CLEAR LAKE, IA - A proposed energy plant that would be built in Mason City is a no go.
In order for Creative Energy Systems' $35 Million waste-to-energy power plant to be built, many boards and commissions in North Iowa had to line up in favor. Thursday night, the Landfill of North Iowa board came out strongly against the plan, effectively killing it in this area.
Not all of the 29 LNI board members turned out at the meeting, but those who did lined up against it. Only those representing Mason City, Hanlontown, and Cerro Gordo County voted in agreement of the plan, but in the end the vote was much closer than that, because communities with more residents have more votes.
Creative Energy Systems was hoping for a 10 to 20 year agreement with the Landfill, and wanted to have it in place by February 14. Company leaders at the meeting said the short timeline came about because of pressure to get the facility built and beginning to send electricity to Alliant Energy within 12 months.
Many board members and members of the public expressed frustration at the short timeline given for them to peruse the agreement and make a decision. In addition, all four members of the Executive Committee were in agreement that the agreement would not be in LNI's best interest.
Other concerns included questions about the technology, pyrolysis, that would be used to turn the trash into energy. Many said it was "unproven" because no facility like it is currently running, although one is under construction in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Those in favor pointed to the jobs that would be created - estimated at as many as 50 - and the benefit of extending the life of the landfill by some 20 years.
Representatives from the city of Mason City, and the North Iowa Corridor EDC spoke out in favor, citing benefits to the local economy.
