carbon capture technologies, an intensive ….

carbon capture technologies, an intensive methane detection system, as well as one of America’s largest fuel cell plants. He said along with the fuel cell plant, the project will include a solar farm and sizable rail loop.

“Some of these things haven’t been done before, Mues said. “We’ll be commingling green and blue hydrogen and we’re actually going to be implementing the largest fuel cell park in North America.” He said the fertilizer plant would employ patent-pending technologies for carbon capture and emissions reduction.

Timeline estimates say U.S. Department of Energy loan approval for the project may come as early as late 2024 or 2025. “We’ve already been told by the director of the DOE loan program that our project fully qualifies,” Mues said. “Then we will have a multi-year construction process period.” If funded and permitted, full operations are projected to be finished by 2028.

Following the presentation, deputy county attorney Thomas Bleicher asked, “How many workers can we expect coming into the county that law enforcement needs to contend with?”

Mues said plans for worker management are being developed but are far from complete. “Once that’s been pinned down, we should have a better idea about the flux of workers,” Mues said.

Wolf Point City Council member Dean Mahlum addressed Mues about coordinating efforts with area law enforcement and emergency services. Mahlum asked, “Will there be any internal fire protection?” He added that area rural fire department could be hit with enhanced demands, as will emergency services. He recommended coordination with law enforcement agencies and county officials. County attorney Theresa Diekhans also stressed the need for communication with area law enforcement.

Mues said training will be extended to area departments and said that a key part of the project is a security and community benefits package which will address issues related to emergency services, security and law enforcement. He said the package is still under development. “The more feedback we get for you folks, that strengthens that package,” Mues said.

Mues concluded by saying that support for the project from Senator Tester is key. “This project really will fly or not fly because him and the DOE loan,” Mues said.

Oelkers said more informational meetings will be scheduled in coming months,