Photo: Velocys plc
August 7, 2018
BY Velocys plc
Velocys plc announced Aug. 7 that the USDA has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact on the environmental assessment report for Velocys’ planned Bayou Fuels biorefinery in Natchez, Mississippi. With the FONSI process completed, Velocys will now focus on the next steps in the project’s development, including securing the state-level permits that will be required to construct and operate the biorefinery.
The 160-page environmental assessment report details the impact of the proposed facility across 15 potential aspects, including land use, water resources, air quality, wildlife, visual impact, noise, transport and public and occupational health. In each case, the report concludes the plant would have “none”, “none to minor,” or “minor” impacts during construction and operation.
Advertisement
The FONSI was issued as part of Velocys’ ongoing development of a 100-acre site in Natchez that the company secured in October. The site will be home to a pioneering biorefinery that will use Velocys’ innovative technology to produce low-carbon transportation fuels from the wood wastes of lumber operations and tree plantations. The plant is expected to convert locally sourced woody biomass waste into enough renewable fuel to meet the demands of running around 40,000 diesel and gasoline trucks.
No opposing or negative comments were filed as part of the USDA’s public consultation process.
“This is a significant step in the permitting of the Bayou Fuels biorefinery as well as an important milestone for the overall development of the project,” said David Pummell, CEO of Velocys. “The environmental assessment provides independent confirmation that the project will not give rise to any significant environmental impacts and reflects our commitment to responsible and safe project development.”
Advertisement
Chandler Russ, executive director of economic development for Natchez/Adams County, said, “This is a great step forward for a project that is a natural fit for the local resource base and economy. The USDA assessment should ease considerably the process for obtaining additional permits, and other project development activities.”
Chevron Lummus Global announced a successful commercial test for coprocessing biogenic feedstocks and fossil feedstocks at INA Group's Rijeka Refinery in Croatia. SAF and renewable diesel were produced during the test.
Phillips 66 on July 25 released Q2 financial results, reporting the company’s Rodeo Renewable Energy Complex in California continues to run at reduced rates due to market conditions. Pre-tax income for the renewables segment was up when compared to Q1.
The EIB and Eni on July 24 signed a €500 million 15-year finance contract to support the conversion of Eni’s Livorno refinery in Tuscany, Italy, into a biorefinery that can produce renewable diesel, renewable naphtha and bio-LPG.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program Board recently approved an additional 24 applications from Iowa fuel retailers to support new and expanded biofuel infrastructure projects.
CountryMark on July 22 celebrated the completion of more than $100 million in upgrades at its refinery in Indiana, including those related to soybean oil storage. The facility produces renewable diesel via coprocessing technology.