Cabin Creek Biomass Project Aims to Combat Wildfires

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the progress of the Cabin Creek Biomass Project, aimed at addressing wildfire risks and establishing a local biomass market. Jared Deck, program manager for environmental engineering, presented an update on the project, which has been in development for several years. The initiative seeks to reduce catastrophic wildfires by utilizing biomass materials collected from local forest management efforts, thereby creating beneficial products and energy.

Deck highlighted alarming statistics regarding the air quality impacts of wildfires, noting that the recent mosquito wildfire emitted carbon dioxide equivalent to the annual emissions of the entire county. This underscores the urgency of the project, which is designed to mitigate such environmental threats.

The project will be located at the Eastern Regional Landfill, where a 3-acre site has been designated for a biomass energy facility. The plan includes the construction of a 2-megawatt energy facility, with the potential for a public-private partnership to finance the project. Biochar Now, a Colorado-based company specializing in biochar production, emerged as the preferred partner after a competitive bidding process. They will handle all aspects of the facility's construction and operation, while the county will provide a loan of up to $6 million, a land lease, and access to biomass materials.

The board members expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing its potential to create a circular economy by utilizing local resources and addressing the pressing issue of forest management. The project is expected to not only produce biochar for various markets, including agriculture and water treatment, but also to explore innovative applications such as graphene production.

Next steps include finalizing the agreement with Biochar Now and updating the existing environmental impact report to facilitate the project's implementation. The board unanimously approved the motion to move forward, marking a significant step toward enhancing environmental sustainability and wildfire prevention in the region.