AltEn Community Update

March 19, 2024

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.

March 19, 2024

Solid Waste Pilot Project

The FRG will restart the pilot project in Spring 2024. We are coordinating with contractors regarding final plans and schedule. The plan is to mobilize in Spring 2024, followed by solidification, transportation and disposal.

Subsoil Sampling

Samples to analyze pesticide levels in the soil underneath the wet cake pile were collected from several locations up to five feet deep in November 2023. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) collected split – or separate – samples. We were pleased with the results, finding that pesticide detections are not widespread, and risks of impacting groundwater are low based on low leaching potential.

Lagoon Water Treatment and Land Application

Water continues to be treated at an on-site treatment facility. As of March 8, 74.4 million gallons have been treated; an estimated 40 million gallons remain, excluding stormwater. Just over 11 million gallons of treated water are anticipated to be applied to land this Spring.

Seed Disposal

Seed transportation and disposal is complete. More than 6,000 tons of seed were transported by 194 trucks to an Oklahoma disposal facility.

Northwest Lagoon Whale Lancing and Subsoil Sampling

We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of deflating gas whales located in the Northwest Lagoon. Whales are bubbles that extend above the water surface, resulting from naturally produced gases that accumulate under the lagoon liner. No air quality impact has been detected; water will continue to be pumped for treatment. We have also collected samples to assess subsoil quality from four Northwest Lagoon locations up to five feet deep.

Groundwater Monitoring

Five new groundwater monitoring wells were installed earlier this month. We collected quarterly groundwater samples on March 11 and will share results and analysis with NDEE and the community.

Stay Informed

Continue checking alteninfo.com for the latest updates about AltEn site activities.