Dec 19 2009
An all-inclusive permit application has been filed by Laidlaw Berlin BioPower, LLC with the New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee (NHSEC). Through this application, Laidlaw Berlin BioPower seeks approvals for the construction and operation of a nominal 70 megawatt biomass-energy facility that will be located at the former Fraser Papers pulp mill in Berlin.
The site for the construction of this facility was purchased in December, 2008 by Laidlaw along with a group of private equity investors. From the time of purchase, Laidlaw has been preparing the filing of its permit application and negotiating other material contracts for this project including power purchase agreements.
The permitting process is expected to go on for about nine months based on the expedited review process provided to renewable energy facilities by the State of New Hampshire. The NHSEC process is the most initial important step for obtaining the approvals to carry out the construction and operation of the 70 megawatt biomass-energy facility.
Michael Bartoszek, CEO and President of Laidlaw Berlin BioPower, remarked that the company through its all-inclusive permit application expects to work in a cooperative manner with the state and local representatives and the Site Evaluation Committee throughout the entire review process. Bartoszek states that this project will be considered as a source of pride by the City of Berlin and also by the State of New Hampshire and the company will continue to expand because of the support from Mayor-elect Paul Grenier and from the citizens of Berlin.