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County hears HDR feasibility update on biomass waste-to-energy; Libby port site favored for co-mingled MSW and biomass
Summary
HDR consultants briefed commissioners and timber-industry representatives on a biomass waste-to-energy feasibility study, advising a Libby port mill site as the preferred co-mingled MSW/biomass location, targeting modular technologies and 3–5 MW capacity; industry participants said fuel supply exists but financing, transportation costs and market prices will determine viability.
HDR consultants presented an updated feasibility review and convened a timber-industry roundtable to test assumptions about fuel supply, technology and sites. HDR said it had assessed multiple technology paths and that modular combustion systems and traveling-grate/reciprocating-grate technologies were leading candidates; the consultant indicated the Port/old mill site in Libby is the preferred option because it offers substation access, river/rail receiving capability and less impact on downtown traffic.
Consultants discussed target generation of roughly 3–5 megawatts for the Libby co-mingled MSW/biomass plant and estimated intake scenarios in the neighborhood of 150–200 tons per day as planning targets. Timber-industry participants and local loggers said substantial non-saw and slash material exists across private, state and national forests but emphasized that hauling cost, diesel prices, market competitiveness (including imported chips) and available contracting will determine whether the fuel can be aggregated at scale. HDR outlined an RFP timeline (targeting release late Q2/early Q3) and said it will provide a draft feasibility report to the county for review next month.
