The Owasco Lake Watershed inspector said the foam shown in this
photo indicates that manure from a nearby Twin Birch Dairy farm
field was washed into Dutch Hollow Brook tributary during last
week’s heavy rain. The photo was taken by the watershed inspector
as part of an ongoing investigation into the run-off pollution that
entered both the Skaneateles and Owasco lake watersheds.
A local diary farm was charged with violating state water
quality standards after last week’s heavy rains allegedly washed
manure off a field and into a tributary feeding the Owasco and
Skaneateles lake watersheds.
Bion is not going away
County Riverview
Business Park • Dairy Processing Company – Could produce high-energy waste for an anaerobic digester at Wastewater Treatment plant Aug 28.2011 Click here for Brochure
July 20 2011
Bion Request bid on Slaughter House
Dear Citizens and friends of the Town of Schroeppel and Village of Phoenix,
Thanks for all of the help and support you gave. We were able to keep mining from spoiling our town,
and most importantly, our water supply. We need your help once again to
pay the lawyer we hired to ensure our position if the vote had not gone
in our favor. The bill came to just over $5000.00 and we are asking each family to make a $10.00 donation
to the Pleasant Lake Association, who will be writing the final check.
Of course, we will accept a donation of any size that you would like
to make.
The fastest and easier way to make a donation is online through
PayPal. Even if you don't have a PayPal account, you can still donate
using a credit or debit card. Click the button below to donate online
On Monday (May 9, 2011) a member of the CFA & a Syracuse U student who is majoring in Film Documentary toured the Kreider Farm and the local area to find out how the Kreider Farm and the Bion project in Oswego County are a like.
( Film will be previewed in Aug)
The farm pictured below is the Kreider Farm that has the Bio reactor on it ----
The picture below was taken in 1992
(No Bio reactor was on it at that time )
Information about the Farm 1. 1,200 dairy cows are in the Barn to the Top Left
2. Middle Barn is the Milking Barn -Cows are milked 3 times per day.
3. Next Barn is the Barn they use for sick cows
4. Ponds below the Barns are for the cows waste (3 ponds )
5. The Bio reactor now is located just below the Barns in the ponds area as of
(May 9, 2011)
6. The building to the lower far right are for 5 million chickens
The company that proposed the development
of a closed-loop cattle-finishing facility within Oswego County wrote a
statement in response to one issued by the Citizens for Family Farms
(CFF), a group that has vocally opposed the project, indicating that the
group’s stance is unwarranted.
Members of Bion Environmental
Technologies noted the need to utilize the New York State Environmental
Quality Review Act (SEQRA) before assumptions are made regarding the
project, as the details of the endeavor would put any concerns to rest.
Bion
has proposed the 72,000-head cattle project within Oswego County, which
would focus on an end product of beef for distribution in the eastern
section of the U.S. The manure produced by the cattle would be collected
and used to produce energy at the facility, Bion officials claim. The
company has also noted that the cattle could be placed on multiple sites
around Oswego County to suit space specifications. Officials suggest
that the project could yield 585 jobs.
CFF wrote a statement in response to Bion expressing that the
company has not taken the proper steps in pursuing the SEQRA process,
and suggests that the company is inept in handling the initial steps of
the endeavor.
Last week, Bion submitted the statement and noted
that CFF’s followers are basing their opposition for the project on
“emotion and fear.”
“But what about the residents of Oswego County who would like
to serve the best interests of the community based on science and
reality, taking into account a balance of economic, environmental and
social protection and enhancement?” the letter states.
The
statement noted that Bion does not follow traditional methods of
large-scale animal production operations within the U.S., which can lead
to environmental violations, as the company’s goal is to seek solutions
to documented problems associated with such operations.
“So the
first lesson to be understood here is that while the reports of serious
adverse impacts from traditional livestock agriculture are fundamentally
true, they do not apply to Bion’s project, are irrelevant to the
discussion and do not help to inform stakeholders what is really being
proposed,” the statement said.
Bion officials stated that the
treatment technology for livestock waste that Bion has developed reduces
pollution to soil and water, and reduces odor and air emissions.
“In
addition, the Bion system’s animal housing and multiple daily
collections of manure for treatment eliminates the need for
non-therapeutic use of antimicrobials by dramatically reducing vector
transport pressures, just one aspect of the spectrum of animal welfare
benefits resulting from the Bion housing and waste management approach,”
the statement said. “Despite repeated attempts by Bion to engage the CFF in the
science and the technology of Bion’s project, to provide an
understanding that the concerns associated with traditional livestock
agriculture do not apply to its project, CFF has steadfastly refused to
accept the reality that Bion’s project is fundamentally different from
the cases cited in opposition.”
The statement points to a planned
project in Madison County that includes the development of a 2,000-head
per year slaughter facility, with plans to expand to a 50,000-head per
year facility. The statement goes on to claim that there is no effective
waste treatment for the facility.
“Have we heard a peep of
opposition to the plans in Madison County from the activists in Oswego
of their ‘out of county’ colleagues?” the letter said. “We haven’t. So
why the insistence on the part of the CFF to oppose Bion’s Oswego
project using scare tactics and fear mongering based on repeated
citations that they already know do not apply, but are unwilling to
acknowledge?
“Because we don’t have a group that is really
seeking reduction in environmental impacts or even the best overall
interests of the community,” it continues. “Instead, CFF represents a
case of rampant nimbyism, protection of local self-interests through the
use of a series of social agendas.”
The letter goes on to
discuss the need for the SEQRA process as a way for the state department
of environmental conservation and other community stakeholders to raise
any concerns regarding the project. Officials also claim in the
statement that they have reached out to community leadership to approve
the SEQRA process, an issue visited several times since the project’s
proposal.
“Our request is not for project approval; it is asking
the (Oswego County) Legislature for a clear definition of the rules of
engagement for this project to become a reality,” it said. “Only then
will the community be able to determine what the real risks and issues
might be (along with the substantial economic benefits and how they can
and will be addressed through project development and operations. And
only then will the citizens of Oswego be served by a process that can
cut through the self-serving and fear tactics of the CFF to uncover real
answers based on science and reality to legitimate questions about the
project.”
In a response to the statement composed by Bion, the
CFF references a letter written by County Attorney Richard Mitchell that
said the county Legislature legally does not have the ability to act on
Bion’s request.
“The rules of engagement are better defined as
the local laws of the county, and Mitchell has told Bion officials that
they need to consult with a private attorney for legal advice and
guidance,” CFF officials stated.
“Bion’s statement that they have
‘stepped forward to volunteer use of this SEQRA review process’ also
suggests that this company is not aware of the laws of New York state,”
they continue. “SEQRA is not a voluntary process; it is the law. We find
it egregious that any company would propose a project of this
magnitude, with the potential to negatively impact our environmental
landscape without first gaining thorough knowledge and understanding of
the laws of this county and state.
“The ignorance of the basic
fundamentals of our local and legislative oversight can only lead us to
question how this company would respond in the event this project
resulted in an environmental crisis,” the statement said. “Bion
officials appear to have ignored the advice offered by the county
attorney in his Sept. 29 letter to them. It speaks volumes as to what we
can expect should this project move forward.”
While Citizens for
Family Farms certainly takes umbrage with the entirety of Bion’s
response, we would like to specifically address a few key remarks. To
insinuate that citizens who are truly concerned about the future of
their communities “carefully craft” statements is outrageous. We are
fighting for our homes, families’ health and the future of our area. The
fact that we have found and spoken to people whose lives and
environments have been ruined by industrial agriculture operations is a
testament to how much time and energy has been put into educating
ourselves, and to in turn, educate our communities.
Volney ethanol plant celebrates reopening
Bion, Sunoco officials exploring possible partnership opportunities
With the Volney-based
ethanol plant once again up and running, the development of another
project proposed for creation within Oswego County’s borders could lead
to a notable business relationship for owners of the facility.
Officials from Sunoco Inc., owners of the ethanol facility, had a ribbon cutting ceremony
for the plant Wednesday, announcing that after approximately $25
million of investment and months of work on the plant, the once
beleaguered facility is back in business.
“We are pleased to join the Oswego County community, and look forward to playing a productive role in the region,” said Lynn Elsenhans, Sunoco
chairwoman and CEO. “Operating this facility and sourcing as much corn
as possible from local growers will contribute to the region’s economy
and support the creation of ‘green’ jobs.”
After design flaws disrupted activities at the then
Northeast Biofuels plant early last year, owners of the facility decided
to sell the plant.
In a May 2009 auction for the plant, Sunoco finished with
the top bid of $8.5 million, winning ownership of the facility. After rehabilitation of the plant by the company, the
ethanol plant shipped out its first order of the corn-based substance
June 30, for use as a mixture with gasoline at Sunoco’s 4,700 gas
stations nationwide.
“Since that time, we have been slowly ramping up
productions,” said Thomas Golembeski, a spokesman for Sunoco. The Volney
plant is expected to supply 20 percent of the company’s ethanol needs.
Through the production of ethanol, a byproduct is created
that necessitates the company to find a buyer for the product.
“We make distiller grain as part of the ethanol-making
process, and we are looking to sell that into the agricultural markets,”
said Thomas Golembeski, a spokesperson for Sunoco.
With the potential development of the 72,000-head cattle
finishing facility within Oswego County, Jeff Kappell, vice president
for renewables and project development of Bion Environmental Technologies Inc., said a partnership makes a lot of sense. “I think it is fair to say that there is a lot of
interest on both sides,” Kappell said. “There are a number of ways that
we could be beneficial to each other.”
The cattle finishing facility that has been proposed and has
received mixed reviews from county officials, would focus on cattle
slaughter for beef distribution in eastern sections of the U.S. and
portions of southeastern Canada. The cattle could be placed in multiple
locations to suit space specifications.
Kappell noted that the distiller grain created at Sunoco’s ethanol plant could be used as feed for Bion’s proposed cattle farms.
“Those distiller grains
basically need to get dried and shipped long distance,” Kappell said.
He added that most of the distiller grain ends up in Georgia in poultry
and soy markets.
Kappell explained that the drying process involves the use
of a significant amount of energy and the transportation of the product
would also be costly.
“We would represent a long-term stable market for about an
eighth of their distiller grains,” he said. “They would not have to dry
it and they would not have to ship it. ... There is huge potential.”
Kappell also suggested that since the plant and the
slaughter facility both utilize corn, they could leverage common
sourcing for having corn shipped to both the proposed Bion facility and
Sunoco plant.
The vice president added that a sit down has occurred with
Bion representatives and officials of Sunoco, discussing the potential
of a partnership if the beef finishing facility does move toward
development in Oswego County.
“There are a lot of things on the table, lots of values and a
lot of interest in looking at these things a little bit closer,”
Kappell said.
Officials
of Bion Environmental Technologies Inc. held a forum to discuss their beef
finishing, processing and ethanol production facility proposal for Oswego
County, and ran into resistance from many of the audience members who packed
the SUNY Oswego Campus Center Auditorium
While Thursday’s public meeting with Bion
officials grew hostile at times, with one attendee telling representatives to
“pack their bags,” that sentiment is not necessarily felt by the rest of Oswego
County when it comes to the construction of a beef finishing and ethanol
production facility within the area.
Oswego County Legislator Amy Tresidder, D-Oswego, said that citizens and
officials within the county need to be open to the process before making snap
judgments.
According to members of Bion Environmental Technologies Inc., the 72,000-head
cattle endeavor within Oswego County borders would include a focus on cattle
finishing, for distribution in eastern sections of the United States and
portions of southeastern Canada. The cattle could be placed in multiple
locations to suit space specifications
Schroeppel Town Supervisor Paul
Casler Jr. stressed Monday, that Schroeppel Town Council members are only
seeking more information regarding the development of a potential beef
finishing and ethanol production facility being developed in the town.
In December, the council passed a resolution that stated just that, the
supervisor explained.
“There is no approval of the project,” Casler said. “Basically the resolution
said that the town unanimously agrees, and supports working with Bion toward
this project.”
According to members of Bion Environmental Technologies Inc., the 72,000-heard
cattle project in Oswego County’s borders would involve a focus on cattle slaughter
for beef distribution in eastern sections of the U.S. and portions of
southeastern Canada. The cattle could be placed in multiple locations to suit
space specifications.
During a presentation by Bion representatives last week on the SUNY Oswego campus,
they described the project being placed on five separate locations that would
each hold 14,400 cows placed on plots of land between 150-300 acres.
Officials
of the company have also asserted that the project could result in the
development of nearly 600 jobs, totaling approximately $20.3 million in annual
salaries. The project would also create 2,000 construction jobs for the
proposal’s development, Bion representatives said.
The resolution passed by Schroeppel states that the town council is committed
to promoting job growth and economic development, and goes on to state that if
the “town board finds that the town of Schroeppel would be a suitable location
for the Bion project,” that the town does express its support for the
development of the proposed Bion project.
The resolution later states that the project would be subject to “all necessary
due diligence, including adherence to all pertinent federal, state and local
laws, rules and regulations, including those related to land use control and planning
and environmental protection.”
In the final paragraph, the resolution reads that it is resolved “that the town
board urges other federal, state and local officials to work cooperatively
towards (sic) the development of the Bion project.”
“We have seen this presented to us, and we now figure that it would take a few
years for it to happen, but it is something we need to look at and get some
answers about,” Casler said.
Bion representatives have stated that no particular site within county borders
has been established at this point, and they are just seeking interest.
Casler noted that he does have concern regarding the project’s use of new,
largely untested technology, but noted that Bion would have to first clear
hurdles, including environmental impact queries by the Department of
Environmental Conservation.
Casler also spoke on questions raised by individuals speaking out against the
project, including Bion’s statement that they would not take out any bonds to
reimburse farms affected by the potential spread of disease through cattle,
affecting other farms in the county.
“If someone requires them to put a bond up in order to do this, then New York
state is going to have to follow precedence,” Casler said. “No other farm in
New York state has to put a bond up to operate.”
Another issue that came to light during last week’s forum put on by Bion, was
the fact that the company would be selling the technology and not running the
project.
Casler stated that he knew this fact.
“Bion would probably still have a little to do with (the project), including
dealing with the finances,” he said. Casler added that the company would most
likely want to have professionals deal with the operation of the facility.
The town supervisor added that if there were not any public support, the issue
would be moot, as the town would not pursue the development of the project.
“We will listen to everybody,” Casler said. He added that if members of Bion
see that those in the county are not interested, they will move on.
“That’s my opinion,” Casler said. “They are not going to want to come to a
place where people don’t want them.”
During an Oswego County Environmental Management Council meeting held Monday at
Mexico Point Park, council Chairman Timothy Carroll described his interpretation
of Bion’s seemingly failed relationship with St. Lawrence County, supporting
Casler’s view.
Carroll noted that a task force was put together in the county to pursue
hard-hitting questions for Bion members.
“The thing just kind of broke down and Bion walked away,” Carroll said. He
added that Bion pursued St. Lawrence County because of the port of Ogdensburg,
which parallels Bion’s interest in Oswego County, with the port’s location in
the city of Oswego.
“There was a lot of opposition (in St. Lawrence County), but there was nothing
on an official level as far as a resolution,” Carroll said.
For more on Bion’s project as proposed for Oswego County, visit the company’s
website at www.biontech.com.
Volney ethanol plant celebrates reopening
Bion,
Sunoco officials exploring possible partnership opportunities
With the Volney-based ethanol plant
once again up and running, the development of another project proposed for
creation within Oswego County’s borders could lead to a notable business
relationship for owners of the facility.
Officials from Sunoco Inc., owners of the ethanol facility, had a ribbon
cutting ceremony for the plant Wednesday, announcing that after approximately
$25 million of investment and months of work on the plant, the once beleaguered
facility is back in business.
“We are pleased to join the Oswego County community, and look forward to
playing a productive role in the region,” said Lynn Elsenhans, Sunoco
chairwoman and CEO. “Operating this facility and sourcing as much corn as
possible from local growers will contribute to the region’s economy and support
the creation of ‘green’ jobs.”
After design flaws disrupted activities at the then Northeast Biofuels plant
early last year, owners of the facility decided to sell the plant.
In a May 2009 auction for the plant, Sunoco finished with the top bid of $8.5
million, winning ownership of the facility.
After rehabilitation of the plant by the company, the ethanol plant shipped out
its first order of the corn-based substance June 30, for use as a mixture with
gasoline at Sunoco’s 4,700 gas stations nationwide.
“Since that time, we have been slowly ramping up productions,” said Thomas
Golembeski, a spokesman for Sunoco. The Volney plant is expected to supply 20
percent of the company’s ethanol needs.
Through the production of ethanol, a byproduct is created that necessitates the
company to find a buyer for the product.
“We make distiller grain as part of the ethanol-making process, and we are
looking to sell that into the agricultural markets,” said Thomas Golembeski, a
spokesperson for Sunoco.
With the potential development of the 72,000-head cattle finishing facility
within Oswego County, Jeff Kappell, vice president for renewables and project
development of Bion Environmental Technologies Inc., said a partnership makes a
lot of sense.
“I think it is fair to say that there is a lot of interest on both sides,”
Kappell said. “There are a number of ways that we could be beneficial to each
other.”
The cattle finishing facility that has been proposed and has received mixed
reviews from county officials, would focus on cattle slaughter for beef
distribution in eastern sections of the U.S. and portions of southeastern
Canada. The cattle could be placed in multiple locations to suit space
specifications.
Kappell noted that the distiller grain created at Sunoco’s ethanol plant could
be used as feed for Bion’s proposed cattle farms.
“Those distiller grains basically need to get dried and shipped long distance,”
Kappell said. He added that most of the distiller grain ends up in Georgia in
poultry and soy markets.
Kappell explained that the drying process involves the use of a significant
amount of energy and the transportation of the product would also be costly.
“We would represent a long-term stable market for about an eighth of their
distiller grains,” he said. “They would not have to dry it and they would not
have to ship it. ... There is huge potential.”
Kappell also suggested that since the plant and the slaughter facility both
utilize corn, they could leverage common sourcing for having corn shipped to
both the proposed Bion facility and Sunoco plant.
The vice president added that a sit down has occurred with Bion representatives
and officials of Sunoco, discussing the potential of a partnership if the beef
finishing facility does move toward development in Oswego County.
“There are a lot of things on the table, lots of values and a lot of interest
in looking at these things a little bit closer,” Kappell said.
Schroeppel town board rescinds Bion resolution----The FIGHT is not over ---It has moved to the County Goverment
Town council rescinds move to support Bion
By AARON CURTIS
acurtis@palltimes.com
Published:
Thursday, November 4, 2010 8:50 PM EDT
Town council rescinds move to support Bion
Protect Family Farms
Say No to Animal Factories in Oswego County
I join with
Citizens
for Family Farms in calling for the Town of Schroeppel to
rescind the December
2009 resolution and reject the Bion Environmental
Technologies, Inc. animal factory
proposed for Oswego County. Bion’s 72,000 beef factory would
slaughter 600
cattle every day.
This factory
will negatively
impact local property values and pollute our air, land, and
water.
This SeeThroughNY
section provides a database of names, positions and salaries or pension
benefit rates for individuals who have been employed by New York State,
New York City, state and regional public authorities, public school
districts, and New York's county, city, town and village governments. Use
the form below to search the payrolls or pensions by Name, Position,
Branch or Major Category, Agency or Area and Subagency or Employer
____________________
Operating Anaerobic Digester Projects
As of July 2010, AgSTAR estimates that there are 157 anaerobic
digester systems operating at commercial livestock farms in the United
States. The AgSTAR database provides more detailed information about operating projects. New York State has 22 farms using one.
