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County hears HDR feasibility plan for biomass energy; consultants propose $79,000 first phase
Summary
HDR Engineering outlined a multi‑task feasibility plan for a county biomass/waste‑to‑energy project, proposing an initial site evaluation and concept feasibility phase (project management, fatal‑flaw/site analysis and concept feasibility) with a proposed first‑phase fee of about $79,000 and subsequent RFI/RFP and design phases.
Consultants from HDR Engineering presented a scope and preliminary fee Oct. 29 to begin feasibility work for a woody‑biomass energy project in Lincoln County. HDR recommended a phased approach: project management and stakeholder coordination; site evaluation and fatal‑flaw analysis; and a concept feasibility study that would produce a planning‑level layout and cost model to support an RFI/RFP.
HDR said the initial phase could be delivered within roughly nine months if started promptly and quoted an initial planning‑phase fee near $79,000 (staff said the team would refine the scope and fee after discussion). The firm outlined technology options — direct combustion boilers with steam turbines, gasification and combined heat and power — and noted tradeoffs in capital cost, emissions, secondary products (biochar) and the economics of hauling feedstock.
Consultants stressed key early issues: identifying and vetting candidate sites (including utility interconnection proximity and water supply), quantifying sustainable feedstock availability and haul distances (HDR cited ideal biomass haul ranges inside ~50 miles), and negotiating power‑purchase or heat‑offtake agreements to underwrite long‑term financing. HDR recommended early contact with local utilities and potential off‑takers for waste heat.
Commissioners asked about combining municipal solid waste and woody biomass in one facility; HDR said mixed facilities are technically possible but typically expensive and advised focusing on woody biomass while improving source separation at landfills. Commissioners and consultants discussed grant opportunities (CDBG/Montana programs, federal sustainability grants) and the benefit of the county’s existing master stewardship agreements for feedstock coordination.
Next steps: commissioners asked staff to review HDR’s written scope and fee, pursue available planning grants and consider contracting HDR for the first phase to refine sites, technology choices and funding approaches.
