CURWENSVILLE – In Clearfield County lately, all talk surrounding the construction of an ethanol-production facility has focused on Massachusetts-based BioEnergy International LLC. Not much as made the news concerning the Pittsburgh company planning to build an ethanol plant and co-generation facility in Curwensville.
The Clearfield County Industrial Development Authority heard from Director Rob Swales this week, and he said Sunnyside Ethanol LLC has been working diligently to begin construction on the plant.
“Ultimately, they know that it’s been rather quiet,” Swales said.
Swales noted that the company has experienced significant delays in starting on sludge excavation that must happen at the site before ground can be broken for the ethanol plant. The company is also working on funding at the current time.
He noted that the company wants to ensure everything is in place so that once work starts, it will not have to stop due to a financial problem. All permits are in place for the facility, Swales said.
The earliest dirt could fly is this fall, but Swales said, “That would be pretty optimistic.” The more likely start date would be this winter or even in the early spring.
There are some benefits to waiting until the colder months. Swales noted that the slidge would be frozen, making for easier removal and low odor in the winter months.
Sunnyside is now looking for an end-user to purchase the ethanol the facility will produce.
“They have some substantial companies they’re working with but nothing in writing to date,” Swales said.
Sunnyside also provided an update to the Curwensville Borough Council when representatives were in town this week.