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County explores modular biomass and waste-energy plants to reduce long-haul waste costs
Summary
County officials described a feasibility study for modular biomass/waste-to-energy plants to cut long hauls of solid waste and convert slash piles to energy feedstock; the approach seeks private investment after prefeasibility work.
Lincoln County officials said they have contracted an engineering firm to perform a feasibility study for a biomass/waste-energy facility intended to reduce costly transport of solid waste (noted as about 70 miles one way to the nearest landfill). "If we had a biomass plant up there that we could supply fuel to, that would take the load off of that transport material to Libby," a county participant said.
Speakers described modular designs rather than a single large $240 million complex, suggesting smaller facilities in Eureka, Libby or at a midpoint could serve several counties and leverage rail access for regional collection. Officials framed the idea as a circular-economy opportunity that could create local jobs and generate energy while addressing slash piles and air-quality concerns.
Nut graf: The feasibility study is an early step to attract private investors by clarifying feedstock, technology selection, potential markets, and permitting requirements; staff cautioned that next design and permitting steps will be costly.
