[Press Release] Community-Sized Bio-energy Project Finally Funded for Construction

This Project will reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire protecting the watershed and communities.

MARYSVILLE, CA. – On Tuesday, August 6, the Yuba Water Agency (Yuba Water) Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve a $8.3 million low-interest loan and a $7 million grant to construct a community-size 5-megawatt (MW) woody biomass to energy plant. The Engeman Camptonville Green Energy Project, near Dobbins in Yuba County, is a project being spearheaded by an innovative and unique partnership between a local nonprofit, Camptonville Community Partnership (CCP), Engeman Energy, a leading bio-energy developer, and Biomass Power Corp, an experienced bioenergy consulting and management firm.

This funding will allow CCP to leverage over $4.5 million dollars of grant funding from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and the California Energy Commission. In fact, it was the early support of Sierra Nevada Conservancy, California Energy Commission, and Yuba Water that have enabled CCP to bring this Project to fruition.

The Project will process unmerchantable woody material from large scale forest restoration projects happening in the Yuba River watershed, increasing the pace and scale of work to improve forest health and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire while allowing for many good paying jobs in the area.

Currently, projects within Yuba County and the greater North Yuba River watershed require contractors to truck removed woody material from the forest to existing biomass plants that are several hours away or secure permits to burn the material on site. Having a biomass plant near Dobbins will not only reduce the cost of implementation for regional projects but will also bolster the local community with new jobs and business opportunities.

Former CCP Executive Director Cathy LeBlanc stated, “Our communities have an extra privilege to protect the watershed that feeds New Bullards Bar Reservoir. This Watershed has been identified by the federal government as one of the 10 top priority forests in the country. It is one of the last remaining Green Watersheds in California, meaning it is untouched by catastrophic wildfire. The project has been identified as the missing link to help ensure that the work and investments being made in the North Yuba Watershed are realized. We need to work strategically and with haste to keep it that way. This is why CCP has been spearheading this Project and we are beyond thrilled for Yuba Water’s support.”

"We are proud to work with the community and local organizations to make this effort a reality. With Yuba Water’s support and our expertise, this Project will be a community benefit for decades to come", said Engeman Energy CEO Joao Mario Soares. "We cannot wait to get started and be part of the larger effort to bring innovative solutions that improve the environment, protect communities, and grows the local economy."

The Project has garnered unprecedented support from non-profit, environmental organizations, governmental organizations and local businesses. Many supporters submitted letters and came in-person to provide remarks and stand side by side with CCP in their pursuit for funding. Organizations in support of included but not limited to: the National Forest Foundation, Blue Forest, US Forest Service - Tahoe Forest, US Forest Service - Plumas Forest, Robinson Enterprises, SYRCL, CHY Company, Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe, Sierra Nevada Conservancy, and California Energy Commission.

In partnership with Engeman Camptonville Green Energy, the Project is scheduled to break ground in late 2024 and begin operating and providing electricity to the power grid by March 2026.