Laidlaw Energy Group, Inc.(fka LLEG)

[rich sears]

Wood supply cannot support a large biomass plant in Berlin, study shows.

By Sally Manikian
BERLIN — As suspected, the wood supply in the region can not support a large biomass plant in Berlin. A study prepared by the private organization Innovative Natural Resource Solutions (INRS), hired by Clean Power Development, was made public at the Berlin City Council work session on August 11. Based on the conclusions of the study, Clean Power has now reduced the size of their plant from 45 megawatts to around 25. “The long and short of it is that there is only so many woodchips,” said Mel Liston, president of Clean Power. “We hired INRS to determine how much could be available at an affordable price and also not get into a situation with a shortage.” “This is a study that tells you collectively what could happen up here,” said Mr. Liston. The INRS study determined the scope of available wood for biomass based on a number of factors. The fuel for biomass relies upon the portions of the tree not used for higher quality wood such as sawlogs: tops, branches, and the bark. Hence the analysis looked at current wood cutting practices. First was geographic availability (the location of wood). That was cross-referenced with the price of diesel fuel to determine the boundaries of affordable, transportable wood. The reasonably prudent boundary was set at around 35 miles. Next the study took into consideration competitive draws on the wood basket, current and proposed, from White Mountain Lumber to Whitefield’s biomass plant to the proposed Greenova wood pellet plant. One project that Clean Power took seriously is the Fraser Paper Mill’s biomass boiler. “We realize that Fraser Paper would also like to put in a biomass, and use the same resource,” Mr. Liston said. “There are a lot of jobs there, and the plant has high social value. We will have to work around that.” The proposed Laidlaw project in Berlin is reviewed in the study. Since the plant is proposed to be 60-70 megawatts, it is in excess of the sustainable standard of 30 megawatts. “There is insufficient local biomass supply at what the INRS considers an economic price to source the Laidlaw project as proposed,” the study concludes. The Council took some time to digest the material. “It’s nice to have the real facts for something that we have only just thought about,” said Councilor Ron Goudreau. Councilor Goudreau also complimented Clean Power for their respect shown towards Fraser. “You’re showing your reputation concerning the community,” he said. The Council remained concerned with what would happen if Laidlaw carried through their project. “If all of a sudden this 60 megawatt plant comes along and strips the fuel, what’s that do to you?” asked Councilor Goudreau. Ideally, that would not come to pass, replied Mr. Liston. Because of the size of Laidlaw’s proposal, when and if it moves forward it will be subject to a highly scrutinized state review process, pointed out Mr. Liston. During that review process, there are plenty of opportunities for individuals, communities, and other businesses such as his own to intervene. “This study, along with state studies and entities such as the Division of Forest and Lands would give Laidlaw a hard time,” said Mr. Liston. “There is a concern for long term economics and the sustainability of the fiber basket.” Because of the conclusions of this study Clean Power has scaled back their proposal to 25-30 megawatts. This moderate proposal places Clean Power below the standard for the state review process, also shortening the project timeline. “We could be ready to go in four months,” said Mr. Liston. The study is available through Clean Power’s website, and will hopefully be discussed again in the future said Mr. Liston.

http://www.breporter.com/SitePage-18510.113119_Front_Pages.html