The below information has been provided in an effort to help keep the community informed on a more frequent basis about progress at the AltEn site.
Ever since AltEn ceased operations at its facility in Mead in 2021, the AltEn Facility Response Group (FRG) has been voluntarily working under the guidance of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) to stabilize the AltEn site and develop a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) for the site. The FRG’s top priorities have been and continue to be to help ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment. To-date, there has been no evidence of impacts to local drinking water.
The FRG is working diligently with the NDEE to identify the most effective and safest methods to address the current environmental conditions on the AltEn site. The remedial action plans (RAP) will recommend remediation for components remaining on-site, including wastewater, sludge, and wet cake.
October 29, 2024
Wet Cake Removal
In 2024, the FRG has safely moved more than 2,000 truckloads – approximately 45,000 tons – of wet cake to a landfill. The work continues while site managers work though process improvements. Wet cake removal will pause for the Winter on Friday, Nov. 15. The remaining wet cake is expected to be removed by the end of 2025.
Lagoon Water Treatment and Land Application
Water treatment is complete: More than 107 million gallons of lagoon water were treated on site. Land application will continue through mid-November and is expected to be completed this year. Residual lagoon water and stormwater will continue to be contained and treated for land application.
Lagoon Solids
Southeast Lagoon dredging was completed in September. Solidification will continue with best practices applied from a field trial.
Northeast and Northwest Lagoon Subsoil Sampling Results
A total of 110 samples were taken from various Northeast Lagoon depths to analyze pesticides; there were no exceedances of site-specific screening levels.
A total of 100 samples are to be taken from various Northwest Lagoon depths to determine the presence of pesticides; results will be analyzed in December and shared with the NDEE and community in early 2025.
Groundwater Monitoring
Groundwater samples were collected in June, with results showing normal pesticide screening levels that are representative of the region’s groundwater quality. There was an exception of one compound in MW5, which is located in the northwestern part of the site.
Stay Informed
Check alteninfo.com for the latest updates about AltEn site activities.
