|
 E-mail Story Print Friendly
Biz GM Sued Over Impala Fix |
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Biofuel Firm Vows Water Caution
By Matt Robinson / The Deming Headlight
Sapphire Energy's planned biofuel refinery in Luna County will use water responsibly and operate much in the way of a rice paddy, said Tim Zenk, vice president of corporate affairs for the San Diego-based alternative fuel developer.
"Sort of an open pond setting," he said. "If you can imagine what a rice paddy looks like, but with much more technology."
In a nutshell, the facility will grow algae within ponds to refine into fuel. The planned open ponds at the facility has sparked concern among some locals on the chance for an ideal mosquito breeding ground. Zenk hopes to put those concerns down.
"We have a 100-acre facility up and running in Las Cruces with many acres of ponds; We have found zero mosquito issues with water," he said. "Mosquitoes dislike salt water very much."
He said mosquitoes — which can carry various diseases — are not attracted to the type of water to be used. The facility will use high-salinity, brackish water that Zenk said is not suitable for agricultural use or human consumption.
"From a processing standpoint, there is zero waste," he said, noting the water is 100-percent recycled throughout the process. "It's a complete closed-loop system."
Evaporation will force Sapphire to make adjustments to keep water levels stable.
He added: "We are very conscientious of waste."
Sapphire has 1,600 acres of water rights on 2,200 acres of land that they have an option to purchase. He said his company is in the final stages of negotiating an agreement with the landowner.
The demonstration facility will show, according to Zenk, that the process can be carried out economically and will be sustainable. He said the project is "green" in "every way, shape or form."
"One of the things that we'll be looking at, how to reduce evaporative loss," he said.
The facility is expected to create about 750 direct and indirect jobs throughout the course of the project, he said, with 30 full-time "highly skilled" jobs to be directly associated with it.
"All of the jobs will come from the community," he added.
He said residents should expect to see activity soon and that the groundbreaking is expected by the end of the year.
You also can send comments via our comment form
|
|
