A coalition of six seed companies has applied to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) to address environmental contamination at the AltEn facility located near Mead, Nebraska. The AltEn ethanol facility has been shut down since February after a digester spill and has been under investigation for environmental contamination caused by misuse of treated seed sent to the plant for disposal.

The seed companies — collectively known as the AltEn Facility Response Group — include AgReliant Genetics, LLC; Bayer U.S., LLC; Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.; Corteva Agriscience, LLC; Syngenta Seeds, LLC; and WinField Solutions, LLC.

Under the VCP application, the AltEn Facility Response Group is committing to continuing interim remedial measures at the site. The group will also develop a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) subject to public notice and comment, as well as NDEE review and approval. The RAP could then be the basis for long-term remedial measures at the site.

If NDEE approves the application, the AltEn Facility Response Group will begin developing a plan that conforms to state and federal environmental requirements.