The people who live in Mead noticed something was changing in their environment. But it would take time and persistence to pinpoint what was wiping out bee colonies, sickening animals and potentially causing health issues for residents.
With the pesticide-laden waste once piled above ground at AltEn now gone, the environmental cleanup of the former ethanol plant will turn its attention to the solids once submerged under contaminated wastewater.
Cleanup continues at the former AltEn plant Wednesday in Mead. The consultant leading the effort said disposing of the pesticide-contaminated waste in the site's lagoons may go on through 2028.
A wet cake pile rises from the ground on May 25 at the site of the former AltEn plant near Mead.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Liner that protected the ground from treated seeds is seen piled outside the AltEn plant near Mead on Thursday, where cleanup continues.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
A wetcake pile rises from the ground on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the site of the former AltEn Plant in Mead. Toxic piles of ethanol byproduct — called wet cake — are rotting on the grounds of the plant near Mead. Snow and rain send chemical-laden runoff into waterways, contaminating groundwater and drinking water. In dry weather, the wind kicks up toxic dust that has been linked to public health issues in local residents.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
A wet cake pile rises from the ground on Thursday at the site of the former AltEn Plant near Mead, where cleanup is ongoing. A pilot project will study the best way to solidify the wet cake in order to prepare it for the landfill.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The former AltEn ethanol plant near Mead.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Seed silos that hold contaminated seed are seen on May 25 at the site of the former AltEn Plant in Mead.Â
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Seed silos that hold contaminated seed are seen on May 25 at the site of the former AltEn Plant in Mead.Â
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The site of the former AltEn Plant near Mead is photographed by a drone over the site on April 27.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
The site of the former AltEn Plant near Mead is photographed by a drone over the site on April 27.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Loading docks at the rear of seed silos are boarded up at the site of the former AltEn Plant near Mead.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The site of the former AltEn Plant near Mead is photographed by a drone over the site on April 27.
The people who live in Mead noticed something was changing in their environment. But it would take time and persistence to pinpoint what was w…
Cleanup continues at the former AltEn plant Wednesday in Mead. The consultant leading the effort said disposing of the pesticide-contaminated waste in the site's lagoons may go on through 2028.
