Mediation meeting fails to resolve Rimrock biodigester concerns

A recent mediation meeting failed to resolve issues that Foothills residents have with a controversial biodigester proposal near High River. 

The Environmental Appeals Board held the confidential mediation meeting on May 30, between Rimrock Renewables and area residents who are appealing the project. 

Benita Estes took part in the meeting and lives within a few hundred metres of the project site. She said neither party was willing to compromise. 

“We don't want it anywhere around here, the way it's designed,” Estes said.  “The company, of course, isn’t going to want something smaller.”

The EAB said mediation was held to see if the parties involved could reach an agreement that would allow the project to proceed, the EAB said.

With no resolutions coming from the meeting, a public hearing will be held at a date to be determined, an EAB spokesperson said. 

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas granted approval last December for construction and operation of the Rimrock Biodigester Natural Gas Facility that would produce renewable natural gas at Rimrock Feeders. 

The EAB received 11 notices of appeal from area residents. 

The facility, about five kilometres west of High River in Foothills County, would use feedlot and other types of waste to make renewable natural gas. 

Rimrock hoped the $70-million facility would be in operation early this year.