LINCOLN- The long-term effects pesticides have had on the environment around the AltEn ethanol plant south of Mead will begin to be studied by both the University of Nebraska system and Creighton University.
The study follows a pipe that burst on the plant in February which released 4 million gallons of contaminated wastewater and manure into nearby waterways and streams. The 10-year study will cost $1 million annually and will begin in the next few weeks. The team will study everything from the contaminated site to Mead residents health records to find patterns in newly diagnosed health conditions. AltEn has agreed to participate in the study. Preliminary results will start to be released in August.
The contaminated plant is now being sought out by a Texas company that wants to take over operation of a feedlot adjacent to the plant. The owners of the Texas company deny any relationship with AltEn. The Planning and Zoning Commission just needs to approve a permit and send it to the Saunders County Board of Supervisors for official approval of the acquisition.