Biomass Proposed For Gaylord 'Zero-Waste' Development

<p><em><a href="mailto:allener@interlochen.org">By Bob Allen</a></em></p> <p>Developers are proposing a biomass power plant in Gaylord, on the site of the old Georgia Pacific particle board factory. It's being touted as part of an "eco industrial park" that would include a number of other wood related businesses.</p> <p>The idea is to use energy and heat generated on site to run the businesses while producing zero waste. </p> <p>A grant of nearly three -quarters of a million dollars from the state is paying for an environmental assessment of the 900 acre property.</p> <p>"With its location on rail, with heavy power, with the Interstate freeway system with the new I-75 crossing that just went in,"Jeff Ratcliffe says it's a prime industrial site with a lot of potential. He's with the Otsego Economic Development Alliance.</p> <p>The development team includes Kelly Miller, whose family is in the Oil and Gas business, and Robert Richardson, who's in real estate. Both are from Traverse City. They're not offering details of the project until the assessments are done.</p>