Information and Updates for AltEn near Mead, Nebraska

DWEE receives Lagoon Solids RAP Remedial Unit Design Summary Report – Aug. 11, 2026

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) has received a Lagoon Solids Remedial Unit Design Summary Report from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG).

This report details how the AFRG plans to carry out Phase 2 of its Lagoon Solids Remedial Action Plan (RAP), which was approved by DWEE April 10, 2026. 

Phase 1 of the Lagoon Solids RAP is currently in progress, and includes solidifying and consolidating the lagoon solids within the former Northeast and Southeast Lagoons. Phase 2 includes covering the solidified and consolidated material within the former lagoons, restoring the former Northwest Lagoon, and constructing stormwater management features.

The Remedial Unit Design Summary can be found in DWEE’s public records portal, in a document titled, “Remedial Action” filed on Aug. 5, 2026.

DWEE approves Underground Injection Control application – Aug. 4, 2026

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) has approved the AltEn Facility Response Group’s (AFRG) underground injection control (UIC) application for a series of Class V injection wells on the AltEn site.

Multiple documents related to the AFRG’s UIC permit and application can be found on DWEE’s public records portal, all filed July 20, 2026:

• Approval Letter – “Issued Permit”
• Authorization Form – “Class V Underground Injection”
• Class V Approval Slip – “Approval of Proposed Permit Package”
• Application Completeness Checklist – “Application Completeness”
• Fact Sheet – “Basis of Permit”
• Draft Authorization Form – “Class V Underground Injection”
• UIC Application Review – “Groundwater”

DWEE issued an Authorization Form that lists Environmental Resource Management (ERM) as the operator for the UIC permit. ERM is the AFRG’s contractor. This Authorization Form is available on the public records portal in a document titled “Class V Well Underground Injection,” filed Aug. 3, 2026. 

A previous update on the UIC application and the AFRG’s proposal can be found in a previous update, dated July 16, 2026.

DWEE approves land application approach addendum – Aug. 4, 2026

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) has approved an addendum to the AltEn Facility Response Group’s (AFRG) Proposed Land Application Approach for Management of Water from AltEn Site (land application approach).

The AFRG’s land application approach is a document that supports NDPES permit NE0137634 and AFRG’s wastewater remedial action plan by describing how the AFRG determines the suitability of land application sites and the appropriate rate of application for treated water. The addendum proposes on-site land application of treated contact stormwater to support revegetation and erosion control on the AltEn property.

The AFRG submitted a proposed addendum to the land application approach on June 17, 2026. In response to DWEE feedback, the AFRG provided amended addendums on July 16 and July 20, 2026. DWEE approved the July 20 addendum on July 20, 2026. The addendums and DWEE’s approval can be found on the agency’s public records portal in the following documents:

• “Addendum,” June 17, 2026
• “Revised Land Application,” July 16, 2026
• “Revised Land Application,” July 20, 2026
• “Land Application Approval,” July 20, 2026

A previous update on this topic can be found in a July 8, 2026, update.

DWEE receives Underground Injection Control application from AFRG – July 16, 2026

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) has submitted an Underground Injection Control (UIC) authorization application to construct a series of temporary wells to inject remediation products into the subsurface, which is intended to mitigate the migration of contaminants in the groundwater. 

The UIC application can be found in DWEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Class V Well Underground Injection,” filed on July 10, 2026.

The AFRG is proposing to create two permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) by injecting a mixture of food-grade starch and an engineered remediation product called BOS 200 in a series of points at a depth spanning 35 to 60 feet below the ground surface. The barriers would be placed on the southern edge of the site and south of the site’s former grain bin receiving area.

The AFRG anticipates that as groundwater moves through the PRBs, activated carbon in the BOS 200 and food grade starch will bind with pesticides in the groundwater and limit further migration of contaminants from the AltEn site. The AFRG calls this an interim remedial measure.

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment is reviewing the application.

DWEE receives first 2026 progress report for groundwater remedial action plan – July 9, 2026 

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) has received the AltEn Facility Response Group’s (AFRG) progress report for the groundwater remedial action plan (RAP).

The progress report is available on DWEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Remedial Action,” filed June 30, 2026.

The AFRG’s groundwater RAP is due Dec. 31, 2026, per the September 2024 amended memorandum of agreement.

The groundwater RAP progress report provides updates for groundwater-focused actions the AFRG has taken between January and June 2026. These actions include:

• Conducting groundwater sampling events
• Installing 12 new monitoring wells
• Submitting a work plan for vertical delineation of chemicals of potential concern (COPC) at the AltEn-MW5/5D well location

Moving forward, the AFRG states it will continue quarterly groundwater monitoring; conduct soil sampling and remove foundation structures and underground structures in the site’s grain bin area; install three deep monitoring wells; continue to investigate vertical delineation of COPCs at AltEn-MW5/5D; and submit the groundwater RAP by the Dec. 31, 2026, deadline.

DWEE receives land application approach addendum for on-site irrigation - July 8, 2026

The Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) has received an addendum to the AltEn Facility Response Group’s (AFRG) Land Application Approach for Management of Water from AltEn (land application approach). 

The addendum proposes on-site land application of treated contact stormwater to support revegetation and erosion control on the AltEn property. The addendum is available on DWEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Addendum,” filed on June 17, 2026.

The AFRG’s land application approach is a document that supports NDPES permit NE0137634 and AFRG’s wastewater remedial action plan by describing how the AFRG determines the suitability of land application sites and the appropriate rate of application for treated water. 

Prior to this addendum, the primary focus of the AFRG’s land application approach was the application of treated water onto agricultural land. The most recent land application approach approved by DWEE is available on the public records portal in a document titled “Land Application,” filed Feb. 7, 2024.

DWEE approves lagoon solids RAP – May 7, 2026

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) has approved the AltEn Facility Response Group’s (AFRG) remedial action plan (RAP) for lagoon solids at the AltEn site.

The RAP describes the AFRG’s plan to solidify the lagoon solids with soil and Portland cement, consolidate the solids within the Northeast and Southeast Lagoons, cap the solids with a synthetic liner, and install passive gas venting. The RAP also includes financial assurance to ensure long-term maintenance and monitoring, as well as an environmental covenant that includes restrictions on land and water use and prohibits disturbance of the capped area.

The agency’s approval letter can be found on the public records portal in a document titled “Remedial Action Plan Approval,” filed April 13, 2026.

Prior to approving the RAP, the plan was put on public notice to receive public comments. DWEE also held a public hearing March 4, 2026, to hear testimony on the RAP. The agency reviewed the comments and testimony and provided a response summary. This summary was mailed to those who provided comments and is available on the public records portal with the RAP approval document: “Remedial Action Plan Approval,” filed April 13, 2026.

DWEE receives Lagoon Solids RAP Solidification Design Summary Report – March 31, 2026

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) has submitted a Solidification Design Summary Report to the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE).

This report details how the AFRG would plan to carry out its proposed Lagoon Solids Remedial Action Plan (RAP) and can be found in DWEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Remedial Action,” filed March 17, 2026.

A public hearing on the proposed Lagoon Solids RAP was held on March 4, 2026. DWEE is currently evaluating the written comments and testimony from the hearing. As of March 31, 2026, DWEE has not made a determination on the proposed RAP. DWEE will not take any action on the Design Summary Report unless the proposed RAP is approved.

Public hearing, info session scheduled for lagoon solids RAP – February 2, 2026

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) proposes to approve the AltEn Facility Response Group’s (AFRG) lagoon solids remedial action plan (RAP). The RAP is on public notice and is open to public comment.

DWEE has scheduled a public hearing on Wednesday, March 4, 2026,  at 6:30 p.m. in the Mead High School gym. Prior to the hearing, DWEE will hold an information session on the lagoon solids RAP from 5 to 6 p.m. at Mead High School.

The proposed lagoon solids RAP describes the AFRG’s plan to solidify the lagoon solids with soil and Portland cement, consolidating the solids within the Northeast and Southeast Lagoons, capping the solids with a synthetic liner, and installing passive gas venting. The RAP also includes financial assurance to ensure long-term maintenance and monitoring, as well as an environmental covenant that includes restrictions on land and water use.

Several RAP documents are available for review on DWEE’s public records portal:

• Initial RAP – “Remedial Action,” filed June 30, 2025
• Revised RAP – “Remedial Action,” filed Oct. 15, 2025
• RAP Addendum – “Remedial Action,” filed Nov. 18, 2025
• RAP Addendum – “Remedial Action,” filed Dec. 12, 2025

The public may submit written comments on the lagoon solids RAP on or before March 3, 2026, or testify or provide written comments at the March 4, 2026, public hearing.

Comments should be mailed to:

Tom Buell
Remediation Division
Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment
245 Fallbrook Blvd, Suite 100
Lincoln, NE 68521

Written comments may also be sent via email to: DWEE.vcpbrownfields@nebraska.gov.

DWEE receives second 2025 progress reports for on-site soils and groundwater remedial action plans – December 31, 2025

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) has received the AltEn Facility Response Group’s (AFRG) progress reports for both the on-site soils remedial action plan (RAP) and the groundwater RAP.

Both progress reports are available on DWEE’s public records portal in the same document titled “Remedial Action,” filed Dec. 17, 2025.

The AFRG’s on-site soils RAP is due Aug. 31, 2026, and its groundwater RAP is due Dec. 31, 2026, per the September 2024 amended memorandum of agreement.

On-site soils RAP progress report

The on-site soils RAP progress report provides the AFRG’s updates on the on-site soils work the group has conducted during this reporting period (July – December 2025). 

In this report, the AFRG shares the screening and remediation goals it developed for the site’s chemicals of potential concern (COPC). The group plans to incorporate these goals into the on-site soils RAP. The AFRG also outlines the on-site soils sampling efforts that took place during the reporting period and includes the sample results in the report.

Groundwater RAP progress report

The groundwater RAP progress report provides updates for groundwater-focused actions the AFRG has taken this reporting period. These actions include two quarterly groundwater monitoring sampling events (including sample results) and descriptions of possible sources and migration pathways for COPC in the site’s groundwater.

Moving forward, the AFRG states it will continue quarterly groundwater monitoring and conduct additional investigation regarding vertical delineation of COPCs at a specific well location (AltEn – MW5/5D), and potential migration pathways within the plant area.

Wetcake removal completed – September 30, 2025 

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) has finished removing wetcake from the AltEn site. More than 160,000 tons of stabilized wetcake was taken to a permitted, off-site landfill for disposal.

The wetcake removal was completed in late August. A document titled “Compliance,” filed Sept. 17, 2025, can be found in DWEE’s public records portal. This report confirms the wetcake has been fully removed.

Through the state’s Voluntary Cleanup Program, the AFRG first began hauling wetcake in a pilot study in May 2023 to determine if hauling the wetcake was feasible. After completing the pilot study in the spring of 2024, the AFRG submitted a remedial action plan (RAP) for wetcake, which outlined the AFRG’s plan to mix the wetcake with bentonite clay for stabilization before transporting the material to a landfill. The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) approved the RAP in December 2024.

DWEE receives Title 123 permit application for EcoVap Tower – September 17, 2025

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) has submitted a construction permit for an EcoVap Tower through Title 123 – Rules and Regulations for the Design, Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Works.

The AFRG is proposing the EcoVap tower to dispose of contact stormwater on the AltEn site. The tower is an evaporation system that pumps water to its top, where the water runs down over panels designed to increase the water’s surface area and enhance evaporation. 

The AFRG proposes the tower to be approximately 100 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 20 feet tall, and states the tower is designed to evaporate 5 million gallons of stormwater per year. The AFRG proposes to construct the tower on the former consolidated wet cake pile site. The tower will be constructed on an engineered elevated pad adjacent to a newly constructed pond.  The pond will provide source water to the tower and will receive any runoff from the tower and pad. Stormwater which has been collected and stored in the existing stormwater pond will be pumped to the new pond for delivery to the tower.

A memo describing the tower, as well as the AFRG’s Title 123 application, can be found on the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment’s (DWEE) public records portal in a document titled “Construction,” filed on Aug. 21, 2025. Revised application documents are also available in the portal in a document titled “Revised Construction and Design,” filed Sept. 3, 2025.

DWEE is reviewing the application.

DWEE approves sites for fall 2025 land application – August 21, 2025

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) has approved five sites for land application of treated wastewater from the AltEn facility. All sites have previously received treated wastewater from the facility.

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) is authorized to begin applying treated wastewater on these sites. DWEE has directed the AFRG to apply the treated wastewater according to the land’s nutrient budget, at rates that follow the DWEE-approved pesticide thresholds, and follow best management practices.

When approving sites, DWEE also considers the following requirements:

· Setbacks from waters of the state and other water bodies;
· Slope of the land;
· Setbacks from dwellings;
· Setbacks from potable water supplies, including community water supplies; and
· Depth to groundwater.

The AFRG’s proposal for fall land application is available on DWEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Best Management Practices,” filed July 8, 2025. DWEE’s approval is in a document titled “Work Plan Approval,” filed Aug. 14, 2025.

DWEE receives plan for fall 2025 land application – July 16, 2025

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) has received a Best Management Practices (BMP) plan for applying treated wastewater from the AltEn facility onto nearby agricultural land in the fall 2025.

AltEn has an NPDES permit that allows the land application of treated wastewater, and this permit requires a BMP plan before land application events occur to ensure the treated wastewater is applied in an appropriate manner.

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) submitted the BMP plan for fall application on July 8, 2025. It can be viewed on the agency’s public records portal in a document titled “Best Management Practices (BMP),” filed July 8.

The BMP plan, if approved, would allow the application of treated wastewater on 5 sites near the AltEn facility. These 5 sites total 495.62 acres, according to the AFRG.

The agency is currently reviewing the BMP plan.

DWEE receives progress reports for on-site soils and groundwater remedial action plans – July 7, 2025 

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) has received the AltEn Facility Response Group’s (AFRG) progress reports for both the on-site soils remedial action plan (RAP) and the groundwater RAP.

Both progress reports are available on DWEE’s public records portal in the same document titled “Progress Report,” filed June 26, 2025.

The AFRG’s on-site soils RAP is due Aug. 31, 2026, and its groundwater RAP is due Dec. 31, 2026, per the September 2024 amended memorandum of agreement.

On-site soils RAP progress report

The on-site soils RAP progress report provides the AFRG’s updates specific to its on-site soils work. In this report, the AFRG states it is preparing appropriate screening and remediation criteria that it will propose to DWEE for incorporation into the on-site soils RAP.

Groundwater RAP progress report

The groundwater RAP progress report provides updates on the groundwater-focused actions the AFRG has taken this reporting period (January – June 2025). These actions include two quarterly groundwater monitoring sample events, the re-development of monitoring well AltEn-MW5, the installation of six new monitoring wells, and groundwater sample results.

DWEE receives proposed lagoon solids RAP from AFRG – July 3, 2025

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) has received the proposed lagoon solids remedial action plan (RAP) from the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG).

The RAP can be viewed on DWEE’s public records portal in a document titled “Remedial Action,” filed June 30, 2025. In It, the AFRG proposes solidifying the lagoon solids with soil and Portland cement, grading the solids within their respective lagoons, then covering the solids with soil. The AFRG also proposes a long-term maintenance and monitoring plan and institutional controls.

DWEE is reviewing the solids RAP.

AFRG submits additional subsoil sample results from northwest lagoon – April 10, 2025

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) has received results from an additional round of soil samples collected beneath the northwest wastewater lagoon at the AltEn Facility.

Sample results can be found on the agency’s public records portal in a document titled “Sampling Results,” field April 2, 2025.

The AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) collected soil samples to determine the migration potential of chemicals of potential concern (COPC) from the northwest lagoon into groundwater. The data will also be used to finalize site-specific soil screening levels to be used as soil remediation goals for groundwater protection.

The AFRG collected soil samples from October 29-30, 2024. The AFRG previously collected subsoil samples beneath the northwest lagoon in March 2024. These previous results are also available in the public records portal in a document titled “Sampling Results,” filed April 30, 2024.

Documents

Past Press Releases

Archived Updates can be found at the AltEn Archive information webpage