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Proposed Arecibo waste-to-energy plant gets EPA nod

Artist rendering of the the proposed Puerto Rico Renewable Energy Project in Arecibo.

The proposed $500 million waste-to-energy plant that Albany, NY-based Energy Answers is seeking to build in Arecibo got an important endorsement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency earlier this week, when it approved a key permit needed to move the project forward.

In a letter sent to the proponent, the EPA determined the project meets stringent air standards in place to protect human health and the environment.

Energy Answers’ proposed project, known as the Arecibo Puerto Rico Renewable Energy Project, will consist of two identical municipal waste combustors units a steam turbine-electrical generator, ash handling system, a carbon storage silo, a lime storage silo, an emergency diesel generator, an emergency diesel fire pump, one ammonia and three distillate fuel oil No.2 storage tanks, and a mechanical draft wet cooling tower.

Once operational, the facility will be capable of receiving up to 2,100 tons of waste per day to convert it into biofuel. At present, there are about 30 landfills on the island, most with limited lifespans left.

So, it would seem that the private initiative proposed for Arecibo, which requires no government financing for its construction or operation, would be a reasonable solution to the looming problem.

While the project has gotten the go-ahead from several local regulatory agencies, it has raised concerns among neighbors who fear for the harmful effects the plant’s processes could have on their health.

“This preliminary approval is further validation of the approvals received from local agencies, that Energy Answers proposal is safe and capable of operating within all applicable standards,” said Mark Green, director of the Arecibo project.

“We consider it a breakthrough for solid waste management in Puerto Rico and the production of alternative renewable energy,” he said. “We’re one step closer to having the opportunity to have a proven technology to convert waste into energy, new in the history of Puerto Rico, which will ensure environmentally responsible waste management with far less environmental impact than our current practices.”

In its letter, the EPA said the preliminary permit is subject to public comment, after which a final determination will be made.

“We’re confident this project is part of the real solution for waste management in the northern area and in turn have a positive effect on the economy of Arecibo and its neighboring towns by creating new economic development and jobs, which are badly needed in that region,” Green concluded.

Author Details
Author Details
Business reporter with 30 years of experience writing for weekly and daily newspapers, as well as trade publications in Puerto Rico. My list of former employers includes Caribbean Business, The San Juan Star, and the Puerto Rico Daily Sun, among others. My areas of expertise include telecommunications, technology, retail, agriculture, tourism, banking and most other segments of Puerto Rico’s economy.
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2 Comments

  1. guest May 14, 2012

    The people of Arecibo do not need another lead-producing pollution station. The EPA hasn’t do enough to protect us from the already existing threat of the battery plant.

    Reply
  2. Jo Mc May 15, 2012

    there are 15 plants operating in florida with no enviromental impact. there are no lead pollutants or heavy meytals the dischargte “steam is wet scrubbed.” before exiting the stack.Ive built and operated these plants for upteen years.they are safe, profitable, environmentally friendly and generate good power. depending on turbine types and boiler design. This would be a good alternative to coal fired boilers. unless you want coal burners or oil burners. free fuel, free electricity. what more do you want? Or could you want.

    Reply

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