September Community Update: FRG Commits to Removing All Wet Cake

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.

August 20, 2024

Wet Cake Removal

The FRG is committed to removing all wet cake from the abandoned AltEn site, which it expects to be completed by August 2025. In addition, a wet cake remedial action plan (RAP) was submitted to the state in August following the successful completion of the pilot project.
Wet Cake Removal Remedial Action Plan submitted to NDEE on Aug. 23 following the successful completion of the wet cake pilot project Wet cake removal continues Transported 1,472 truckloads (32,765 tons) of solidified wet cake to the landfill in 2024 (as of Sept. 14) Total of 1,987 truckloads (42,973 tons) since 2023 No perimeter air quality triggers Adapting process to variable wet cake characteristics
Wet Cake Pile Aerial Photo

Southeast Lagoon: Dredging

Progress on solids removal from the Southeast Lagoon continues, with dredging expected to be completed this month.
Southeast Lagoon Dredging Progress through Sept. 13 Estimated that about 18,000 cubic yards of solids have been removed Filled about 11 Geotubes and 2 more are being filled now Booster pump added to increase the removal rate Water draining from the Geotubes and stormwater continue to be pumped back into the Southeast Lagoon for treatment Expect to complete in September
Northeast Lagoon Aerial Photo

Northwest Lagoon Liner Removal and Solids Consolidation

Adopting a similar process to remove the liner and solids from the Southeast Lagoon, the same was recently completed in the Northwest Lagoon.
Northwest Lagoon Liner Removal and Solids Consolidation Progress Completed last week Initial focus to consolidate solids from the east berm to the west Also consolidated solids from the west and south berms to the middle because work progressed efficiently
Northwest Lagoon Aerial Photo

Lagoon Water Treatment and Land Application

As of mid-September, more than 100 million gallons have been treated at the on-site treatment plant; an estimated 25 million gallons remain to be treated, excluding stormwater. Treatment is expected to last through the end of the year, though may take longer with continued rainfall. In addition, more than 60 million gallons have been applied to land through Spring 2024. Land application will continue through 2025 until all treated water is applied.
Lagoon Solids Treatment Options Evaluation
Lagoon Water Treatment and Land Application Water treatment Treated a total of ~102 million gallons through Sept. 15 Analysis continues to show good water quality for land application Estimate ~15 to 20 million gallons remain to be treated, excluding stormwater Expect to complete treatment at the end of 2024 pendingrain and stormwater accumulation Land application of treated water 60.9 million gallons have been land applied through Spring 2024 Planning to land apply ~38 million gallons across 1,147 acres Started land application this week and will continue into November Spring and Fall land applications will continue in 2025 until all treatedwater is applied

Stay Informed

The FRG is planning its next open community meeting, details of which will soon be shared.

Check alteninfo.com for the latest updates about AltEn site activities.

AltEn Facility Response Group

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