AltEn Community Update

May 21, 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.

MAY 21, 2024

Wet Cake Pilot Project

The FRG will restart the pilot project in the coming weeks. Heavy equipment will be mobilized to the site this month, followed by solidification, transportation and disposal. Once trucks are rolling again, wet cake removal is expected to last five to six weeks.

Odors and Control Measures

With a rise in Springtime temperatures and more site activities, the FRG is planning efforts to mitigate resulting odors.

Air Quality Monitoring

Air quality monitoring continues with the addition of new monitors to cover lagoon activities, which will expand the on-site current air monitoring network.

Northeast Lagoon Liner Removal

This month the FRG began removing the Northeast Lagoon liner to provide space for solids soon to be dredged from the Southeast Lagoon. The liner will be removed and transported to a landfill. This work is expected to be completed in July.

Southeast Lagoon Dredging

Starting in July, solids will be removed from the Southeast Lagoon to prevent any suspended solids from increasing. Dredged solids will be pumped via Geotubes into the Northeast Lagoon after its liner is removed. This work is expected to be completed in September.

Lagoon Water Treatment and Land Application

Water continues to be treated at an on-site treatment facility. As of May 12, 84.7 million gallons have been treated; an estimated 30 million gallons remain, excluding stormwater. 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.

Northwest Lagoon Subsoil Sampling Results

More than 20 samples were taken to analyze pesticides; 97% of samples are below generic soil screening levels for groundwater protection.

Stormwater Best Management Practices

Gravel roads have been resurfaced, and stormwater ditch improvements are on the way: Vegetation and debris will be removed to improve stormwater flow.

Stay Informed

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