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.
January 17, 2024
AltEn Community Update
A progress report on key learnings and next steps for the Solid Waste Pilot Project, in addition to the latest updates on seed disposal, lagoon water treatment, land application and other activities.
Solid Waste Pilot Project
The pilot project will continue in 2024 after the winter weather, with mobilization to the site beginning in April. The FRG is coordinating with contractors regarding final plans.
Subsoil Sampling
Samples to analyze pesticide levels in the soil underneath the wet cake pile were collected from several locations at one-foot intervals. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) collected split samples. NDEE’s results have been received and posted; we anticipate receiving FRG results by February and will first share results with the NDEE, then report to the public.
Lagoon Water Treatment and Land Application
Water continues to be pumped from the Northwest and Northeast Lagoons to an on-site treatment facility. 68.4 million gallons have been treated through January 2024; an estimated 50 million gallons remain, excluding stormwater. Ten to 15 million gallons of treated water are anticipated to be applied to land in the coming months.
Seed Disposal
An estimated 5,370 tons of seed have been removed from the site. Removal from the South and North Hoop Buildings is complete; Silo removal continues, with approximately 500 tons remaining. Removal is expected to be complete in February.
Other Site Activities
Communications
The 2023 recap and 2024 look-ahead one-pager is available on this website. The updated language found on the site reflects progress and continues to be the best spot for the latest information.
