Community Explores Plans for Poultry Waste Processing Facility
A large number of Ottawa County residents convened at the Miami Civic Center on Tuesday night to discuss a proposed biogas Plant facility designed to process poultry waste. The project, introduced by Argo Development Partners, aims to convert chicken waste into a methane-based energy source and fertilizer.
The proposed location for the facility is near Highway 69, between Commerce and Quapaw. During the open house, attendees were provided with details regarding the Biogas Plant engineering design, operational procedures, safety measures, and potential benefits for the local economy. Representatives from the development company were also present to address community concerns and answer questions.
Public Raises Environmental and Health Concerns
Residents expressed various concerns, particularly about potential environmental and health impacts. Many sought reassurances regarding odor control and waste runoff, which could affect the surrounding area.
Brent Rendel, a local farmer, acknowledged the complexity of such a new project, stating, “With something new comes a lot of questions, and the public deserves to have those questions answered.” Others, like Ottawa County resident Sherri Sherwood, voiced skepticism about the company’s claims regarding odor control. “We have a lot of concerns on the smell and the waste runoff, which they tell us there’s not going to be either of, but that’s almost hard to believe,” Sherwood remarked, citing existing agricultural facilities that already produce strong odors.
Regulatory Process and Next Steps
Argo Development Partners has submitted an air permit application to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. This permit is a crucial step in determining the feasibility of the project.
The application for the Biogas Plant will be reviewed during a public meeting scheduled for April 2 in Miami, where officials and residents will have another opportunity to discuss the project. As the regulatory process unfolds, community members continue to weigh the potential economic benefits against environmental and health concerns surrounding the proposed biogas facility.
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