Second biodiesel plant proposed for Hazen

The Churchill County Planning Commission will consider an application for a special use permit for another biodiesel plant in Hazen on Wednesday night.

The plant is proposed to be located on Bango Road in Hazen. Bango Bio-Diesel LLC is seeking to construct and operate a processing plant to convert soy oil into agricultural biodiesel product used for motor fuel.

According to the application, the green energy product will be processed in an enclosed plant on a 15-acre site on Bango Road.

The applicants state in the application that here will no adverse impacts on the environment because the renewable energy production causes no glare, noise, odors or fumes while being manufactured. The production of biodiesel fuel is done by converting soy oil into a product that functions as a motor fuel.

Renewable energy production fulfills requirements within the master plan for Churchill County, said Eleanor Lockwood, planning director.

According to the applicant, the production of biodiesel fuel is consistent with the goals and objectives of the land use and economic development within the county. The plant will also provide jobs throughout the year. The work schedule will include three shifts and run 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

There will be a warehouse, shop and control building for the processing equipment, as stated in the application. On the site there will be a 25,000-gallon tank farm for feedstock and product storage.

The 15-acre parcel is located within industrial zoning, said Lockwood. This is consistent with the master plan.

"The road department addressed needs for road improvements necessary on Bango Road with Bango Oil and Bango Bio-Diesel," said Patti Lingenfelter, county road supervisor. "The company has agreed to work with the road department on necessary improvements."

Alternative fuels and green energy are the types of industries the county is trying to promote, said Terri Pereira, associate planner.

The planning department and Churchill County officials support the plant, as well the other bio-diesel plant recently approved in Hazen, because both plants support green energy, said Lockwood.

A special use permit for Biodiesel Investment Company, LLC, of Verdi, was approved by the planning commission in December.

"The plant is located in an area that is industrial, it meets the master plan and the plan of Churchill County to promote green energy," Lockwood said.

The planning commission will meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday in the commission chambers of the County Administration Building, located at 155 N. Taylor St.