Commission hears CHP presentation for Agribusiness Park, continues decision to next meeting

Greg Martin (speaker 6) presented details of a proposed combined heat and power (CHP) installation for the Agribusiness Park and an associated ethanol plant expansion. Martin said the proposal centers on a single gas turbine with a heat-recovery steam generator to supply about 16 megawatts of incremental power and roughly 160,000 pounds per hour of process steam; he described an indoor unit, stormwater retention, and that NIPSCO must design and install a larger natural-gas lateral to serve the project. "Total project capital is about a $100,000,000," Martin said, and he added the project would create more than 100 construction jobs and about six permanent skilled positions on site.

Planning staff (speaker 5) explained the commission's role under the Agribusiness Park overlay—approving the use would allow staff-level building-permit review rather than sending the project to the Board of Zoning Appeals—and noted commissioners could attach conditions (setbacks, MOUs) or continue the item for further review. Commissioners asked specifically about noise levels, the path and impact of the NIPSCO lateral, environmental permitting and setbacks. After discussion the commission moved and seconded to continue the item to the next meeting for site-plan review and additional information; the motion passed by voice vote.