Green Bay area biomass debate divides Ashwaubenon

From an article by Steve Contorno in the Green Bay Press Gazette:

Jennie Streckenbach understands the need for new technology to solve future energy and waste problems. She just wishes the solution wasn't going to be placed a block away from her preschool.

"We have over 100 kids here," said Streckenbach, administrator at Just for Kids Child Care Center in Ashwaubenon. "It's really frightening what is out there for our kids right now. I just don't think it's the answer. I hope I'm wrong and all this is safe."

Down the street, at 3100 Packerland Drive, a subsidiary of the Oneida Tribe of Indians is planning to build a $23 million biomass plant that will convert municipal waste into power to be sold to Wisconsin Public Service. Construction on the project began in November but is expected to be stalled until spring while the necessary permits are obtained.

In the months after Oneida Seven Generations Corp. announced its intentions to build the 60,000-square-foot facility, local officials and area residents have opposed the project. Middle ground has been hard to find.

Proponents say the technology is an environmental godsend.

Opponents claim it will cause significant damage to the ecosystem.

For one side, the location is perfect; for the other, it couldn't be worse. It's either completely safe, or it's a public health disaster waiting to happen.