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Still three or four years away from producing power, the Traverse City based oil company Jordan Exploration awaits permits from Kalkaska County, approval from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency, and funding for the project, according to Jordan Exploration representative Ben Brower.

Reportedly "eco-friendly," the plant would join five others in Michigan that produce electricity from steam generated by the burning of wood.

"After our wood and water studies we can start raising funds," Brower said. "We'll provide proof that we won't drain wells and that we'll have enough wood."

The concept of consuming 500 gallons of water per minute to cool the equipment and gathering wood from a 150-mile radius around the complex caused doubt among some.

"Is there enough water for 500 gallons per minute without impacting those of us nearby with wells?" local resident Mike Moran asked. "Have they thought how much it costs to get the wood chips, hauling them from a radius of 100 miles?"

There was considerable support for the plant from landowners nearby, according to Brower, who grew up in the area, and claims 30 to 40 full-time jobs will be available at the plant. The prospect of new industry in Rapid River drew support from many long-time locals who watch their children move away because there are no jobs, he said.

Burning wood chips made from slash, called "dirty chips," which cannot be used in lumber production, Jordan Exploration plans to construct a 10-acre complex on 270 acres of land along US-131, between Wind Lake and Plum Valley roads. The facility will achieve a 36 megawatt output.

The process is considered carbon-neutral by many, meaning the energy production does not release new carbons into the atmosphere, such as in the burning of coal, but uses pre-existing carbons to generate energy. Brower refers to the carbon-neutral process as a cycle that does not add to the amount of existing carbon dioxide in the air.

But Moran, whose education lies in the field of chemical engineering is not convinced.

"They said it is 'by policy carbon-neutral'," Moran said, . "Carbon-neutral in this instance is a lie, a buzz word that people will hear and relax. We need to be decreasing carbon dioxide, not increasing, not maintaining."

Jordan Exploration is currently calculating the amount of wood needed to fulfill its projected 30-year lifespan, but according to Brower there's no need to worry.

"Michigan is growing more trees than we're using," he said. "Listen to the guys who are out cutting in the woods. The trees reproduce themselves fast enough that we won't deplete them. They grow everyday."

Another issue is air quality surrounding a wood-burning plant, according to Board Supervisor Phyllis Senske, who voiced no opinion on the matter, but mentioned the Hillman wood-burning plant where air quality has been questioned in the past.

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, "The Hillman Power Company in the village of Hillman, Michigan, experienced a power failure on April 8, 2004. Shut-down of the pollution control equipment allowed a release of fly ash to the air.

"The ash settled on a local elementary school playground, where children were at recess. Several children complained of dermal irritation, irritated eyes, or transient respiratory problems.

"Fly ash emissions from the plant have reportedly occurred in the past. Local citizens were concerned that emissions from the power company were harmful. Environmental information collected in the area showed that no chemicals exceeded their health-based screening levels. There is no apparent public health hazard."

Unlike the Hillman plant, which burns wood and old tires to produce electricity, Jordan Explorations will burn only wood chips, according to Brower.

This commitment may comfort some, but Moran, who lives next-door to the future facility, remains skeptical.

"They are doing their best to swage our fears." he said. "If everything works perfectly, it's still going to be ugly."

While exact statistics are being worked out, some residents look forward to new jobs in town, while their neighbors relish the peace and quiet of untouched forests.ÊÊ

ÊÊ Chris Tredway can be reached at ctredway@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-533-8523.