Biomass projects under scrutiny

Politics have overshadowed discussion of the environmental pros and cons in the debate over the Midtown Eco-Energy project. The proposed wood-burning power plant would be built in the Phillips neighborhood of south Minneapolis. Steve Brandt tries to peel the political onion in today’s Star Tribune. The controversy includes opponents’ suspicion about two politically connected DFLers who are partners in the development company, Kandyohi Development.

Meanwhile, two recently built biomass plants on the Iron Range are facing fines and equipment upgrades after they exceeded emissions allowed in their permits, according to the Mesabi Daily News. The company that manufactured the boilers was expected to reimburse the local utilities for the fines. A spokesperson blamed “several equipment malfunctions” for the problems in Virginia and Hibbing.