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Next steps for AltEn site cleanup submitted to Nebraska regulators
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A Lee Enterprises, Incorporated newspaper. Majority shareholder: David Hoffmann, Hoffmann Media Group.
Alert Top Story Topical
Next steps for AltEn site cleanup submitted to Nebraska regulators
- Chris Dunker | Lincoln Journal Star
- Jul 23, 2025
- Jul 23, 2025
- 0
×
- Justin Wan
The people who live in Mead noticed something was changing in their environment. But it would take time and persistence to pinpoint what was wiping out bee colonies, sickening animals and potentially causing health issues for residents.
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The pesticide-contaminated waste once stockpiled at AltEn that set off alarm bells for the residents of Mead will soon be gone, according to the environmental engineering firm hired to clean up the former ethanol plant.
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A wet cake pile and lagoon are seen at AltEn on Dec. 7, 2023, near Mead. ERM NewFields, an Atlanta-based contractor hired by seed companies to lead the cleanup, said the remaining 15,000 tons of ethanol byproduct are slated to be removed and buried in a Bennington landfill by the end of summer.
JOHN F. SCHALLES, Courtesy photo
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The northwest lagoon and wet cake pile at AltEn, the former ethanol plant near Mead, are seen on Dec. 7, 2023.
JOHN F. SCHALLES, Courtesy photo
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Photos: AltEn cleanup near Mead
A wet cake pile rises from the ground on May 25, 2023, at the site of the former AltEn plant near Mead.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Liner that protected the ground from treated seeds is seen piled outside the AltEn plant near Mead on May 25, 2023, where cleanup continues.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Loading docks at the rear of seed silos are boarded up at the site of the former AltEn Plant near Mead on May 25, 2023.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
A wetcake pile rises from the ground on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the site of the former AltEn Plant in Mead. Toxic piles of ethanol byproduct — called wet cake — are rotting on the grounds of the plant near Mead. Snow and rain send chemical-laden runoff into waterways, contaminating groundwater and drinking water. In dry weather, the wind kicks up toxic dust that has been linked to public health issues in local residents.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
A wet cake pile rises from the ground on May 25, 2023, at the site of the former AltEn Plant near Mead, where cleanup is ongoing. A pilot project will study the best way to solidify the wet cake in order to prepare it for the landfill.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The former AltEn ethanol plant near Mead.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Seed silos that hold contaminated seed are seen on May 25, 2023, at the site of the former AltEn Plant in Mead.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Seed silos that hold contaminated seed are seen on May 25, 2023, at the site of the former AltEn Plant in Mead.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The site of the former AltEn Plant near Mead is photographed by a drone over the site on April 27, 2023.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
The site of the former AltEn Plant near Mead is photographed by a drone over the site on April 27, 2023.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The site of the former AltEn Plant near Mead is photographed by a drone over the site on April 27, 2023.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Reach the writer at 402-473-7120 or cdunker@journalstar.com.
On Bluesky @chrisdunker.bsky.social
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Chris Dunker | Lincoln Journal Star
Higher education/statehouse reporter
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A wet cake pile and lagoon are seen at AltEn on Dec. 7, 2023, near Mead. ERM NewFields, an Atlanta-based contractor hired by seed companies to lead the cleanup, said the remaining 15,000 tons of ethanol byproduct are slated to be removed and buried in a Bennington landfill by the end of summer.
- JOHN F. SCHALLES, Courtesy photo
The northwest lagoon and wet cake pile at AltEn, the former ethanol plant near Mead, are seen on Dec. 7, 2023.
- JOHN F. SCHALLES, Courtesy photo
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