Two items today – information about the new biomass system installed by the Sisters School District and a news wrap-up around the region.

1) New biomass system being installed in Sisters – here’s the news release from the Sisters School District:

For Immediate Release

April 24, 2011

The Sisters School District is pleased to announce the addition of a bio-mass pellet boiler at Sisters High School.

Installation of the 1.3 million BTU boiler will start early in May and the boiler will be operational for the 2011-12 school year. The new boiler could save the district $35,000 - $50,000 dollars per year in heating costs. The new plant is the result of 2 years of serious discussions and research.

The new boiler will be integrated into the existing heating system and will supply hot water for the main heating system at Sisters High School as well as domestic hot water for the entire building. The district will seek local contracts for pellets and is dedicated to keeping this heating plant as an Oregon project. The contractors and boiler manufacturer are all local Oregon companies and the labor for this job will be provided by the school district and local contractors.

The district’s overarching goal is to run the most efficient physical plant system possible in order to maximize the amount of school district resources available for teaching staff and improvement of student learning. The district is excited to also help the State and local economy in this difficult economic time.

Additional Information can be obtained by calling:  Leland Bliss, Sisters School District  541-549-8521 ext 4017

These news items about biomass appeared recently in Pacific NW news sources:

Seneca Biomass Plant Opening Protested by Activists
(KDRV 12 ABC-TV © 05/05/2011)

s opening and a tour of the facilities.  EWEB has approved the decision to buy power from the biomass plant to distribute as a local, sustainable source of energy.   Activists, including Cascadia forest Defenders, rallied together in protest of the ceremony.  The rally lead by Cascadia forest Defenders say they are protesting because they believe Seneca's new plant will have a harmful effect

Biomass opponents prepare campaign against Seattle Steam

Business Journal (Seattle) covers Nippon biomass project

Kevin Weeks

Public Information Officer

Oregon Department of Forestry

Agency Affairs Office

(503) 945-7427