources beyond wind. And unlike wind and solar projects, biomass power plants have the added benefit of being able to run round the clock.
In addition, Allan Mihm, We Energies director of generation projects, said the project is more efficient because it’s supplying electricity and steam. It would cost the utility $20 million more to build a power plant separate from the paper mill, he said.
by jboullion | Nov 22, 2010 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by the Public Service Commission:
MADISON — The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (Commission) will hold public hearings in Rothschild on Wisconsin Electric Power Company’s (WEPCO, doing business as We Energies) application to construct a Biomass-Fired, Cogeneration Facility in the village of Rothschild, Marathon County, Wisconsin. The public hearings will be held Tuesday, November 30, 2010, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, Crystal 1 Room at 1000 Imperial Avenue in Rothschild. Administrative Law Judge Michael Newmark will preside over the hearings.
We Energies filed an application with the Commission on March 10, 2010 for approval to build and operate a 50 megawatt, Biomass-Fired, Cogeneration Facility in the Village of Rothschild.
Prior to acting on the application, the Commission will seek and consider public comments.
Public comments offered at the public hearings on the proposed biomass plant will be included in the record the Commission will review to make a decision. Attendees at each hearing will be able to provide testimony to the Administrative Law Judge presiding at the hearing. Citizens are encouraged to attend. If you cannot attend the public hearings, but would like to provide comments, you can do so on the PSC’s website through November 30, 2010. Click on the Public Comments button on the PSC’s homepage and click on the case title.
by jboullion | Nov 19, 2010 | Uncategorized
From GE Reports, a blog that is sponsored by GE but created by a group of tech bloggers and editors. The content covers topics from aviation to alternative energy to healthcare — virtually everything in the “innovative technology” space.
by jboullion | Nov 12, 2010 | Uncategorized
From an article by Nick Paulson in the Stevens Point Journal:
AMHERST — Since 1971, Marguerite Ramlow and her husband, Bob, have renovated their rural property seven miles south of the village of Amherst, making it more sustainable and eco-friendly with every step.
And since they opened Artha Bed and Breakfast almost four years ago, that process has accelerated.
Solar panels provide electricity and heat water. The wood paneling comes from maple trees felled in a windstorm. Even the sheets, towels and cleaning products are organic.
“We want to show people they can live sustainably and be very comfortable,” said Marguerite, who, along with Bob, runs the Artha Sustainable Living Center, which includes the bed and breakfast.
This week, the couple were rewarded for their commitment. Artha, 9784 County Road K, was named honorable mention on a list of the top “eco-elegant” B&Bs by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
The department’s Travel Green program showcases top destinations for ecotourism, and being featured so prominently should be a boon to an already sound business.
“Just having our name out there will make people aware there is a place like this nearby,” Marguerite said.
A blurb by Travel Green describing the center mentioned the renovated farmhouse, solar heat and other information the center offers B&B guests.
“Guests come for the hands-on workshops and retreats on solar water heating, gardening and yoga,” the blurb states.
