CARIBOU - Efforts to bring compressed natural gas (CNG) to Aroostook County and a new partnership between Dead River Co. and Express Natural Gas (XNG) were topics of discussion at the latest Aroostook Partnership for Progress (APP) CNG working group meeting held March 7 at Northern Maine Development Commission in Caribou.

   "I was very pleased with the turnout, enthusiasm, and knowledge present at the CNG working group meeting," said APP President Bob Dorsey. "The purpose of the group is to gain awareness on natural gas applications in hopes of bringing it to The County and then maximizing its potential to reduce business costs and keep more money in the County's economy to provide business growth and increase jobs."

   Jeff Roth, director of sales and marketing for Dead River Co., addressed the group about the recently announced partnership between his company and XNG.

   "CNG is an extension of what we have been doing," said Roth. "Dead River has the transportation expertise, experienced technicians, licensed tractor-trailer drivers and support staff to ensure a continuous supple of CNG to any business."

   Dead River will be filling its CNG trailers at a mother station under construction by XNG in Baileyville in Washington County near an existing natural gas pipeline. A mother station is the facility where the gas is compressed for shipping. Gas is decompressed at daughter stations constructed at facilities that use CNG.

   "At this point, CNG is really only an option for large companies or institutions that use over 75,000 gallons of oil a year," added Dorsey. "Our working group however is very knowledgeable as we have gained a great deal of knowledge from subject matter experts briefing our group and having experienced businessmen like Gene Lynch from Lenox Welding who understands both propane and natural gas from running a Maine wide business."

Piping and regulator valves have been installed on boilers at TAMC in preparation for the hospital's switch to CNG this spring.

   The CNG working group was also updated on the progress at The Aroostook Medical Center in the facility's conversion to natural gas. The concrete pad, complete with security fencing, for the CNG trucks and daughter station is complete. The daughter station equipment is currently in construction and equipment and piping has been installed to the facility's three boilers. The hospital is looking at going online with CNG around April 18.

   TAMC officials also had high praise for contractors, who have or are working on the project, including K-PEL Industrial Services, Mechanical Services and Soderberg Construction.

   At previous meetings, the CNG working group has heard presentations from JD Irving, Self-Gen Inc., XNG and from state officials as the exploration of this fuel source has progressed.

   The initiative is a result of priorities spelled out in the new Fort Kent Comprehensive Plan, which states improved facilities for safer, more connected, opportunities to walk and bike will improve the quality of life for everyone in Fort Kent. The goal of the plan is to define what is needed to make Fort Kent a bike- and walk-friendly community.

   "The members of the Steering Committee agree that in order to formulate the best plan we will need to know your thoughts and opinions on a number of local issues, said Jay Kamm, senior planner NMDC. "We need your help."

   Residents are asked to complete a short survey to help guide the effort. The survey has been posted online (Survey Monkey) https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8R65VWS and on the Power of Prevention's Facebook page. Paper surveys are located just inside the front door at the Fort Kent Wellness Center next to Subway and at the Fort Kent Town Office. They can also be obtained from any committee member.

   Call the Power of Prevention office at 834-1500 ext. 3053 for information on how to contact any of these committee members.