3 Rivers Energy shares odor control updates
7:42 p.m. Jan. 6, 2026
DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor
On Tuesday, Jan. 6, representatives from 3 Rivers Energy updated the Moore County Planning and Zoning Commission about recent odor complaints linked to the startup of the Lynchburg Renewable Fuels facility.
Company officials acknowledged the issue, explained its cause, and outlined the steps they have taken to resolve it.
Project manager Mike Ordman explained that the odor started during the facility’s initial startup and was traced to stillage, a byproduct of whiskey production, which stayed in a buffer tank longer than usual.
“We heard the concerns of the community about the odor around the facility,” Ordman said. “We acknowledged we had an odor issue on site, and we regret any nuisance or disruption that was caused.”
Orman said the buffer tank is the only one at the site open to the air. During early operations, stillage remained in the tank for an extended period, allowing it to break down and generate odors. To address the problem, 3 Rivers Energy implemented three mitigation measures.
• The company drained the tank completely and restarted operations with fresh stillage.
• It adjusted operations to keep the tank at a lower level, reducing retention time and limiting decomposition.
• 3 Rivers Energy installed a mechanical system that includes an activated carbon filter and a blower to pull air from the tank’s headspace, treat it, and release it.
The company is also adding a sulfur-binding chemical to the tank to help neutralize the compounds that cause odors.
Ordman said the odor occurred only during startup and should not recur as the facility’s operations become more stable.
“As we continue further phases of startup, the stillage will spend less and less time in that tank,” he said. “We don’t anticipate it being an issue moving forward.”
Water Monitoring and Byproduct Distribution
Commission members also asked about water monitoring near the site. Company representatives said the facility complies with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) permits and conducts weekly visual inspections of stormwater. They also do regular water testing in the area to meet Environmental Protection Agency standards.
There were also questions about how the fertilizer byproduct will be distributed. Company officials said they had to pause plans to pipe fertilizer to nearby fields due to difficulties obtaining easements along Highway 50. For now, fertilizer will be delivered by truck, but the company still hopes to finish the pipeline in the future.
Officials said they chose trucking routes that prioritize safety and avoid minor roads not designed for heavy trucks.
Commissioners also wanted to know whether the site’s holding pond could cause odors. Orman explained that the lagoon is covered, and any gas produced there is either burned off or routed through the biogas system once it is fully operational.
Planning and Zoning members asked the company to keep communicating with nearby residents and businesses, especially those farther away who might still be affected. 3 Rivers Energy representatives said they are committed to being good neighbors and welcomed ongoing dialogue with the county and the community.
“This was limited to startup,” Ordman emphasized. “We appreciate the opportunity to explain what happened and what we’ve done to fix it.”
