Power plant would utilize singed trees for biomass energy production

Trees damaged by the "Rodeo-Chediski" fire in eastern Arizona three years ago could find new life as fuel for a proposed power plant in Snowflake.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Monday that it will guarantee a $16 million loan to an Arizona businessman who wants to build a biomass electrical generating plant, which will create energy by burning timber and paper.

Robert Worsley, sole owner of Snowflake White Mountain Power LLC, said he would put up the remaining $7 million to $10 million in cash needed to make the plant a reality.
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Worsley hired 75 loggers, who have begun removing 400,000 tons of singed trees, enough fuel to power 20,000 homes for four years, under a contract with the Forest Service.

"They have been standing and drying for three years," Worsley said. "They are perfect fuel for this application."

Stephanie Paterik
The Arizona Republic

Full Story: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/1018usda18.html