Archive of Information and Updates for AltEn near Mead, Nebraska

NDEE approves sites for spring 2024 land application - March 13, 2024

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has approved six sites for land application of treated wastewater from the AltEn facility.

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) is authorized to begin applying treated wastewater on these sites. NDEE has directed the AFRG to apply the treated wastewater according to the land’s nutrient budget, at rates that follow the NDEE-approved pesticide thresholds, and follow best management practices.

When approving sites, NDEE also considers the following requirements:

· Setbacks from waters of the state and other water bodies;
· Slope of the land;
· Setbacks from dwellings;
· Setbacks from potable water supplies, including community water supplies; and
· Depth to groundwater.

The document that includes the approved sites can be found in NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed March 6, 2024. NDEE’s approval is in a document titled “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed March 7, 2024.

The AFRG’s initial proposal for spring land application is also in the public records portal in a document titled “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed Feb. 13, 2024. NDEE provided comments prior to receiving and approving the final Best Management Practices plan for Spring 2024 land application.

Additional information on the AFRG’s Best Management Practices plan can be found in a Feb. 22, 2024, update.

NDEE approves amended land application approach - March 6, 2024

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has approved the revised “Proposed Land Application Approach for Management of Water from AltEn Site” document from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG).

The AFRG submitted its proposed revisions to the land application approach on Feb. 7, 2024, and NDEE approved the revisions on March 1, 2024. Both the revised land application approach and NDEE’s approval can be found on the agency’s public records portal in the following documents:

· “Land Application,” Feb. 7, 2024
· “Land Application Approval,” March 1, 2024

NDEE provided comments to the AFRG’s revised proposal prior to approval. The approved revised land application approach that incorporates NDEE’s comments is available in the public records portal in a document titled “Land Application,” filed Feb. 28, 2024. 

A previous update on this topic can be found on NDEE’s “Information and Updates for AltEn near Mead, Nebraska” webpage in a Feb. 26, 2024, update.

AFRG to install additional monitoring wells - March 6, 2024

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) plans to install five additional groundwater monitoring wells on site to expand the groundwater monitoring network.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) received the AFRG’s plan on Feb. 21, 2024. The plan can be viewed on NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Monitoring Work Plan,” filed Feb. 21, 2024.

The plan states the AFRG will install five groundwater monitoring wells along the AltEn property’s southern and eastern boundaries. These wells will be downgradient of most of the existing monitoring wells.

NDEE has reviewed the plan and did not have any comments. The AFRG plans to have the wells installed in time for its quarterly sampling, scheduled for the week of March 11. NDEE’s correspondence on the plan is available on the public records portal in a document titled “Work Plan Comments,” filed March 1, 2024.

NDEE receives revised land application proposal - February 26, 2024

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received a revised land application approach from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG).

The revised land application approach can be viewed on NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Land Application,” filed Feb. 7, 2024.

The proposed revisions clarify that glyphosate and prothioconozole testing is not required for on-farm soil and provide an additional method to evaluate treated water data prior to land application to account for different treatment scenarios.

NDEE is reviewing the proposed revisions.

The land application approach document describes how the AFRG determines its rate of application for treated wastewater from the AltEn facility. The proposed revisions do not change the facility’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.

NDEE receives plan for spring land application - February 22, 2024

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received a best management practices (BMP) plan for applying treated wastewater from the AltEn facility onto nearby agricultural land in the spring of 2024.

AltEn has an NPDES permit that allows the land application of treated wastewater, and this permit requires a BMP plan before land application events occur to ensure the treated wastewater is applied in an appropriate manner.

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) submitted the BMP plan for spring application on Feb. 13, 2024. It can be viewed on the agency’s public records portal in a document titled “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed on Feb. 13, 2024.

The BMP plan, if approved, would allow the application of approximately 11.96 million gallons of treated wastewater on seven sites near the AltEn facility. These seven sites total 677.55 acres.

The agency is currently reviewing the BMP plan.



AFRG submits plan to address "gas whales" in northwest lagoon - February 16, 2024

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received a plan from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) to relieve gas bubbles in the facility’s northwest wastewater lagoon liner and to collect soil samples in that area.

The plan is available on NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Sampling Work Plan,” filed Feb. 7, 2024. This work is expected to begin in mid- to late-February 2024.

The AFRG intends to install access roads into the northwest lagoon to lance three whales. “Whales” is a term used to described bubbles in the lagoon liner caused by trapped gas. The AFRG has pumped wastewater from the northwest lagoon, as described in its sump plan. The sump plan is available on the public records portal in a document titled “Site Plan,” filed Aug. 24, 2023.

The plan for lancing the whales states the AFRG will evaluate and develop a methodology for addressing the remaining whales in the lagoon based on this effort. During the lancing, the AFRG plan states air monitoring equipment will be set up to provide real-time data for methane, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia for worker safety.

The AFRG also plans to collect subsoil samples from beneath the lagoon liner during this project. It plans to collect subsoil samples from five locations within the lagoon to obtain pesticide data and other information to calculate site-specific soil screening levels for the protection of groundwater.



NDEE receives subsurface soil sample results - January 5, 2024

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received results from soil samples collected beneath the consolidated wetcake pile at the AltEn facility.

The sample results can be found on the agency’s public records portal in a document titled, “Technical Review,” filed Dec. 22, 2023. Due to a typographical error in the footnotes in Table 2, a revised version of this report is also on the public records portal in a document titled, "Technical Review," filed Jan. 22, 2024.*

NDEE’s contractor EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, collected split soil samples with the AltEn Facility Response group (AFRG) on Nov. 28 and 29, 2023. NDEE’s split samples were only a portion of all samples collected. Soil samples were collected to determine site-specific soil screening levels and to delineate the extent of pesticides from the wetcake to the underlying soil.

The AFRG’s subsoil characterization work plan can also be found on the public records portal in a document titled “Remedial Action Work Plan,” dated Aug. 11, 223. NDEE provided comments on this plan, which are also available on the public records portal in a document titled “Work Plan Comments,” dated Sept. 20, 2023.

In November, the AFRG excavated a portion of the wetcake to collect these soil samples. Information on the excavation can be seen in the Nov. 9, 2023, update below.

*This information was updated on Jan. 24, 2024.



NDEE clarifies August groundwater monitoring sample results - December 20, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) would like to clarify its August 2023 groundwater monitoring sample results.

In the recent past, NDEE used Matrix Sciences, Pacific Agricultural Lab (PAL) in Oregon for all samples related to the AltEn site. PAL reports sample results in micrograms/liter (µg/l), or parts per billion. For the August groundwater sampling, however, NDEE utilized Weck Lab in California, which reports sample results in nanograms/liter (ng/l), or parts per trillion.

To covert from parts per trillion (ppt) to parts per billion (ppb), divide by 1,000. In other words, 1,000 ppt is equal to 1 ppb. For example, the August groundwater monitoring sample results showed 36,000 ppt for clothianidin, which converts to 36 ppb, and 400,000 ppt for thiamethoxam, which converts to 400 ppb.

During the August sampling, NDEE’s contractor, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, collected split samples from a portion of the AltEn monitoring wells. This means EA and the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) collected separate samples, which were sent to separate labs for analysis.

Results from the August groundwater monitoring sampling are available on NDEE’s public records portal. EA’s sampling report can be viewed in a file titled “Sampling Work Plan,” filed Oct. 25, 2023, with an addendum titled “Sampling,” filed Nov. 15, 2023. The AFRG’s results can be found in a document titled “Sampling Results,” filed Oct. 11, 2023.



AFRG completes solids disposal pilot study - November 29, 2023

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) completed the second phase of its solids disposal pilot study on Saturday, Nov. 18.

The AFRG sent the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) weekly progress summaries during the pilot study. In total, the AFRG hauled more than 10,200 tons of wetcake and other materials to a permitted off-site landfill over the course of eight weeks. All summaries can be viewed on the agency’s public records portal in files titled “Progress Report.” The final summary was filed Nov. 20, 2023.

The purpose of this pilot study was to obtain data on the feasibility of taking the wetcake from the AltEn facility to a permitted landfill. The AFRG will use this information to develop its solids remedial action plan.



AFRG notifies NDEE of wetcake excavation - November 9, 2023

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) has notified the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) that it is excavating into the site’s consolidated wetcake pile. This excavation is taking place so the AFRG can sample soil that is currently under the wetcake.

The excavation work began around Nov. 4. A memo from the AFRG states that work will continue through Nov. 18, 2023, with the sampling taking place in late November 2023. This memo can be found on NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Technical Review,” filed Nov. 7, 2023.

The memo states corridors will be excavated through the wetcake starting at the southeast corner of the consolidated pile. One corridor will progress north for 362 feet, and the second will progress northwest for 509 feet. Some of the wetcake will be processed for use in the AFRG’s solids disposal pilot project. The rest will be placed on top of the current wetcake pile and covered with posi-shell at the end of each work week.

To read more about the AFRG’s wetcake subsoil characterization work plan, see the Aug. 21, 2023, update below. More information on the AFRG’s solids disposal pilot study, see the Sept. 25, 2023, update below.


NDEE approves additional sites for fall 2023 land application - October 26, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has approved the second of two best management practices (BMP) plans for the fall 2023 land application of treated wastewater from the AltEn facility.

The BMP can be viewed on NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed Oct. 14, 2023. Additional information can be found in a document titled “Additional Land Application Sites,” filed Oct. 6, 2023.

NDEE approved a previous BMP earlier this month. Information on this first BMP can be viewed in the Oct. 17, 2023, update.

This additional BMP authorizes the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) to begin applying water from the east treated wastewater lagoon to 9 sites.

NDEE has directed the AFRG to apply the wastewater according to the land’s nutrient budget, at rates that follow the NDEE-approved pesticide thresholds, and follow best management practices.

When approving sites, NDEE also considered the following requirements:

· Setbacks from waters of the state;
· Slope of the land;
· Setbacks from dwellings;
· Setbacks from potable water supply wells, including community water supplies; and
· Depth to groundwater.

NDEE’s land application approval letter can be found in the public records portal in a document titled, “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed on Oct. 24, 2023.



NDEE receives plan to remove seed corn - October 26, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) received a plan from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) to remove remaining seed corn from the AltEn site.

The plan can be viewed in the agency’s public records portal in a document titled “Removal Action Work Plan,” filed Oct. 18, 2023.

In its memo, the AFRG states it plans to remove approximately 2,800 tons of seed corn stored in a grain bin at the AltEn facility. This seed will be transported to a licensed and permitted waste-to-energy facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The AFRG states it plans to secure truck loads using the same protocols used for the solid waste pilot study before the trucks leave the facility. A previous update on the pilot study can be viewed in a Sept. 25, 2023, update.

Work to remove the remaining seed corn is expected to occur through the remainder of 2023.

NDEE approves sites for fall 2023 land application - October 17, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has approved a best management practices (BMP) plan for the fall 2023 land application of treated wastewater from the AltEn facility.

The BMP can be viewed on NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed Oct. 5, 2023. Additional information can be found in a document titled, “Additional Land Application Sites,” filed Oct. 6, 2023.

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) is authorized to begin applying water from the west treated wastewater lagoon on 13 approved sites.

NDEE has directed the AFRG to apply the wastewater according to the land’s nutrient budget, at rates that follow the NDEE-approved pesticide thresholds, and follow best management practices.

NDEE is reviewing an additional BMP for applying treated wastewater from the east treated wastewater lagoon.

When approving sites, NDEE also considered the following requirements:

· Setbacks from waters of the state;
· Slope of the land;
· Setbacks from dwellings;
· Setbacks from potable water supply wells, including community water supplies; and
· Depth to groundwater.

NDEE’s land application approval letter can be found in the public records portal in a document titled “Land Application Approval,” filed Oct. 6, 2023.

The AFRG’s initial proposal for fall land application, comments from NDEE, and the AFRG’s amended proposal can be viewed on the public records portal:

· Initial application - “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed Sept. 6, 2023;
· Signed landowner agreements - “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed Sept. 26, 2023;
· NDEE comments - “Best Management Practices (BMP,” filed Sept. 28, 2023;
· Revised BMP - “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed Oct. 3, 2023; and (east pond)
· Revised BMP - “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed Oct. 5, 2023.

Additional information on the AFRG’s Best Management Practices plan can be found in a Sept. 29, 2023, update.

NDEE receives plan for fall land application - September 29, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received a best management practices (BMP) plan for applying treated wastewater from the AltEn facility onto nearby agricultural land in the fall of 2023.

AltEn has an NPDES permit that allows the land application of treated wastewater, and this permit requires a BMP plan before land application events occur to ensure the treated wastewater is applied in an appropriate manner.

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) submitted the BMP plan for spring application on Sept. 6, 2023. It can be viewed on the agency’s public records portal in a document titled “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed on Sept. 6, 2023.

The BMP plan, if approved, would allow application of approximately 7.9 million gallons of treated wastewater on 10 sites near the AltEn facility. These 10 sites total 1,089 acres.

The agency is currently reviewing the BMP plan.

NDEE approves amended land application approach - September 29, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has approved the revised “Proposed Land Application Approach for Management of Water from AltEn Site” document from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG).

The AFRG submitted its proposed revisions to the land application approach on Aug. 18, 2023, and NDEE approved the revisions on Sept. 14, 2023. Both the amended land application approach and NDEE’s approval can be found on the agency’s public records portal in the following documents:

• “Land Application,” filed Aug. 18, 2023
• “Land Application Approval,” filed Sept. 14, 2023.

NDEE had previously provided comments to the AFRG’s revised proposal. Correspondence between NDEE and the AFRG can be found in the public records portal:

• “Land Application,” filed Sept. 6, 2023.
• “Land Application,” filed Sept. 11, 2023.

A previous update on this topic can be found on NDEE’s “Information and Updates for AltEn near Mead, Nebraska” webpage in an Aug. 28, 2023, update.

Next phase of pilot study to begin - September 25, 2023

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) plans to begin the next phase of its solids disposal pilot study the week of Sept. 25, 2023. This includes stabilizing and hauling wetcake off site to obtain data on the feasibility of taking wetcake from the AltEn Facility to an off-site landfill.

The AFRG plans to begin wetcake stabilization on Monday, Sept. 25 or Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. The first truck load of wetcake would leave the site a day or two later.

During an inspection by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) on Sept. 19, 2023, NDEE staff noted a new road on site for trucks to be loaded with wetcake, which includes two truck wheel wash mats to avoid track-out. Bentonite will be added to stabilize the wetcake before loading it into trucks.

The inspection report can be viewed on NDEE’s public records portal in document titled “Site Visit,” filed Sept. 19, 2023.

Previous correspondence between NDEE and the AFRG indicate the AFRG also plans to implement site controls to secure loads, manage stormwater, reduce dust, and conduct odor and air monitoring. The AFRG has also stated it plans to halt work during the weekends and community events to reduce odors.

More information on the pilot study can be viewed on the public records portal in a document titled “Pilot Study,” filed April 21, 2023, and in previous updates on March 24, 2023; May 1, 2023; and May 22, 2023.



NDEE receives revised land application proposal - August 28, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received a revised land application approach from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG).

The revised land application approach can be viewed on NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Land Application,” filed Aug. 18, 2023.

The proposed revisions:

• clarify the use of a drag hose is the AFRG’s preferred method of land application,
• clarify the field procedures used to ensure water is not ponding or running off the fields it is applied to,
• establish setback areas around known tile drainage, and
• remove the requirement to document and report producer-applied fungicide and insecticide in fields selected for land application

NDEE is reviewing the proposed revisions.

The land application approach document describes how the AFRG determines its rate of application for treated wastewater from the AltEn facility. The proposed amendments do not change the facility’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.



NDEE receives wetcake subsoil characterization work plan — August 21, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has received a Wet Cake Subsoil Characterization Work Plan from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG).

The work plan can be viewed on NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Remedial Action Work Plan,” dated Aug. 11, 2023.

The AFRG plans to sample the soil underneath the wetcake pile to determine site-specific soil screening levels and to delineate the extent of pesticides from the wet cake to the underlying soil. NDEE is reviewing the work plan.

AFRG begins seed disposal — August 16, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received information from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) regarding the disposal of unused seed corn stored at the AltEn site.

In a memo to NDEE, the AFRG states it plans to dispose of nearly 6,675 tons of seed by trucking it to a waste-to-energy facility. This document can be viewed on the public records portal in a document titled “Disposal Site,” filed on July 25, 2023.

Work to remove the unused seed began around Aug. 1, 2023. The AFRG also listed precautions it is taking, such as watering down the seed to limit dust, covering the loaded seeds, and wheel-washing to prevent track-out of the facility. The AFRG estimates it will take 4-5 months to complete with an estimated average of 3-5 trucks per day.



NDEE approves Title 123 permit — July 12, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) approved a wastewater works construction permit for AltEn through Title 123 – Rules and Regulations for the Design, Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Works.

This Title 123 permit allows the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) to construct wastewater works at the AltEn Facility for the treatment of onsite wastewater.

AltEn was previously issued a Title 123 permit in September 2022. A new permit is needed because the AFRG hired a different contractor that is constructing a new wastewater treatment works to treat the existing wastewater. The treated wastewater will continue to be stored in the treated wastewater lagoons on site and will ultimately be applied to agricultural land.

The AFRG’s permit application and the issued permit can be found on NDEE’s public records portal in documents titled, “Construction,” filed June 25, 2023, and “Construction,” filed July 7, 2023, respectively.



AFRG detects methane in monitoring wells, takes precautions — July 11, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) received a memo from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) that states the group found high levels of methane in groundwater monitoring well casings during its quarterly groundwater sampling effort.

The report can be viewed on NDEE’s public records portal in document titled, “Groundwater monitoring,” filed July 7, 2023. NDEE is reviewing this memo and the AFRG’s proposed actions.

The AFRG reports of the 11 wells sampled, eight had methane levels at or above the lower explosive limit (LEL). The LEL for methane in the air is 5% by volume. Of these eight wells, four were also above the upper explosive limit (UEL), which is 18%. Methane concentrations in the air outside the wells were below the LEL.

In response to these methane levels, the AFRG has taken a series of health and safety precautions to protect worker safety and prevent ignition of the methane, including:

• Capping and locking all monitoring wells, and tagging wells with methane concentrations above 4% of the methane LEL,
• Creating a 20-foot buffer around each of the tagged wells where vehicles cannot be parked, idled, stopped or started,
• Performing air monitoring in enclosed work spaces,
• Performing methane monitoring prior to opening a well,
• Directing all subcontractors to implement these controls and others they deem appropriate for the safety of their employees.

The AFRG states it also conducted response monitoring for the treated water pond system and buildings and enclosed spaces.

Moving forward, the AFRG states it will continue to monitor enclosed structures and make necessary modifications to prevent methane ignition, conduct air sampling during future well sampling events, and install well caps to prevent methane emissions. The AFRG also recommends conducting one extended venting/monitoring event to gather information to assess the benefits of installing vented well caps and to inform safety planning.



AFRG submits work plan for northwest lagoon — June 9, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received a workplan from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) that describes its plan to pump water out of the facility’s northwest lagoon.

The workplan is available on NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Remedial Action Work Plan,” filed June 2, 2023.

The workplan states the AFRG plans to cut access points through the northwest lagoon’s liner above the water line, then use a suction hose to remove water from above and below the liner. That water will be pumped to either the northeast or southeast lagoon.



NDEE receives AltEn wastewater works construction permit application — May 24, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received, and is reviewing, a wastewater works construction permit application for AltEn. This application can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled “Construction,” filed May 18, 2023.

AltEn previously applied for and received a Title 123 permit in the summer of 2022. A previous update on this topic can be seen on the AltEn Archives page in an update on July 8, 2022. The 2022 permit can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled “Construction,” filed on September 20, 2022.

AltEn is applying for a new Title 123 permit because the AFRG has hired a new onsite contractor that is constructing a new wastewater treatment works to treat existing wastewater stored in lagoons at the AltEn site. The treated wastewater would continue to be stored in treated wastewater lagoons on site and ultimately be applied to agricultural land. Title 123 rules and regulations can be reviewed here.

Full details of the new wastewater treatment works can be viewed in AltEn’s application.



NDEE receives pilot study timeline — May 22, 2023

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) has provided a timeline for its solids disposal pilot study to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE).

Removal of non-wetcake solids is set to begin May 24, 2023 and is expected to take five to six weeks. These materials will be disposed of at WM’s (formerly know as Waste Management) Pheasant Point Landfill.

The non-wetcake solids removal timeline is described in a document on NDEE’s public records portal titled “Pilot Study Work Plan,” filed on May 19, 2023.

The pilot study is intended to obtain data on the feasibility of taking wetcake and other solids to off-site landfills. The information AFRG learns will be used to develop its solids remedial action plan. Previous updates on this topic can be seen on the AltEn update page in the March 24, 2023 and May 1, 2023 updates.



NDEE receives additional information on solids disposal pilot study — May 1, 2023

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) has provided more information on its solid waste disposal pilot study in response to questions from the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE).

The AFRG submitted a memo with updated information to NDEE. This information is available on the agency’s public records portal in a document titled “Pilot Study,” filed April 21, 2023.

In its memo, the AFRG states that it will remove wetcake, biochar, unused starch and other debris from AltEn. Plans to remove sludge from the lagoons will be presented in the AFRG’s solids remedial action plan.

In addition, the AFRG plans to implement site controls to secure loads, prevent material from being tracked off site, manage stormwater, reduce dust, and conduct odor and air monitoring. The AFRG also states it will implement a community outreach program to provide additional information. It also plans to halt work during the weekends and community events to reduce odors.

This pilot study is intended to obtain data on the feasibility of taking wetcake and other materials from the AltEn facility to an off-site landfill. This data will be used by the AFRG to develop a remedial action plan for solids at the site. More information on this topic can be found in a March 24, 2023, update.



EPA provides air sampling results, statement — April 19, 2023

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy with preliminary raw air sampling data.

EPA, with assistance from NDEE personnel, conducted non-targeted air sampling from May 31 to June 1, 2022, at the AltEn facility and in Mead. A previous webpage update from May 27, 2022, provides more detail on the sampling. It can be viewed on the AltEn information archive page.

The sampling data is available on NDEE’s public records portal in documents titled “Sampling Results,” filed on April 7, 2023. The EPA also provided a statement explaining the air sampling process and the preliminary results. That statement is also on the public records portal in a document titled, “Monitoring,” filed April 17, 2023.



AltEn Facility Response Group plans pilot study for solids disposal — March 24, 2023

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) plans to begin a pilot study on disposal of solid material from the AltEn site.

The AFRG submitted a summary of its plan to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) on March 21, 2023. The summary can be found on the agency’s public records portal in a document titled, “Corrections,” filed March 21, 2023.

In the summary, the AFRG states the purpose of the pilot study is to obtain data on the feasibility of taking wetcake and possibly sludge to an off-site landfill. The AFRG further states it would use information obtained from this study to develop a remedial action plan for solids at the AltEn Site.

The wetcake at AltEn has been classified as a solid waste and can be disposed of at a permitted municipal solid waste disposal landfill in accordance with Title 132 – Integrated Solid Waste Management Regulations. A letter informing AltEn of this waste determination can be found on the agency’s public records portal in a document titled “Stop use and sale order,” filed June 26, 2019.

No start date has been set to begin the pilot study. NDEE will work with the AFRG to obtain more details about the pilot study and review it to ensure the work complies with all applicable environmental regulations.




NDEE approves wastewater remedial action plan — March 16, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has approved the AltEn Facility Response Group’s (AFRG) remedial action plan (RAP) for lagoon water at the AltEn site.

The RAP describes how the AFRG will treat the wastewater at the AltEn site and land apply all the treated wastewater.

The agency’s approval letter can be found on the public records portal in a document titled “Public hearing record,” filed March 13, 2023.

Prior to approving the RAP, the plan was put on public notice to receive public comments. NDEE also held a public hearing Dec. 14, 2022, to hear testimony on the RAP. The agency has reviewed the comments and testimony and provided a response summary. This summary was mailed to those who provided comments and is available on the public records portal within the RAP approval document: “Public hearing record,” filed March 13, 2023.



Sites approved for spring 2023 land application — March 16, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has approved seven sites for land application of treated wastewater from the AltEn facility.

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) is authorized to begin applying treated wastewater on these sites. NDEE has directed the AFRG to apply the wastewater according to the land’s nutrient budget, at rates that follow the NDEE-approved pesticide thresholds, and follow best management practices.

When approving sites, NDEE also considered the following requirements:

· Setbacks from waters of the state and other water bodies;
· Slope of the land;
· Setbacks from dwellings;
· Setbacks from potable water supplies, including community water supplies; and
· Depth to groundwater.

In addition to these requirements, NDEE also directed the AFRG to re-sample the treated wastewater prior to land application. This additional sampling follows NDEE’s observations of windblown solids from the northwest lagoon.

NDEE’s land application approval letter can be found in the public records portal in a document titled “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed March 10, 2023.

The AFRG’s initial proposal for spring land application, comments from NDEE, sample results and the AFRG’s amended proposal can be viewed on the public records portal:

· “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed Feb. 7, 2023;
· “Application review comments,” filed Feb. 22, 2023;
· “Sampling results,” filed Feb. 28, 2023;
· “Sampling results,” filed March 7, 2023;
· “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed March 8, 2023.

Additional information on the AFRG’s Best Management Practices plan can be found in a Feb. 15, 2023, update.



NDEE approves amended land application approach — February 28, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has approved the revised “Proposed Land Application Approach for Management of Water from AltEn Site” document from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG).

The AFRG submitted its proposed revisions to the land application approach on Feb. 14, 2023, and NDEE approved the revisions on Feb. 23, 2023. Both the amended land application approach and NDEE’s approval can be found on the agency’s public records portal in the following documents:

• “Land Application,” filed Feb. 14, 2023
• “Land Application Approval,” filed Feb. 23, 2023.

A previous update on this topic can be found on NDEE’s “Information and Updates for AltEn near Mead, Nebraska” webpage in a Feb. 27, 2023, update.




NDEE receives revised land application approach — February 27, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received a revised land application approach from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG).

The revised land application approach can be viewed on NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Land Application,” filed Feb. 14, 2023.

This revision allows for two testing options for treated wastewater. The first testing option is to collect composite samples from a stored batch of treated wastewater. The second option, called concurrent discharge, allows water discharge while water treatment continues into the same treated water storage lagoon. The AFRG states in the Land Application Approach that this would allow land application to occur at the same time as water treatment.

In addition, the AFRG amended the list of pesticides it samples treated water for. It has reduced the number of pesticides from 53 to 27 to only include pesticides that have been detected in the untreated lagoon water.

The land application approach document describes how the AFRG determines its rate of application for treated wastewater from the AltEn facility. The proposed amendments do not change the facility’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.




NDEE approves Step 6/Step 7 Environmental Site Investigation Work Plan — February 22, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has given contingent approval to AltEn’s work plan to conduct the required Step 6/Step 7 Environmental Site Investigation.

NDEE’s approval letter can be viewed on the public records portal in a document titled “Work Plan Approval,” filed Feb. 9, 2023. The full Step 6/Step 7 Work Plan is also on the portal in a document titled “Step 6/Step 7” filed Dec. 28, 2022. This approval is contingent on AltEn accepting the three comments from NDEE.

AltEn was required to submit the Step 6/Step 7 Work Plan as part of the Consent Order the facility signed with NDEE on Feb. 23, 2022. The Consent Order states that AltEn must comply with Title 118 regulations, which includes the Step 6/Step 7 environmental investigation to delineate impacts to soil and groundwater. The Consent Order can also be viewed on the public records portal in a document titled “Consent Order,” filed Feb. 23, 2022.



NDEE receives plan for spring land application — February 15, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received a best management practices (BMP) plan for land applying treated wastewater from the AltEn facility onto nearby agricultural land in the spring of 2023.

AltEn has an NPDES permit that allows the land application of treated wastewater, and this permit requires a BMP plan before land application events occur to ensure the treated wastewater is applied in an appropriate manner.

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) submitted the BMP plan for spring application on Feb. 7, 2023. It can be viewed on the agency’s public records portal in a document titled “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed on Feb. 7, 2023.

The BMP plan, if approved, would allow application of approximately 5.36 million gallons of treated wastewater on seven fields near the AltEn facility. These seven fields total 731.33 acres.

NDEE previously requested the AFRG to sample the water in the treated water lagoons prior to land application to determine if further treatment is necessary. Documents outlining NDEE’s requests regarding windblown material can be viewed on the agency’s public records portal in a document titled “Sampling Results,” filed Jan. 26, 2023.

The agency is currently reviewing the BMP plan.



NDEE requests response actions from AFRG on windblown solids — January 30, 2023

Following receipt of lab results for windblown lagoon solids at the AltEn facility showing the presence of pesticides, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) issued a written letter to the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) requesting response actions.

The letter can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled “Sampling Results,” filed January 26, 2023.

In it, NDEE requests AFRG to implement the following actions:

• Remove windblown lagoon solids from all visual deposition locations and provide documentation that the solids have been cleaned up.
• Resample treated water in each of the treated water lagoons prior to any future land application event. A sampling plan must be approved by NDEE prior to implementation.
• Maintain the use of a tackifier to help prevent solids from being blown out of the northwest lagoon. Any future solids exposed as a result of lagoon draw down should also be managed to prevent being blown off the lagoons. NDEE has requested the submission of a monitoring and maintenance plan for future potential windblown lagoon solids.
• Provide an assessment, which is to include a soil sampling plan, of downwind areas at the site that may have been impacted by the windblown lagoon solids.

NDEE receives sample results of windblown materials, tackifier applied to suppress dust — January 27, 2023

On Jan. 23, 2023, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) received results from samples of dried solids materials that had been blown from the northwest lagoon and deposited on other areas at the AltEn site.

Sample results can be seen on the agency’s public records portal in a document titled “Site Visit,” filed Dec. 30, 2022. Results showed pesticides are present in the material.

In 2022, NDEE inspectors periodically observed dust from the dried solids material in the northwest lagoon had been blown by the wind and deposited on other areas at the AltEn site. NDEE shared its observations with the AFRG. The AFRG submitted a plan on Nov. 15, 2022, to apply a tackifier onto the exposed sludges to suppress the dust. The tackifier is a biodegradable material made of wood fibers and cellulose with biopolymer and water absorbent granules, according to the AFRG’s dust suppression plan. This plan is available on the agency’s public records portal in a document titled “Dust Suppression,” filed Nov. 15, 2022.

NDEE agreed that controlling the dust was an appropriate action but stated that the department did not see applying the dust suppression material as a long-term remediation action. NDEE’s response is also in the public records portal in a document titled “Dust Suppression/NDEE Response,” filed Nov. 18, 2022.

During a Dec. 28, 2022, inspection, an inspector observed the dust was accumulating in larger quantities outside the northwest lagoon. NDEE collected samples of the dust on Dec. 30, 2022.

In early January 2023, the AFRG applied the tackifier to the sludge in the northwest lagoon. Inspection reports that show this work can be seen on the public records portal, in documents titled “Compliance,” filed Jan. 10, 2023.

After the AFRG applied the tackifier, NDEE received results from samples of the dried solids material mentioned above.

Based on the sample results, NDEE is directing the AFRG to re-sample the water in the treated wastewater lagoons to determine if further treatment is necessary.



NDEE issues individual industrial storm water permit to AltEn — January 1, 2023

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has issued an individual industrial storm water permit to AltEn. The permit can be seen on the agency’s public records portal in a document titled “NPDES Industrial,” filed Dec. 29, 2022.

Three supplementary documents in the public records portal provide additional details about the permit. The permit’s fact sheet, titled “Basis of Permit” and a cover letter, titled “Issued Permit” were both uploaded to the public records portal on Dec. 29, 2022. Comments from the public and NDEE’s response, titled “Application Review Comments,” were uploaded to the portal on Dec. 29, 2022, as well.

This permit outlines requirements necessary to reduce pollutants in storm water runoff from the AltEn site to an undesignated tributary of Clear Creek. It requires AltEn to maintain a storm water pollution prevention plan, conduct biweekly inspections of its storm water outfalls, conduct monthly sampling of its outfalls, submit quarterly discharge monitoring reports, and conduct site inspections.



NDEE receives groundwater sampling results — November 28, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received results from a groundwater sample event that took place on Oct. 26, 2022. NDEE’s contractor, EA Engineering Science and Technology, split the samples with the AltEn Facility Response Group.

This sampling event aimed to delineate the presence of pesticides and ammonia in groundwater on the AltEn site. Results can be found on NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Sampling Results,” filed on Nov. 15, 2022.



NDEE approves emergency lagoon repairs — November 14, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) approved a Title 123 Construction Permit for wastewater works for AltEn.

This permit allows the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) to repair whales in the emergency lagoon liner, install gas venting and convert the lagoon into a work area to manage sludge from the wastewater treatment process.

The lagoon will no longer be used to store and manage wastewater, according to the permit application. Water generated from rainfall or from any future sludge management will be removed from the lagoon and sent to the treatment plant or to the southeast industrial lagoon.

Previously, the AFRG removed sludge from the emergency lagoon and relined the lagoon in the fall of 2021. Following the repairs, the emergency lagoon held wastewater from AltEn’s anerobic digester. That water was transferred to the facility’s southeast lagoon as part of ongoing water treatment.

The permit application can be viewed on the agency’s public records portal in a document titled “Construction,” filed on Nov. 4, 2022. The permit approval can be viewed in a document titled “Construction,” filed Nov. 7, 2022.

The AFRG is made up of six seed companies: AgReliant Genetics, LLC; Bayer U.S., LLC; Beck’s Superior Hybrids, LLC; Corteva Agriscience, LLC; Syngenta Seeds, LLC; and WinField Solutions, LLC. The group has enrolled in NDEE’s Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) to address environmental remediation at the AltEn site.



Public hearings, info session scheduled for wastewater RAP, individual industrial storm water permit — November 10, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) proposes to approve the AltEn Facility Response Group’s (AFRG) wastewater remedial action plan (RAP). NDEE also proposes to issue AltEn an individual industrial storm water (ISW) permit.

Both the wastewater RAP and the individual ISW permit are on public notice and open to public comment. NDEE has scheduled an information session and separate public hearings on the wastewater RAP and the ISW permit for Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at the Mead High School gym. The schedule that evening is as follows:

• 5 to 6 p.m. – information session
• 6:30 p.m. – wastewater RAP public hearing
• 7 p.m. or after the RAP hearing ends – individual ISW permit public hearing

The public may submit written comments separately on the wastewater RAP and the ISW permit on or before Dec. 13, 2022.

Wastewater RAP
The wastewater RAP includes how the AFRG proposes to treat wastewater at the AltEn site and land apply all the treated wastewater. It can be viewed on NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled, “Remedial Action,” filed Oct. 14, 2022. A previous update on the wastewater RAP can be found in the Sept. 15, 2022, update.

Prior to final approval, the public can provide written comments on the wastewater RAP by submitting them to:

Tom Buell
Monitoring and Remediation Division
Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy
PO Box 98922
Lincoln, NE 68509-8922
ndee.vcpbrownfields@nebraska.gov

Industrial Storm Water permit
The ISW permit outlines requirements necessary to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff at the AltEn site. The permit and related documents can be found in the public records portal in documents titled “NPDES Industrial,” “Basis of Permit,” and “Intent to Issue Permit,” all filed Nov. 9, 2022. A previous update on AltEn’s industrial storm water permit application can be found in the Oct. 21, 2022, update.

Prior to final approval, written comments on the ISW permit may be sent to:

Kim Bubb
NPDES and State Permits Section
Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy
PO Box 98922
Lincoln, NE 68509-8922
ndee.npdes@nebraska.gov

 
Sites approved for fall land application — October 27, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has approved seven sites for land application of treated wastewater from the AltEn facility.

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) is authorized to begin applying treated wastewater on these sites. NDEE has directed the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) to apply the wastewater at rates that are protective of NDEE-approved pesticide thresholds, according to the land’s nutrient budget, and follows best management practices.

When approving sites, NDEE also considered the following requirements:

· Setbacks from waters of the state and other water bodies;
· Slope of the land;
· Setbacks from dwellings;
· Setbacks from potable water supplies, including community water supplies; and
· Depth to groundwater.

NDEE’s land application approval letter can be found in the public records portal in a document titled “Land Application Approval,” filed Oct. 25, 2022.

Additionally, the AFRG’s best management practices plan, prepared by Nutrient Advisors, can be found in a document titled “Best Management Practices (BMP)/Revised,” filed Oct. 21, 2022, and a document titled “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed Oct. 24, 2022.

An additional update on the AFRG’s Best Management Practices plan can be found in the Oct. 13, 2022, update.



NDEE receives industrial storm water permit application — October 21, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received an individual industrial storm water permit application from AltEn.

NDEE has determined AltEn has submitted a complete application for an individual industrial storm water permit. NDEE will propose to either modify AltEn’s existing NPDES permit (NE0137634) to include industrial storm water requirements or issue a separate individual storm water permit. AltEn’s existing NPDES permit allows for the land application of treated wastewater.

The proposed modification to the existing permit or the proposed issuance of a new permit will be put on public notice and NDEE will hold a public hearing to receive comments from the public prior to modification or issuance of a permit.

The individual industrial storm water permit application can be viewed on NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “NPDES General Industrial Stormwater,” filed Oct. 11, 2022. NDEE’s letter stating AltEn’s application is complete can also be found on the public records portal in a document titled “Application Complete,” filed Oct. 18, 2022.

Because AltEn did not submit its individual industrial storm water permit application by its Sept. 28, 2022, deadline, it currently does not have coverage under a general or an individual industrial storm water permit.

Generally, storm water permits require a written storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), implementation of storm water control measures, and collection of monitoring data.



NDEE approves amended land application approach — October 20, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has approved the revised “Proposed Land Application Approach for Management of Water from AltEn Site” document from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG).

The AFRG submitted its proposed revisions to the land application approach on Sept. 23, 2022, and NDEE provided comments on Oct. 5, 2022. The AFRG revised its proposal based on NDEE’s comments on Oct. 11, 2022. These documents can be found in the agency’s public records portal as:

· “Land Application,” filed Sept. 23, 2022
· “Land Application/NDEE Response,” filed Oct. 5, 2022
· “Revised Land Application,” filed Oct. 11, 2022.

A previous update on this topic can be found on NDEE’s “Information and Updates for AltEn near Mead, Nebraska” webpage in an Oct. 4, 2022, update. NDEE’s approval of the land application approach is on the agency’s public records portal in a document titled “Revised Land Application/NDEE Response,” filed Oct. 18, 2022.



NDEE receives plan for land application — October 13, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received a best management practices (BMP) plan for land applying treated wastewater from the AltEn facility onto nearby agricultural land.

AltEn has an NPDES permit that allows the land application of treated wastewater, and this permit requires a BMP before land application events to ensure the treated wastewater is applied in an appropriate manner.

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) submitted the BMP on Oct. 4, 2022. It can be viewed on the agency’s public records portal in a document titled “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed on Oct. 5, 2022.

The BMP outlines plans to apply approximately 20 million gallons of treated wastewater on seven fields near the AltEn facility. These seven fields total 736 acres.

NDEE has reviewed the BMP and provided comments. Those comments can be seen in the public records portal in a document titled “Best Management Practices (BMP)/NDEE Response,” filed Oct. 7, 2022.



NDEE receives groundwater sampling results — October 11, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received groundwater sampling results that were collected on Sept. 15, 2022, as part of a split sampling event with the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG).

Results from NDEE’s samples can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled, “Sampling Results,” filed Oct. 7, 2022.

Results from this sampling event will be used for groundwater delineation of pesticides, ammonia and nitrates in groundwater at the AltEn site.

NDEE sampled three monitoring wells south of AltEn’s lagoons for pesticides, ammonia and nitrates. Pesticides were detected in the wells at levels below the Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water benchmarks. Nitrates were also present in the wells, and ammonia was detected at low levels.



NDEE provides comments on wastewater remedial action plan — October 5, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has provided comments on the AltEn Facility Response Group’s (AFRG) wastewater remedial action plan (RAP).

The agency’s comments can be viewed on its public records portal in a document titled “Remedial Action/NDEE Response,” filed Oct. 3, 2022.

The AFRG now has the opportunity to address NDEE’s comments and resubmit the RAP. To read a full description of the public notice and comment procedures for a RAP, see the Oct. 28, 2021, update on NDEE’s AltEn Information Archive page.



NDEE receives proposal to amend land application approach — October 4, 2022

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) has proposed changes to its “Land Application Approach for Management of Water from AltEn Site.” The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) is reviewing the proposal.

The proposal can be viewed on NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Land Application,” filed on Sept. 23, 2022.

The land application approach document describes how the AFRG determines its rate of application for treated wastewater from the AltEn facility. The proposed amendments do not change the facility’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit that was issued on June 29, 2022.

In its proposal, the AFRG requested to increase the application threshold for the fungicide thiabendazole. The single application threshold would increase from 0.26 grams/acre to 0.65 grams/acre. Annual application would be limited to 1.3 grams/acre.

According to the AFRG, its proposed single application threshold for thiabendazole is less than 1% of its registered use as a seed treatment for wheat and 50% of its registered use as a seed treatment for corn. The U.S. EPA determined this use was associated with acceptable risk to human health and ecological receptors.

Other changes include changing the land application reporting timeframe from a calendar year to an agronomic year and conducting weekly sampling of water entering the treated water lagoons on the AltEn site.



NDEE responds to AFRG’s Former East Wet Cake Area Grading Plan — September 16, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has reviewed and responded to the AltEn Facility Response Group’s (AFRG) Former East Wet Cake Area —Grading Plan.

NDEE’s response to the plan can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled “East Wet Cake Area Grading Plan / NDEQ Response,” filed September 8, 2022. In it, the department requests that if AFRG implements this grading and capping plan as an interim action that they also include it in a future Remedial Action Plan (RAP) that is subject to public participation. Should AFRG implement the plan, NDEE also communicated that AFRG would be proceeding at its own risk.

AFRG’s proposed grading plan for the former east wet cake area was submitted to NDEE on August 12, 2022. It can be viewed in the public records portal in a document title “Grading Plan.”



NDEE receives proposed wastewater RAP from AFRG — September 15, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received the proposed wastewater remedial action plan (RAP) from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG).

The RAP can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled, “Remedial Action,” filed September 12, 2022. In it, the AFRG proposes the treatment of all on-site wastewater at the AltEn facility. AFRG also proposes the continued land application of all treated wastewater.

NDEE will begin an internal review process of the wastewater RAP. Any comments that the department generates during this internal review will be submitted back to the AFRG, and the AFRG will have an opportunity to address those comments and resubmit the RAP. This initial review and response will happen before the proposed RAP is open for public comment. The proposed RAP is a public record and will be available to view during NDEE’s internal review and before public comment begins. Correspondence between NDEE and the AFRG regarding the proposed RAP also will be part of the public record and available to view.

If NDEE’s comments are addressed to its satisfaction, NDEE will then provide public notice of its intent to approve the RAP by publishing a legal notice in a local newspaper of general circulation near the affected area, as well as on the Agency website at the following link: https://dee.nebraska.gov/news-events/public-notices. The public comment period will begin once the legal notice is published. The public comment period will remain open for thirty (30) days. During the public comment period, NDEE will take written comments from the public on the proposed RAP. NDEE will also hold a public hearing at which the public can testify. The date for the public hearing will be contained in the published legal notice. All written comments or testimony received by NDEE during the public comment period will become part of the public record.

Comments and testimony from the public submitted outside of the 30-day public comment period and public hearing may not be considered.

Following the public comment period and public hearing, NDEE will prepare a responsiveness summary to the public comments and testimony received during the 30-day public comment period and may request that the RAP be revised to address issues raised by the public.

After AFRG has a chance to respond to the responsiveness summary and/or revise the proposed RAP, NDEE will undertake a final review and, if satisfied, make a final decision on the proposed RAP.


NDEE reviews and responds to AFRG Groundwater Delineation Work Plan — August 29, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has reviewed and responded to the AltEn Facility Response Group’s (AFRG) Groundwater Delineation Work Plan.

NDEE’s response to the plan can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled “Activity Update/NDEQ Response,” filed August 24, 2022. In it, NDEE expresses no concern with the installation of the three proposed shallow groundwater monitoring wells.

The department’s response letter communicates a preference regarding the depth of the deep groundwater monitoring well. For that well, NDEE prefers a shallower depth relative to the 130 feet below ground surface proposed by AFRG. The department communicated to AFRG that the preferred shallower depth may more adequately delineate the vertical extent of pesticides and ammonia at the AltEn facility.

The department will reserve requesting a shallower depth for the deep well until after the three shallow wells are installed and sampled and analytical results from those wells are available.

AFRG’s Groundwater Delineation Work Plan was provided to NDEE on August 12, 2022. It can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled “Activity Update/Facility Response.”


NDEE receives groundwater delineation plan from AFRG — August 17, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received a letter from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) outlining the group’s commitment to perform groundwater delineation of pesticides and ammonia at the AltEn facility. The AFRG letter can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled “Activity Update/Facility Response,” filed April 12, 2022.

In their delineation plan, AFRG proposes the lateral and vertical delineation of pesticides and ammonia through the installation of three new shallow wells and one new deep well. AFRG anticipates installation of the wells to begin in September.

In the same letter, AFRG also commits to performing additional drawdown of the northwest lagoon.

AFRG’s delineation commitment comes in response to an August 2, 2022, letter where NDEE recommended the process. NDEE’s recommendation letter can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled “Activity Update/NDEQ Response.”

NDEE recommends air monitoring, groundwater delineation at AltEn — August 4, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) issued a letter to the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) on August 2, 2022. In it, the department recommends AFRG Implement air monitoring for hydrogen sulfide and methane to evaluate the performance of odor control measures and to ensure worker safety.

The department also communicated to AFRG that it strongly believes delineation of the pesticides, ammonia, and nitrates found in one onsite monitoring well needs to be completed in an expedited manner.

The department asked AFRG to respond to this letter by August 12, 2022.

The letter can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled “Activity Update/ NDEQ Response,” filed on August 2, 2022.

NDEE sent this letter in response to a July 25, 2022, memo from AFRG that outlined the group’s response actions to data that showed the presence of pesticides, ammonia, and nitrates in one onsite monitoring well from a sampling event that was conducted on June 30, 2022. AFRG’s memo can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled “Activity Update,” filed July 25.




NDEE receives groundwater sampling results — July 26, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received partial results from a recent AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) groundwater sampling event that was conducted at the AltEn facility on June 30, 2022. AFRG sampled for the presence of pesticides, nitrate, and ammonia.

NDEE split sampled one of the wells for the presence of pesticides. The results from NDEE’s split sample can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled “Sampling Results,” filed July 21, 2022. Data from the split sample shows the presence of thiamethoxam at levels above the Environmental Protection Agency drinking water benchmark. NDEE has not yet received pesticide results from the AFRG.

As part of this sampling event, AFRG also collected nitrate and ammonia samples from onsite wells. The results of that sampling can be viewed in the public records portal in a document title “Groundwater Sampling,” filed July 18, 2022. Data from the sample shows elevated levels of ammonia in one monitoring well.

AFRG submitted a memo to NDEE outlining its response actions related to the recent sample results. That memo can be viewed on the public records portal in a document titled “Activity Update,” filed July 25, 2022.
NDEE is reviewing AFRG’s memo and evaluating the proposed solution.

To verify AFRG’s nitrate and ammonia results, NDEE contracted for collection of an additional sample from one monitoring well on July 21, 2022. Results from the NDEE sample are expected next week.



NDEE receives AltEn wastewater works construction permit application — July 8, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received, and is reviewing, the wastewater works construction permit application from AltEn. The application can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled, “Construction,” filed June 24, 2022.

The permit is required for the treatment of on-site wastewater, and it assures that wastewater facilities are designed in accordance with Title 123 – Rules and Regulations For The Design, Operation And Maintenance of Wastewater Works.

With this application, AltEn is proposing the continuation of the treatment process described in the document titled “Pilot Treatment Plant Operation” that was uploaded to the public records portal on April 13, 2022. The permit application also accounts for NDEE’s response to the pilot program, which can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled “Pilot Treatment Plant/NDEE Response,” filed May 17, 2022.

As an overview of the process, wastewater is first run through treatment equipment AltEn already had on site. The system starts by clarifying the wastewater to remove solid materials; this process is helped by adding chemicals that are commonly used in wastewater treatment. Then, the water is run through sand filters and carbon filters to treat pesticides.

Next, the water enters a portable treatment system brought to the site by Clean Harbors, the group’s contractor. This portable system also clarifies the water before running it through additional sand and carbon filters to further treat pesticides.
The permit application outlines the treatment process in more technical detail and provides a diagram.

NDEE reissued AltEn’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES), which allows for the continued land application of the treated wastewater. Additional information about the NPDES permit can be viewed on NDEE’s Information and Updates for AltEn page in a post dated June 30, 2022.



NDEE reissues AltEn NPDES permit — June 30, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has reissued AltEn’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The permit can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled “NPDES Industrial,” filed June 29, 2022.

Two supplementary documents in the public records portal provide additional details about the permit. The permit’s fact sheet, titled “Basis of Permit” and a cover letter, titled “Issued Permit” were both uploaded to the public records portal on June 29, 2022.

This permit provides a method to remove treated wastewater from the AltEn site by allowing the continued land application of treated wastewater. The permit does not allow the discharge of non-process and process wastewater from AltEn to waters of the state.

The renewed permit features more stringent requirements for land application and requires monitoring groundwater for 13 pesticides in all monitoring wells; the previous permit monitored for five pesticides in monitoring wells. Outfall 001, a direct discharge of cooling tower wastewater to a tributary of Clear Creek, was removed from the reissued permit.

The permit also reiterates requirements NDEE previously established, such as requiring AltEn to provide quarterly groundwater monitoring reports and to obtain NDEE’s approval before discharging to the facility’s original wastewater lagoon system, among other requirements.

NDEE conducted a public hearing on the permit on April 27, 2022. A transcript of that hearing can be viewed through a series of documents on the public records portal titled “Public Hearing Part 1,” "Public Hearing Part 2," and "Public Hearing Part 3," filed June 14, 2022.

NDEE reviewed all public comments made in reference to the reissued permit. NDEE’s response to those comments can be viewed in the public records portal in a document titled “Public Comment Response Summary,” filed June 29, 2022.


NDEE responds to Senator Hunt email — June 23, 2022

On June 15, 2022, NDEE responded to an email from Nebraska Senator Megan Hunt. Her initial email and NDEE’s response are attached below.
 

NDEE responds to Senator Blood email -- June 8, 2022

On June 3, 2022, NDEE responded to an email from Nebraska Senator Carol Blood. Her email and NDEE's response are attached below:

EPA to support NDEE with air sampling at the AltEn facility from May 31 to June 2, 2022 — May 27, 2022

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with assistance from NDEE personnel, will conduct air sampling from May 31 to June 2 in an attempt to identify compounds that could be causing the odors at and near the AltEn, LLC ethanol facility in Mead, Nebraska, weather permitting.

In September 2021, following a request from NDEE, EPA and NDEE personnel conducted what is called targeted screening-level air monitoring on and near the facility using stationary and mobile (a specialized pickup truck with monitoring devices) air monitoring tools. EPA used targeted sampling methods to look for specific compounds including hydrogen sulfide, methane, benzene, toluene, and p-xylene. All sample results were found to be below levels of concern. The summary and full report are available in the public records portal under “DEQ Summary - MONITORING / EPA” and “DEQ Report - MONITORING / EPA,” filed on December 14, 2021.

For the May 31 to June 2 sampling effort, EPA will use an approach called non-targeted analysis (NTA). The tools and techniques used in this approach allow the agency to screen for compounds from among thousands of chemicals, rather than a small set of specific chemicals. In the laboratory analyses of the samples, EPA uses high-tech equipment and advanced computers to find chemicals that could have otherwise gone unnoticed using targeted methods.

EPA indicates there are limitations in how NTA sampling and laboratory analytical results can be used. NTA produces qualitative results that do not estimate the concentration of chemicals, which is necessary to assess potential human exposure levels and health risks.

EPA will provide the resulting data and the laboratory results to NDEE.

Background:
EPA will use high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) instruments to measure the mass and pattern of elements found in the samples that will be taken at and near the AltEn facility. When EPA scientists compare the results of these high-resolution samples with a list of known chemicals they can identify the types of chemicals that are present. EPA uses a list of more than 900,000 compounds to compare to the results from the sample evaluation.
 

NDEE receives industrial wastewater lagoon sampling results — May 23, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received sampling results from the three industrial wastewater lagoons at the AltEn facility.

NDEE contracted EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC (EA) to conduct the sampling for the purpose of pesticide analysis. EA sampled the southeast industrial wastewater lagoon, the northeast industrial wastewater lagoon and the northwest industrial wastewater lagoon on April 26, 2022, and April 27, 2022.

The sample results can be viewed in the public records portal by searching AltEn’s facility number 84069 and viewing the document titled “Sampling Results,” filed May 20, 2022.
 

NDEE, AFRG continue RAP communication – May 13, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has issued a response to an April 27, 2022, Voluntary Cleanup Program status report from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) where the AFRG said it will not submit the revised interim remedial action plan (RAP) requested by the department. Instead, AFRG said it will submit a final RAP in July 2022 for lagoon liquids, lagoon sludge and wet cake stored at the AltEn site.

The NDEE response can be viewed through the agency’s public records portal in a document titled “Remedial Action Plan,” filed on May 10, 2022.

In its response, NDEE encouraged AFRG to collaborate with the department on the results of the data collection and evaluation and proposed final remedial actions prior to submission of the RAP. NDEE also stated in its response that it expects the July 2022 RAP to address comments the department issued on the interim RAP.

NDEE’s comments on the interim RAP were posted to the public records portal on Feb. 28, 2022, in a document tiled “Interim Remedial Action Plan/NDEE Comments.”

Related documents that are also available in the public records portal include the AFRG’s draft IRAP, filed Nov. 1, 2021; NDEE’s initial comments on the draft IRAP filed on Dec. 22, 2021; the AFRG’s response to NDEE’s initial comments filed on Feb. 1, 2022; and the AFRG’s status report letter filed on April 27, 2022.
 

NDEE receives northwest lagoon groundwater monitoring results – April 22, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received results from the recent groundwater sampling conducted on March 28. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has received results from the recent groundwater sampling conducted on March 28 through April 4, 2022, around the northwest lagoon at the AltEn facility. This sampling gathered initial data to help evaluate why the water level appears to be dropping in the northwest lagoon and the need for further investigation.

Groundwater in the area generally flows from the north-northwest to the south-southeast. All of the recent groundwater sampling was conducted downgradient from the Village of Mead’s public water supply. One sample collected downgradient of the northwest lagoon showed mefenoxam and thiamethoxam were above the Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water benchmarks. All other samples showed pesticides were not detected or were below EPA drinking water benchmarks. NDEE is consulting with the AltEn Facility Response Group about these results and next steps regarding follow up sampling and investigation. AFRG has indicated that it plans to restart wastewater treatment operations and will focus on the northwest lagoon to the extent feasible. AFRG has also offered to assist with additional monitoring activities.

For further reference, see the following data report and letter in the public records portal:

· “Groundwater Sampling/Revised,” filed April 25, 2022*
· “Activity Update,” filed April 21, 2022

In late March, NDEE used two groundwater monitoring wells and six temporary borings to collect groundwater samples upgradient and downgradient of the facility’s wetcake pile and its northwest lagoon, which has seen water levels drop about 5 feet since the fall. To read more about this monitoring effort, see the March 29, 2022, update below.

*This information was corrected April 26, 2022.

NDEE to hold information session ahead of public meeting – April 14, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy will hold a public information session about the proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) renewal permit for AltEn.

The information session will take place before the public hearing about the NPDES permit on April 27, 2022. The session will be held in the Mead High School Gym at 4:30 p.m. and will end at 5:30 p.m. The public hearing for the permit will begin at 6 p.m. in the school’s gym.

The session will provide information on the proposed NPDES renewal permit, land application and wastewater treatment.

For more information about the hearing and the public comment period for the NPDES permit, see the March 24 update below.

NDEE monitoring lagoon levels – March 29, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has been evaluating the levels of AltEn’s northwest lagoon and plans to collect groundwater samples on the AltEn site.

Water levels in the northwest lagoon have dropped approximately 5 feet since fall 2021. NDEE’s and the AFRG’s monitoring actions will help determine why the water levels are dropping in the northwest lagoon.

NDEE has hired a contractor to install two monitoring wells on site. NDEE’s contractor will use these new wells and six temporary borings to collect groundwater samples both upgradient and downgradient of the AltEn lagoon system. One well is also downgradient of the site’s wetcake pile.

A work plan that documents this sampling effort can be found on NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Groundwater Monitoring,” filed March 24, 2022. Work on the monitoring wells began Monday, March 28, 2022.

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) is also evaluating levels in the northwest lagoon. It plans to use water level pressure transducers in all three of AltEn’s industrial wastewater lagoons and four existing monitoring wells on site. The transducers will collect near-real-time groundwater level measurements. The AFRG proposes using these transducers for a period of 30 days or longer to provide continuous lagoon water and groundwater elevation data.

A technical memorandum that outlines the AFRG’s proposed action is also on the public records portal in a document titled “Request Information/Facility Response,” filed March 15, 2022.

NPDES permit on public notice, public hearing scheduled – March 24, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) proposes to reissue AltEn’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, with changes. The permit is on public notice and NDEE has scheduled a public hearing for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, in the Mead High School gym.

NPDES permits are required for those discharging or proposing to discharge pollutants. The permit would allow the continuation of land application of treated wastewater by the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) using AltEn’s permit.

As such, the permit reiterates land application requirements previously approved by NDEE – see updates “NDEE approves land application proposal,” from Jan 18, 2022, and “Sites approved for land application,” from March 15, 2022, for more information. The permit does not allow the AltEn to discharge process or non-process wastewater to waters of the state.

The permit also reiterates requirements NDEE has previously laid out, such as requiring AltEn to provide quarterly groundwater monitoring reports and to obtain NDEE’s approval before discharging to the facility’s original wastewater lagoon system, among other requirements.

The permit can be reviewed on NDEE’s public records portal in a draft document titled, “Draft Permit Comments/NDEQ Response,” filed March 16, 2022.

Prior to final approval, the public can provide written comments on the NPDES permit by submitting them to:
NPDES and State Permits Section
Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy
PO Box 98922
Lincoln, NE 68509-8922

Written comments may also be sent to ndee.npdes@nebraska.gov.*

Comments will be accepted through April 27, 2022. Those interested can also provide spoken testimony during the public hearing.

*This information was updated on April 6, 2022.
 

Sites approved for land application – March 15, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has approved four sites for land application of treated wastewater from the AltEn facility. The four sites are all agricultural land in Saunders County within three miles of the facility.

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) is authorized to begin applying treated wastewater on these sites upon receipt of its application approval. NDEE has directed the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) to apply the wastewater at rates that are protective of NDEE-approved pesticide thresholds, according to the land’s nutrient budget, and follows best management practices.

When approving sites, NDEE also considered the following requirements:

· Setbacks from waters of the state and other water bodies;
· Slope of the land;
· Setbacks from dwellings;
· Setbacks from potable water supplies, including community water supplies; and
· Depth to groundwater.

NDEE’s land application approval letter can be found in the public records portal in a document titled “Best Management Practices (BMP)/Plan Review,” filed March 14, 2022. Additionally, the AFRG’s best management practices plan, prepared by Nutrient Advisors, can be found in a document titled “Best Management Practices (BMP)/Revised,” filed March 11, 2022.

Information that is redacted in the best management practices plan is related to compensation between the AFRG and land owners. It has no impact on NDEE’s environmental review of land application. For further reference, see the following files in the public records portal:

· “Request confidentiality,” filed March 9, 2022; and
· “Request confidentiality/NDEQ response,” filed March 10, 2022.

 

NDEE responds to AFRG's IRAP comments – March 1, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has provided responses to the AltEn Facility Response Group’s (AFRG) comments regarding the interim remedial action plan (IRAP) for the AltEn site.

The agency’s comments can be viewed on its public records portal in a document titled “Interim Remedial Acton Plan/NDEE Comments,” filed Feb. 28, 2022.

Related documents that are also available in the public records portal include the AFRG’s draft IRAP, filed Nov. 1, 2021; NDEE’s initial comments on the draft IRAP filed on Dec. 22, 2021; and the AFRG’s response to NDEE’s initial comments filed on Feb. 1, 2022.

Once NDEE’s comments are addressed to its satisfaction, and the AFRG has submitted a revised IRAP, NDEE will provide public notice of its intent to approve the IRAP and hold a public hearing. The public can provide written comments on the IRAP, or those interested can testify at the public hearing, to be scheduled in the future. To read more about the public notice and comment procedures on remedial action plans, see the Oct. 28, 2021, update on the AltEn Archived Updates page.

NDEE, AltEn sign administrative consent order – Feb. 24, 2022

On Feb. 23, 2022, Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy Director Jim Macy and AltEn signed an administrative consent order. This order can be found on the public records portal in a document titled “Consent Order,” filed Feb. 23, 2022.

Wetcake Covering Plan – Feb. 11, 2022

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) plans to begin covering the consolidated wetcake pile at AltEn starting Monday, Feb. 14. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has provided technical comments on the AFRG’s plans.

The AFRG will use a product called Posi-Shell to cover the pile. Posi-Shell material consists of a clay based mineral product with polyester fibers in combination with Portland cement, according to the AFRG’s plan. The AFRG will also include an underdrain system to collect leachate from the pile and send it to the industrial lagoon system.

Covering the wetcake pile is intended to reduce odor and prevent stormwater from coming into contact with the wetcake. The Posi-Shell will act as a barrier between the stormwater and the wetcake, preventing the stormwater from touching or mixing with the wetcake material that contains pesticides. This will allow the non-contact stormwater to run off the covered pile, rather than be pumped into the lagoon system.

The material will be applied using truck-mounted application equipment Feb. 14-16. Beginning on Thursday, Feb. 17, the AFRG will use a helicopter to apply the Posi-Shell material where the truck-mounted applicator couldn’t reach. Local authorities will be notified before helicopter operations begin.

Documents outlining wetcake covering plans, as well as NDEE’s comments, can be found in the public records portal in the following files:

· “Wet Cake Consolidation,” filed Nov. 2, 2021
· “Wet Cake Consolidation/Facility Response,” filed Nov. 9, 2021
· “Wet Cake Cover,” filed Jan. 11, 2022
· “Wet Cake Cover/NDEQ Response,” filed Jan. 24, 2022
· “Final Site Stabilization Activity,” filed Feb. 1, 2022

A previous update on this topic can be found below in the Nov. 18, 2021, entry.


AFRG repairs emergency lagoons, constructs treated water lagoon - Feb. 10, 2022

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) has completed two winterization projects at the AltEn site: repairing the emergency lagoon and constructing the first of two treated water lagoons. These projects were intended to mitigate the risk of releases from the facility’s digesters and on-site temporary storage tanks.

Work to repair the emergency lagoon was completed in mid-December, and contents of AltEn’s digesters were transferred to the emergency lagoon shortly thereafter. Excess material from the digesters was transferred to the facility’s industrial lagoons.

Construction of the first new treated water lagoon was completed in late January. The AFRG began transferring treated water from on-site temporary storage tanks to the newly completed lagoon in early February. The on-site temporary storage tanks that held untreated water had previously been emptied into the facility’s existing industrial lagoon system prior to winter months.

Previous updates on this topic can be found below or on NDEE’s AltEn Archives page in entries from Dec. 14, 2021; Oct. 8, 2021; Sept. 8, 2021; and Aug. 31, 2021.


NDEE approves land application proposal - Jan. 18, 2022

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has approved a proposal to land apply treated wastewater from the AltEn facility to nearby agricultural land. This is a part of the AltEn Facility Response Group’s (AFRG) interim remediation efforts.

The land application proposal meets the facility’s current NPDES permit conditions and does not require a public hearing. NPDES stands for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, which is the program that administers permits when facilities will discharge, or have the potential to discharge, into waters of the state.

The AFRG submitted its first land application proposal on July 16, 2021. NDEE provided comments, and the plan went through several reviews and changes until NDEE received the current plan to land apply treated wastewater on Jan. 7, 2022.

NDEE has reviewed the best management practices and planned application maximums for pesticides and has found the plan meets all requirements in the facility’s NPDES permit. NDEE has also directed the AFRG to land apply the treated wastewater in accordance with an approved best management practices (BMP) plan. A BMP plan is required by the facility’s permit and requires information be provided to NDEE for approval prior to land application. The plan must be prepared in consultation with a professional agronomist or certified crop specialist.

The AFRG must provide site information to the NDEE for review and approval before land application takes place. This is to ensure the treated wastewater meets proposed thresholds for the application of pesticides and meets the nutrient and soil condition requirements for each site.

NDEE also requires that the treated wastewater may not run off the site and may not negatively impact waters of the state. If this use of the treated wastewater is found to degrade site conditions, negatively impact water quality or violate permit requirements, site approval for land application will be withdrawn.

The AltEn facility contains approximately 150 million gallons of wastewater. The AFRG has treated approximately 12 million gallons of wastewater on the AltEn site, which is currently stored in temporary water tanks.

Sample results show the AFRG’s treatment process is effective in lowering pesticide levels. More information on the treatment process can be found in the Aug. 11 update on the AltEn Archives page.

Draft land application proposals, NDEE’s comments, the current proposal and NDEE’s approval letter can be found on NDEE’s public records portal in the following documents:
 

• “Land Application Proposal,” filed July 16, 2021
• “Land Application Comments,” filed July 30, 2021
• “Land Application Comments,” filed Aug. 4, 2021
• “Land Application Proposal,” filed Sept. 21, 2021
• “Land Application,” filed Sept. 21, 2021
• “Land Application,” filed Sept. 22, 2021
• “Land Application/Laboratory Reports,” filed Sept. 27, 2021
• “Land Application,” filed Sept. 28, 2021
• “Land Application,” filed Sept. 29, 2021
• “Land Application,” filed Nov. 14, 2021
• “Land Application,” filed Nov. 18, 2021
• “Land Application / Revised,” filed Dec. 14, 2021
• “Land Application / Revised,” filed Jan. 7, 2022
• “Land Application Approval,” filed Jan. 14, 2022

NDEE provides winterization update - Dec. 29, 2021

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has developed a video to provide information and footage on winterization activities the AltEn Facility Response Group's contractor is currently working on at the AltEn site. Watch the video here.


NDEE provides comments on remedial action plan - Dec. 28, 2021

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has provided comments on the AltEn Facility Response Group’s (AFRG) interim remedial action plan (RAP) for the AltEn site.

The agency’s comments can be viewed on its public records portal in a document titled “Interim Remedial Action Plan/NDEE Comments,” filed Dec. 22. The AFRG’s interim RAP can be found in a document titled “Interim Remedial Action,” filed Nov. 1, 2021.

The AFRG now has the opportunity to address NDEE’s comments and revise its RAP. To read a full description of public notice and comment procedures for the RAP, see the Oct. 28, 2021, update on NDEE’s “Information and Updates for AltEn near Mead, Nebraska” page.

NDEE approves liquid management plan - Dec. 14, 2021

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) has begun taking steps to winterize the AltEn site by moving liquid out of temporary storage tanks and digesters and into the facility’s lagoon system. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) approved these plans Nov. 29.

Winterization work is underway. During the week of Nov. 28, the AFRG moved 88,000 gallons of thin stillage and 179,290 gallons of whole stillage to the facility’s industrial lagoons. There are also 8,000 gallons of beer and pop on site that were added to the industrial lagoons.

Currently, the AFRG is finishing repairs on the emergency lagoon. Once the lagoon’s liner is in place, the facility’s digesters, holding 7.9 million gallons of liquid, will be emptied into the lagoon systems, beginning with the emergency lagoon. If there is more material in the digesters than capacity of the emergency lagoon, then material will be placed in the industrial lagoons. Freeboard will be maintained throughout this process. Freeboard is the space between the water and the top of the lagoon. This work is expected to start the week of Dec. 12.

This winterization work is intended to mitigate the risk of releases from the facility’s digesters and temporary storage tanks.

Documents describing this work can be found in NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Liquid Transfer Plan/NDEQ Response,” filed Nov. 29, 2021.

The AFRG continues to work on constructing new treated water lagoons to hold treated water on site. This is another winterization effort that will eliminate the need for temporary storage tanks.


EPA air sample results available - Dec. 14, 2021

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed its report on air monitoring it conducted near AltEn and Mead during the week of Sept. 13. The EPA used its Geospatial Monitoring of Air Pollution (GMAP) air monitoring vehicle for the sampling event.

The EPA’s report can be found on NDEE’s public records portal in a report titled “Monitoring/EPA,” filed Dec. 6. In addition to this report, NDEE prepared a memo that compares sample results using the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s minimum risk levels as a standard. That memo is also available on the public records portal in a summary titled “Monitoring/EPA,” filed Dec. 6.

The EPA’s air monitoring efforts included sampling for hydrogen sulfide, methane, benzene, toluene, p-xylene and sulfur dioxide both on and off the AltEn Site.

Previous updates on the GMAP sampling can be found in the AltEn Archived Updates page in updates on Sept. 14, 2021, and Oct. 1, 2021. A link to the Archived Updates is at the bottom of this page.


AFRG depressurizes bubble in northeast lagoon - Nov. 23, 2021

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) submitted a plan to address gas bubbles in the liner in AltEn’s northeast lagoon. These bubbles are also referred to as “whales.” NDEE has reviewed the plan, provided comments, received updates to the plan and approved it.

The AFRG began this work on Nov. 18. Newfields, AFRG’s contractor, states in the plan that gases have expanded the whales in the facility’s lagoons, which threaten the integrity of the lagoon and its embankment.

To address the issues with the liner, the AFRG depressurized the most serious whale on the eastern end of the northeast lagoon. Future plans include preventing the liner from lifting where it is torn and depressurizing additional gas pockets that could threaten the lagoons’ integrity.

Plans and correspondence between NDEE and the AFRG’s contractor can be found in the agency’s public records portal in the following documents:

• “Maintenance Activity,” filed Nov. 9
• “Maintenance Activity/NDEQ Response,” filed Nov. 10
• “Maintenance Activity/Facility Response,” filed Nov. 11
• “Maintenance Activity/NDEQ Response,” filed Nov. 12
• “Maintenance Activity,” filed Nov. 15
• “Maintenance Activity,” filed Nov. 17

NDEE responds to Senator Blood letter - Nov. 18, 2021

On Nov. 18, NDEE responded to a letter from Nebraska Senator Carol Blood. See below for her letter and NDEE’s response.

NDEE receives plan to cover wetcake pile - Nov. 18, 2021

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has received a plan to cover the consolidated wetcake pile on the AltEn site from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG).

The plan can be found on the agency’s public records portal in documents titled “Wet Cake Consolidation,” filed Nov. 2. NDEE has reviewed the plan and provided comments to the AFRG. Those comments can be found in a document titled “Wetcake Consolidation/Facility Response,” filed Nov. 9.

AFRG submits Remedial Action Plan - Nov. 2, 2021

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) submitted its remedial action plan (RAP) for the voluntary cleanup program on Nov. 1.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy is currently reviewing the document, which has been posted to the agency’s public records portal.

Although the document is available for the public to view, it is not open for public comment. To read an overview of the RAP review and comment process, see the Oct. 28 update below.
 

Public notice and comment procedures for the Remedial Action Plan - Oct. 28, 2021

The Remedial Action Plan (RAP) for the Nebraska Voluntary Cleanup Program is due from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) on November 1, 2021. After NDEE receives the proposed RAP, the agency will begin a review process that will include an opportunity for public comment, as described below.

Once NDEE receives the proposed RAP, the agency will begin an internal review process. Any comments that the Department generates during this internal review will be submitted back to the AFRG and the AFRG will have an opportunity to address those comments and resubmit the RAP. This initial review and response will happen before the proposed RAP is open for public comment. The proposed RAP is a public record and will be available to view during NDEE’s internal review and before public comment begins. Correspondence between NDEE and the AFRG regarding the proposed RAP also will be part of the public record and available to view.

If NDEE’s comments are addressed to its satisfaction, NDEE will then provide public notice of its intent to approve the RAP by publishing a legal notice in a local newspaper of general circulation near the affected area, as well as on the Agency website at the following link: https://dee.nebraska.gov/news-events/public-notices. The public comment period will begin once the legal notice is published. The public comment period will remain open for thirty (30) days. During the public comment period, NDEE will take written comments from the public on the proposed RAP. NDEE will also hold a public hearing at which the public can testify. The date for the public hearing will be contained in the published legal notice. All written comments or testimony received by NDEE during the public comment period will become part of the public record.

Comments and testimony from the public submitted outside of the 30-day public comment period and public hearing may not be considered.

Following the public comment period and public hearing, NDEE will prepare a responsiveness summary to the public comments and testimony received during the 30-day public comment period, and may request that the RAP be revised to address issues raised by the public.

After AFRG has a chance to respond to the responsiveness summary and/or revise the proposed RAP, NDEE will undertake a final review and, if satisfied, make a final decision on the proposed RAP. NDEE will mail a Final Remedial Action Decision Letter to AFRG, as well as to all parties who submitted written comments, provided testimony, or requested to be informed of the final decision.
 

NDEE receives drinking water sample results - Oct. 22, 2021

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has received sample results for six private drinking water wells in the Mead area that were sampled for pesticides associated with the AltEn facility.

One of these wells was re-sampled because it had detectable levels of pesticides during a sampling event this summer. NDEE sampled the five new wells for pesticides because of their proximity to the first well, in addition to providing sampling for coliform bacteria and nitrates.

Sample results confirmed the presence of pesticides in the well sampled this summer. All pesticides were below the Human Health Benchmarks for Drinking Water established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The results for the re-sampled are as follows:

Of the five new wells that were sampled, one also had detectable levels of pesticides that were below the Human Health Benchmarks. The results are as follows:

Additionally, of the five new wells, two had detections for coliform and three contained nitrates above the health standard of 10 milligrams/liter. NDEE sampled for these contaminants as a courtesy to give well owners a more complete picture of their water quality. It is not unusual to find nitrates or coliform bacteria in private drinking water wells in Nebraska, and annual sampling for both is recommended.

A summary of drinking water sampling that took place this summer, as well as information on addressing pesticides, coliform and nitrates in drinking water, can be found in the Sept. 23 update below.

Sample results for the five additional private drinking water wells and the results from re-sampling the first well are available on NDEE’s public records portal.


Mold sampling results available - Oct. 15, 2021

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy sampled for mold in ambient air at the AltEn site and in the village of Mead. Background samples were also taken in control areas in Memphis, Seward, Ceresco and Waverly.

Sampling took place Sept 10, 2021, and results for all locations can be found on NDEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Request Information/NDEQ Response,” filed on Oct. 12, 2021.
 

Construction to begin on clean water lagoon - Oct. 8, 2021

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has issued a construction permit to AltEn that allows the AltEn Facility Response Group to build two treated water lagoons on the AltEn site. This permit was issued through Title 123 – Rules and Regulations for the Design, Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Works.

The new lagoons, also referred to as ponds in application documents, will hold treated water from the AltEn facility and will replace the temporary storage tanks that have been on site. According to the AltEn Treated Water Ponds Engineering Design Report prepared by NewFields, the contractor hired by the AFRG, the new lagoons will hold approximately 52.2 million gallons of treated water. The lagoons will be located south of the northwest industrial lagoon.

A previous update on these treated water lagoons, and how the AFRG plans to move water in the temporary tanks, can be seen below in the Sept. 8 entry.

Documents related to the lagoon construction can be found on NDEE’s public records portal:

• “Construction,” filed Sept. 27
• “Application Review Comments,” filed Sept. 30
• “Application Review Comments/Facility Response,” filed Sept. 30
• “Application Review Comments/Facility Response” filed Oct. 1
• “Application Review Comments/Facility Response” filed Oct. 4 (2 documents)
• “Application Review Comments,” filed Oct. 4
• “Construction,” filed Oct. 4

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) is made up of six seed companies: AgReliant Genetics, LLC; Bayer U.S., LLC; Beck’s Superior Hybrids, LLC; Corteva Agriscience, LLC; Syngenta Seeds, LLC; and WinField Solutions, LLC. The group has enrolled in NDEE’s Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) to address environmental contamination at the AltEn site, and is in the process of creating a Remedial Action Plan (RAP). The RAP will be made available for public review and comment before it is approved.

Consolidation of distillers gain piles completed - Oct. 7, 2021

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) has finished moving distillers grain from the facility’s eastern pile to its existing northwest pile. Now all distillers grains is in one location at the AltEn site.

Work to move the eastern distillers grain pile began in late August as a storm control measure. Residents in the area may still notice heavy machinery working to move solid material from the emergency lagoon to the pile and to shape the consolidated materials.

NDEE published an update about the distillers grain consolidation on Aug. 18, 2021, and it published an update about plans to repair the emergency lagoon on Aug. 31, 2021. Both updates can be seen below.