Poultry-to-fuel plant target of mayor, suit

Published Friday, July 27, 2007

CARTHAGE (AP) - A test plant for converting poultry byproducts into fuel oil, heralded by its owners as a new alternative energy source, is in the cross hairs of the city’s mayor and a private lawsuit seeking class-action status over odors from the facility.

Renewable Energy Solutions has been plagued by repeated complaints from townspeople about strong smells. Gov. Matt Blunt ordered the plant shut down in December 2005, but RES reopened three months later after spending more than $3 million for new odor control equipment.

The plant, which started operation in May 2004, uses extreme heat and pressure to turn turkey waste from nearby packing plants into oil, gas and other materials.

Carthage Mayor Jim Woestman said Wednesday that changes made by RES have not stopped repeated complaints about odors coming from its plant, just a few blocks from downtown. "I’m calling it a stink - not an odor - because that’s what it is," he said.