By Robert Barron Staff Writer
A proposed site plan for Oklahoma Ethanol was tabled by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission Monday because of some unanswered questions.
Questions arose about odor monitoring, fire suppression, water and wastewater disposal. City of Enid staff members did not think the issues were adequately answered in the company plan. After a lengthy discussion of potential alternatives, MAPC members agreed to table the issue and give Oklahoma Ethanol time to answer the questions.
Oklahoma Ethanol plans to build a plant at 16th and Willow.
One of the issues discussed was the lack of regulations dealing with monitoring odor coming from non-organic material, such as a smell related to distillers grain produced by an ethanol plant. All existing monitoring devices are designed to check for odors emanating from livestock feeding operations and other similar types of odors. Jim McClain, public utilities director, said there was no criteria for odor monitoring in Oklahoma Ethanol’s plan and the type of equipment to be used has not been determined. There was general discussion of what should be in an odor management plan.
During a recent visit to five ethanol plants in Kansas and Nebraska, McClain said he found several of them had severe odor problems. However, those plants were built with older technology than what would be used here, he said.
However, there are no ordinances in existence dealing with odor emanating from an ethanol plant, he said, and the city has no model to determine an ordinance. City officials would have to rely on state and federal regulations for enforcement of any odor.
Oklahoma Ethanol also reported a significant increase in its water and wastewater disposal needs. The additional needs are not in the limits imposed by a Tax Increment Finance district agreement between the city of Enid and Oklahoma Ethanol. Nate Ellis, city TIF attorney, said the agreement may have to be amended. That reportedly has been done once before.
“We’re trying to deliver them a frog, but it’s looking more like a toad with a lot of warts,” said John Cromwell, MAPC chairman.
Enid builder Bob Berry said the city’s wastewater treatment capacity is critically short, and the city cannot afford the industrial expansion unless something is done. Berry said his survey of Enid wastewater capacity through December 2009 showed capacity is not adequate. Robert Hitt, director of developmental services, quoted a master wastewater study done by the city and completed in January as having figures close to those presented by Berry. Hitt said the city will be able to handle upcoming development and has adequate wastewater capacity.
However, both agreed Enid will need a new wastewater treatment plant within a few years. Costs have been estimated at about $20 million for the first phase of a plant on the Enid drawing board.
MAPC approved a project plan and a TIF district for Orion Ethanol, a second company planning to build in Enid at 30th and Willow.
