c010410 V _Proj Ember_Closed Session V (Project Ember) — January 4, 2010
At 5:50 p.m., the Board, already in closed session on another matter, began closed session on
a different matter relating to the location or expansion of business in the area, pursuant to NCGS
143-318.11(a)(4). Commissioners Holmes, Frye, Kemp and Holmes were present. Commissioner
Lanier was absent. Also present were County Manager Richard Wells; Will Massie, Finance
Officer; Darren Allen, County Attorney; Cheryl Ivey, Clerk to the Board; and Bonnie Renfro and
Harry Lane from Randolph County EDC.
Ms. Renfro, EDC President, said that a renewable energy company is seeking a 25 -40 -acre
site for a new bio fuels project. Plans are to be operational by late 2012. Potential investment is
$170 million, with 25-30 new jobs with an average wage of $40-75,000/yr. The company will
use 1,000,000 gallons of water per day (gray water is preferred) and will produce 250,000-
300,000 gallons of sewer per day. The site will require direct access to high voltage transmission
lines and road access to large roads for truck volume (estimated at 90 per day). Access to
regional producers of woody biomass debris is also required.
Ms. Renfro said that the following sites are being considered: an East Asheboro site located
between Presnell St. and Old Cedar Falls Rd., a site located on US Hwy. 64 East near the
Progress Energy substation, and a site adjacent to Asheboro's wastewater treatment plant (site
evaluated, but is currently not under consideration). The Hwy 64 East site is the preferred site
based on early review.
In addition to basic information to address the site requirements, Ms. Renfro said the
company is interested in the following additional information:
• Estimate of monthly cost for 1 million gpd. of treated or gray water and 250,000 gpd. for
waste water treatment
• Property tax rates and typical/example of local financial incentives
• List of general forestry operations in the area, and proximity to the site (as a potential
location for wood waste)
• Any details on significant existing local producers of woody biomass debris for fuel
supply partnerships.
The Board directed Ms. Renfro to continue communication with this company and to report
to the Board at a later date.
At 6:05 p.m., on motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to end
closed session and resume regular session.
J. Harold Holmes, Chairman Darrell L. Frye Phil Kemp
Stan Haywood
Cheryl A. Ivey, Clerk to the Board