To The Editor: I’m correcting the record about arguments in a recent letter on Generate Upcycle’s Fremont Regional Digester. I’m always willing to engage in critical conversations, where both parties want a positive outcome. But to communicate, everyone must have the facts. When considering joining the FRD’s community advisory council, I had to learn about the plant. I wasn’t familiar with the digester, so I did some research and spoke with local agricultural leaders. This helped me understand the importance of digestate as a fertilizer and the FRD as a resource for food waste recycling. I’m proud to be a founding member of FRD’s community council. The digester staff diligently keeps council members, residents, and other stakeholders informed — including through a Facebook page for neighbors, website, tours of the facility, and more. The team is a resource for members of our community, listening to and addressing concerns. Among residents’ concerns have been odor at the digester and lagoons, as well as run-off related to land application of their digestate fertilizer product on farm fields. Before Generate took control of the digester, this odor impacted their quality of life. Generate has invested in significant upgrades and reduced smells to nearly none at the digester facility and lagoons. Further, there have not been any issues with fertilizer runoff since Generate assumed operations. In regards to the permit and regulatory issues, I invite everyone to read Generate’s response to EGLE, which corrects misinformation amplified by the Department. The FRD’s work in our community doesn’t end there. With the help of the community council, the digester has become a valuable partner, including through an endowment scholarship fund that supports our neighbors. Before we make judgements, it’s important we ensure they’re informed. Regardless of our roles in the community, we should have an accurate understanding of the FRD and what it provides. Matt Kempf https://www.fremontdigester.com/news/generate-upcycle-response-letter-to-director-roos-egle
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October 2024
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