Elevated Hydrogen Sulfide Levels Detected
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has initiated monitoring of Platte River Biogas, a colorado renewable energy facility in Weld County, following reports of excessive hydrogen sulfide emissions. Hydrogen sulfide, known for its characteristic rotten egg smell, is a naturally occurring but potentially hazardous gas. State officials discovered elevated levels of the gas during recent air quality tests at the facility near LaSalle.
According to the National Institute of Health, hydrogen sulfide is found in crude petroleum, natural gas, and volcanic emissions, and is also produced during the breakdown of organic matter, including human and animal waste. While it plays a role in various industrial processes such as oil refining and mining, exposure to high concentrations can be dangerous.
The CDPHE reported using advanced monitoring technology to measure air quality at the plant and nearby residential areas, which are located approximately 2,000 feet from the facility. While no acute public health risks have been identified, the agency is collaborating with Weld County Public Health and other organizations to address potential concerns.
History of Controversy and Legal Challenges
Platte River Biogas, a Colorado renewable energy facility, has a history of operational issues and community complaints. Established in 2010 and operational since 2016 under its original name, Heartland Biogas, the facility was once hailed as the largest anaerobic digester project globally. Its primary function is to convert manure and food waste into renewable natural gas (RNG), which is supplied to Xcel Energy’s pipeline system.
Despite its innovative approach, the facility faced immediate backlash from neighbors over persistent odors. Additionally, a liquid fertilizer production operation at the plant was shut down in 2017 after state and county officials determined it lacked proper licensing. Following this, the plant ceased operations and faced legal challenges, including a $9 million lawsuit settlement with a waste supplier over breach of contract.
In 2020, a new ownership group revived the facility under the name Platte River Biogas, a Colorado renewable energy project. Now managed by a consortium of dairy farms, the plant is positioned as the fourth-largest anaerobic digester operation in North America. However, its past controversies continue to shadow its operations.
Current Ownership and Safety Concerns
The exact ownership details of Platte River Biogas remain unclear, but public records indicate that its headquarters are located on the premises of Hunter Ridge Dairy in Eaton. The plant is also adjacent to Shelton Dairy, which was investigated by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 2021 following a fatal incident involving a truck driver at a holding pond.
Despite efforts to rebrand and address past issues, the plant’s proximity to residential areas and reports of excessive hydrogen sulfide emissions have raised public health and safety concerns. The CDPHE continues to monitor the situation, aiming to ensure community safety while maintaining oversight of this Colorado renewable energy initiative.
