Citizens, Walsh debate Warden emissions, dust –LWEC CEO updates county board on biomass plant

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WARDEN CEO–Steven Walsh, standing, addresses concerns about the Warden electric plant at the Baraga County board’s Tuesday, April 12, meeting. Ailen Ketola, foreground, lives near the biomass plant and is very concerned over emissions and dust.

by Nancy Besonen
The L’Anse Warden Electric Plant generated heat at the April 12, 2016, Baraga County Board meeting when the public and CEO Steven Walsh squared off on plant operations and emissions. Warden is out of compliance with a condition of its emissions permit–a stack test in September, 2015, showed excessive hydrogen chloride emission–and received a notice of violation of fugitive dust. Walsh attended the meeting to provide an update on efforts to resolve the problems. About two dozen citizens also attended, many to express concerns about the environmental impact of the plant. Complaints ranging from burning skin to headaches to residue on boats and buildings were aired before the board. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.