Meeting to clear the air for project raising a 'stink' for some

MONTICELLO, Ind. (WLFI) - The town of Monticello has been divided in recent weeks over a proposed animal waste processing facility that would turn animal waste into usable energy and fertilizer for farmers. But it's raised a stink for many residents and a meeting Thursday night was designed to clear the air.

Groups of people were talking everywhere to each other, totaling possibly 200 people.  

The property owner, representatives from the proposed facility builder, a Purdue bio-energy expert, and White County economic officials were all on hand to answer questions.

The greatest fear for most residents is the possibility of an awful smell.

RAKR Farms President and property owner Rick Roach said they have nothing to worry about.

"I don't think so," Roach said.  "I wouldn't be doing the project if I felt that way."

U.S. Biogas is the company in charge of building the facility is brand new.  Business partner Karl Crave said the company has not built an animal waste processing facility yet.

But he added, between the four business partners of U.S. Biogas, there's 24 years experience and any odors won't escape a closed system.

"I think that we're putting the proper measures at the plant, listening to the people's concerns and designing those concerns away I hope," Crave said.

Those concerns were the driving force behind the proposal being pulled from the area plan commission's agenda in January.  

The issue brought out an estimated 300 people to an informal meeting on January 3.

"What it did tell me is we need to get more information out there," Connie Neininger, White County Economic Development Director, said.  That's one reason I was very thankful that the project owners decided to hold off on the zoning hearing."

But holding off on a hearing wasn't good enough for Jim Wilson and about a dozen protesters outside.  They began before 6:00 p.m. and even in the cold and the rain were holding strong until at least 8:00 p.m.

"As soon as the last person leaves, then we'll leave," Wilson said.  "It's a good idea but not in the location they want to put it."

Inside, the educational purpose of the meeting was fulfilled for many. But the town remains divided with plenty like residents Ron Gronewold and Shari Moore.

"I have an open mind," Gronewold said.  "I want to know more.  My biggest concern is, we need this project, but not here. It's too close to the cities, too close to the hospital."

But Moore disagreed.

"I honestly believe there won't be an odor and I live really close to where they are building the project," Moore said.  "I'm not worried about it at all."

Roach declined to talk about the financial aspects of the operation, either how much the proposed facility would cost to build, or any anticipated profits if and when it is built.
    
The Area Plan Commission is slated to hear the proposal Monday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the commissioner's room on the second floor of the Courthouse.