Biomass project extends contract with FH Stoltze lumber

Algae Aqua-Culture Technology announced the signing of a 10-year lease extension and operating and supply agreements with F. H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company of Columbia Falls. The agreements provide a long-term working relationship with Stoltze at AACT’s Columbia Falls Green Power House. AACT operates the green house at the Stoltze lumber mill property and has plans to build additional greenhouses at the site, according to a company press release.

Algae Aqua-Culture Technology takes waste woody biomass and together with algae generates heat, fuel, and an array of organic fertilizing soil amendment products using a self-sufficient and carbon-negative closed loop process that mimics nature and generates no waste, the company says. “Stoltze has been a supporter of this project from its beginning and we are extremely fortunate to have them as a partner,” said Michael Smith, Founder and CEO of Algae Aqua-Culture Technology.  “Stoltze’s commitment to the environment is evidenced by their continued support of the GPH and its ability to reclaim certain elements from waste,” Smith added.

Chuck Roady, Vice President and General Manager at Stoltze, said, “We are very pleased to be able to support the efforts of Algae Aqua-Culture Technology.  We believe in the environmental benefits underlying the technology, particularly the ability to help restore the planet’s natural carbon cycle.”

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality Energy Office awarded Algae Aqua-Culture Technology $500,000 in grant funds through a competitive solicitation to build the company’s first green power house biorefinery at the Stoltze site. The federal grant was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The project was reviewed for compliance with National Environmental Policy Act and staff from the Department of Energy visited the site prior to issuing a compliance notice.  Construction began in November, 2010.