Eagle Point Energy outlines 15-year tipping contract terms as county reviews indemnity language

Roy Donnelly, project manager with Eagle Point Energy, updated the commission April 15 on the Orrington energy-from-waste project and the company's proposed contract terms for municipal waste deliveries.

Donnelly said the proposed tipping fee in negotiations has been discussed in a range up to about $89 per ton with a negotiated escalator that has a 2 percent floor and a 4 percent ceiling and a 15-year term aligned with anticipated construction loan schedules. He said Eagle Point currently has supply commitments from 44 towns and a bundle of commercial haulers sufficient to underpin projected operations once financing closes.

County counsel and administration noted they requested additional indemnification and hold-harmless language because of ongoing litigation between EPIC and a prior owner/operator; counsel will produce a revised draft and the item will return to the commission for a vote once counsel and the company finalize language.

Donnelly described infrastructure and permitting progress and estimated a construction timeline of roughly 15'18 months pending financing; he said an earlier baler unit purchased to address residual on-site material remains in good condition and could help manage seasonal overflow or short-term storage needs once the permitted facility is operational.

Ending: Commissioners asked counsel to provide a draft indemnity clause and return a contract version for review; county staff said they are also comparing alternative disposal options and pricing if Eagle Point cannot finalize terms acceptable to lenders.