Crediting a “stable forestry sector combined with a confirmed surplus of over half a million tons of biomass and robust infrastructure,” Lewis County has received an “AA” Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone rating for pulpwood, forest residues and sawmill residues, the first such rating in the state.
According to a news release from the Economic Alliance of Lewis County and Ecostrat, the BDO Zone Initiative “certifies regional readiness for bio-based manufacturing, creates global connections with project developers, and ignites an influx of clean energy opportunities.”
According to the release, Lewis County exhibits “very high quality” fiber supply chains and stable lumber markets. The county also features more than 10 companies with dedicated pulpwood chipping capacity and generates more than 600,000 bone-dried tons of woody biomass. Combined with the region’s industrial infrastructure, the county is ideal for large-scale bio-based projects.
Jordan Solomon, chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative, said in the release that an “AA” rating is hard to achieve.
“Lewis County is thrilled to announce our recognition as an ‘AA’ rated BDO Zone for woody biomass,” Richard DeBolt, executive director of the Economic Alliance of Lewis County, said in a statement. “This rating showcases our region’s forest products leadership role and deep knowledge and expertise in forest management and resource utilization. Lewis County has deep experience handling woody biomass, creating wood products, and making energy woven throughout the region’s DNA! We look forward to showing bioenergy, biochemical and bioproduct plants how they could thrive in Lewis County.”
