AltEn Facility Remediation Response
Updates from the AltEn Facility Response Group (FRG) on remediation efforts at AltEn’s vacated ethanol production facility in Mead, Nebraska.
Please continue checking here for new information.
“Moved Mountains”: Wet Cake Removal Complete; Gov. Pillen Visits Mead to Celebrate Milestone
On Aug. 20, 2025, AltEn Facility Response Group (FRG) completed the solidification and transportation of all wet cake from the AltEn site to WM’s Pheasant Point Landfill.
This follows years of cleanup at the property, which was abandoned by AltEn in 2021. In total, more than 165,000 tons of wet cake were solidified and safely transported since fall of 2023. This summer alone, nearly 85,000 tons of wet cake were taken to the landfill.
On Dec. 9, 2025, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and other elected officials met with Mead community members and project leaders to celebrate the total removal of wet cake from the AltEn facility site. “I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say we’ve moved mountains,” said Gov. Pillen.
The last truck being loaded with solidified wet cake.
The last truck drives offsite to WM’s Pheasant Point Landfill.
Crew who facilitated the wet cake solidification and removal.
Scraped ground surface conditions (Aug. 22, 2025).
A conceptual site image after grading and grass planting.
ERM Newfields Contractor Don Gunster speaks at the Dec. 9 event with Gov. Pillen.
Wet Cake Solidification and Removal Complete
In August of 2025, the AltEn Facility Response Group (FRG) reached a significant milestone of solidifying and removing all of the wet cake from the site abandoned by AltEn. Since 2023, more than 165,000 tons of solidified wet cake have been transferred to WM’s Pheasant Point landfill.
Wet Cake Removal Progress Results
2025
| WEEK | NO. TRUCKS | TONS |
|---|---|---|
| 4/1 - 4/5 | 114 | 2,643 |
| 4/7 - 4/12 | 243 | 5,624 |
| 4/14 - 4/19 | 252 | 5,620 |
| 4/21 - 4/26 | 228 | 5,308 |
| 4/28 - 5/3 | 224 | 5,182 |
| 5/5 - 5/10 | 277 | 6,390 |
| 5/12 - 5/17 | 330 | 7,439 |
| 5/19 - 5/24 | 54 | 1,158 |
| 5/26 - 5/31 | 221 | 5,207 |
| 6/2 - 6/7 | 153 | 3,641 |
| 6/9 - 6/14 | 325 | 7,114 |
| 6/16 - 6/19 | 206 | 4,427 |
| 6/23 - 6/28 | 268 | 5,910 |
| 6/30 - 7/5 | 141 | 3,282 |
| 7/7 - 7/12 | 99 | 2,182 |
| 7/14 - 7/19 | 392 | 9,092 |
| 7/21 - 7/26 | 268 | 6,468 |
| TOTALS | 3,795 | 86,712 |
Community Open House
AltEn Site Progress Update
Please join us for an informational meeting about progress at the AltEn site.
The Facility Response Group (FRG) has begun a new phase and our technical representatives will be on hand to share details, respond to questions and have information stations highlighting progress and next steps with the removal of the remaining materials from the site.
We hope to see you there!
Attendees are free to come and go at their convenience during the hours listed to the right. Light refreshments will be available.
DATE
Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023
SCHEDULE
5 to 6 p.m.
Open House
6 to 6:30 p.m.
Presentation
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Open House continued with information stations
LOCATION
Encounter Life Ministries Church
1540 County Rd 10, Mead, NE 68041
Latest community updates
The responsible, safe remediation of the AltEn site in Mead, Nebraska.
The AltEn Facility Response Group (FRG), as part of Nebraska’s Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) and under the direction of the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (NDWEE), has stabilized the site.
The FRG developed a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) for water stored at the site and is committed to implementing the Water RAP. The FRG has treated more than 114 million gallons of process water – 50 million gallons of which have been applied to local farms as a beneficial nutrient source.
In August 2025, the FRG completed the solidification and removal of all wet cake from the AltEn site, transporting more than 165,000 tons of material to WM’s Pheasant Point Landfill. In addition, the FRG continues to collaborate with NDWEE to finalize the recommended RAP (Remedial Action Plan) for the remaining on-site solids.
As this work continues, the FRG’s top priority is to ensure the continued safety of the surrounding community and environment. NDWEE testing has consistently shown no evidence of impacts to water.
This website is a key resource for updates and information about the FRG’s remediation efforts.
Steps the FRG and NDWEE have taken to stabilize the site:
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Developed a Remedial Action Plan for water removal and successfully treated more than 114.5 million gallons – 50 million gallons of which have been applied to local farms as a beneficial nutrient source.
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Removed 1,500 tons of trash and debris from the site.
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Removed more than 5,100 tons of leftover seed from the site’s hoop buildings and silo.
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Removed a total of 165,367 tons (7,293 truckloads) of wet cake from the site, with transportation and disposal completed in August 2025.
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Dredged lagoons of solids and water for treatment and land application to solids to be completed in September 2024.
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August 2025: All wet cake removed from the site.
The AltEn Facility Response Group’s top priority is to help ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.