HomeMy WebLinkAboutGeoplasma Workshop Minutes 12-08-2006Ilr.~~ r~~. ~~
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
GEOPLASMA WORKSHOP
Date: December 8, 2006 Convened:;9:00 a.m.
Adjourned: 12:00 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Chairman Chris Craft, Joseph Smith, Paula A. Lewis, Charles
Grande, Doug Coward
Others Present: Doug Anderson, County Administrator, Ray Wazny, Asst. County
Administrator, Faye Outlaw, Asst. County Administrator, Leo Cordeiro, Solid Waste
Director, Ron Roberts, Asst. Solid Waste Director, Millie Delgado-Feliciano, Deputy
Clerk
The Solid Waste Director gave an overview on the project and his visit to Japan to view
the operation of their plant.
Mr. David Dee, Environmental Law expert for Geoplasma gave an overview of the legal
issue with the project and how they are handling both the environmental and legal issues.
He advised the Board the letter of intent was an agreement to continue discussions with
Geoplasma and this letter will come before the Board in the near future.
Dr. Hillburn O. Hillestad, President, Geoplasma, LLC made a presentation and presented
the Board with a briefing booklet reviewing the history of plasma gasification,
community engagement plan, technology, financing and timeline.
The Solid Waste Director advised the Board he does not anticipated any changes in the
tipping fees.
Mr. Donald Lyles advised the Board he would be doing the Environmental Review of the
Air Emissions for the county and felt the technology offers a lot of promise.
Mr. Ben Speed, representing New Prospect Capital and the financial advisor for
Geoplasma addressed the plant and the contribution they have made for Alachua County
to assist in affordable housing.
Com. Grande expressed his concerns with paragraphs 5 and 15 of the Preliminary and
Conceptual Terms and Conditions pertaining to paragraph 8 of the letter indicating "no
liability".
Mr. Dee and Dr. Hillestad addressed Com. Grande' concerns.
Dr. Hillestad advised Com. Grande that they must comply with the PPA.
The County will be providing the land for the project and Geoplasma will build the
facility at a cost of $425 million.
The Solid Waste Director stated both cities support providing materials to the landfill.
The landfill will supply the shortfall for at least 20 years. The only liability would be if
the county could not provide the 3 tons per day required and this is the key issue that
needs to be worked out.
Com. Grande stated he was more concerned with the down time of the plant if any, not
the 3 ton supply.
The County Administrator stated they were still working on the interlocal agreements
with the cities as per the County Attorney.
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The County Attorney advised the Board the letter of intent is not binding it is only a
commitment to work together to resolve issues.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. John Arena, Ft. Pierce resident, addressed the Board regarding waste having a lot of
heavy metals such as computer and electronics and he believes these material will not be
sorted out and produce heavy metal dust in the air.
Com. Coward stated he supported the non-binding letter of intent to be placed on the
agenda for Tuesday.
It was the consensus of the Board to direct staff to schedule a workshop where all
environmental issues can be addressed as well as other concerns.
The meeting was adjourned.
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