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Former plant manager says overnight cyclone failure caused fiber to blow into neighborhood; company offers cleanup and sensor upgrades
Summary
Billy Hayes, a recent plant manager at the local pellet mill, told the board a Nov. 12–13 cyclone plugging caused fiber to escape onto neighborhood property; he said the company cleaned affected yards, will consider adding a second sensor near cyclone tops, and offered to pay for car detailing for residents.
Billy Hayes, who said he served as plant manager at the local pellet mill, told the board during public comment that a Nov. 12–13 overnight equipment failure allowed wood fiber to escape the facility and deposit on nearby vehicles and yards. "When that cyclone bridged ... it was blowing out or stacking. At night you can't see it. First thing in the morning when daylight broke it was seen," Hayes said, and he described an immediate response to clean the affected properties.
Hayes said the bridging occurred above an existing plug sensor so the current alarm did not trigger; engineers are evaluating installing a second sensor higher on the cyclone "that would give us a second line of defense." He offered to pay for detailed cleaning of cars and yard cleanup for affected neighbors and urged residents to contact plant management directly so the company can respond quickly. The company also told the board it conducts daily air monitoring and is working with the state environmental agency on Title V and stormwater updates.
Residents asked about truck noise and a long-standing pile of chips across the road; Hayes said the company has consumed more material than it has deposited in recent months but does not yet have a formal removal plan. Mayor Reeves and other members encouraged residents to report problems and said city staff can help enforce delivery and noise rules.
