DEP Seeks Proposals to turn 27,000 tons of Fiber into Alternative Fuel or other Beneficial Use
August 20, 2013
Contact: Jessamine Logan, Maine DEP Director of Communications, jessamine.logan@maine.gov/ 287-5842 (office) or 592-0427 (cell)
AUGUSTA- What can be done with 27,000 tons of carpet-like fiber? The Maine Department of Environmental Protection Department would like to find out and is seeking proposals to have the material turned into an alternative fuel for industrial boilers or other beneficial use.
Earlier this month, the department issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to have approximately 27,000 tons of carpet-like fiber posing a serious fire hazard to be removed from a site in Warren and turned into an alternative fuel or other beneficial use.
?I applaud the Department for seeking proposals that promote a sustainable economy and clean up the environment,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?This is an opportunity to use what was once considered waste and turn it into an alternative fuel, thus reducing impacts to our environment and creating new, innovative jobs. Environmental stewardship and job creation can be done together.?
Roughly 80 percent of shot and sound containment material bought for a large-scale update to a 70-acre shooting range remains uncovered because the project was never completed. Through court action, DEP secured access to remediate the site because of concerns to public health. The waste, polyester and polypropylene carpet-like fiber, is stable, does not decompose and it does not generate leachate or odors. However, it does pose a fire risk. DEP is committed to preventing environmental and public health risks and finding alternative ways to reduce the amount that goes into our landfills.
?After visiting the Town of Warren and listening to their concerns, I tasked the department with coming up with a sustainable solution. DEP remains steadfast in its commitment to cleaning-up environmental and public health risks, and knew we had to do something to remove the hazardous material. But putting the fiber in a landfill is not an option,? said Patricia Aho, Maine DEP Commissioner. ?Maine leads the country in the materials management of our waste stream and finding new uses for materials that used to be simply disposed is a top priority of mine. This RFP is an opportunity to clean up the environment and allow for creative, beneficial uses of our waste.?
The proposal has three options for bidders: to convert 27,000 tons of fiber material into a suitable alternative fuel by Dragon Products in Thomaston or other industrial facilities; include the option for the transportation of the processed material to Dragon Products; or submit a proposal that would result in the removal and beneficial reuse of fiber material from the site.
Bidders are strongly encouraged to attend an optional bidder conference on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 10:00 AM at the site in Warren. Bidders may also submit written questions to the Department by August 26, 2013. Proposals are due on September 18, 2013 at 2:00 PM.
A link to the RFP is on DEP?s website here: http://www.maine.gov/dep/rfp/rfp.html?id=576517 For more information please contact Michael Parker at 287-7704 or at michael.t.parker@maine.gov