By Dave Thompson
Bismarck, ND – A spokesman for Great River Energy says it's environmentally sound -- and it makes money.
Lyndon Anderson says Great River's Coal Creek Station near Underwood sold 417-thousand tons of fly ash in 2005.
"The fly ash is primarily used as a replacement for a certain percentage of cement in concrete production," Anderson said.
It's sold through a partnership with Headwaters, Incorporated -- and is used throughout the upper Midwest. Anderson says it works well as a concrete replacement.
"It actually makes a concrete that is much more strong and durable," said Anderson. "And it strengthens over time."
And Anderson says it doesn't have to be hauled to the landfill. He says Great River charges $32 - $36 a ton for the fly ash -- and it would cost about $5 a ton to dump it. Anderson says the plant could sell up to 440-thousand tons.