"Officials touted the endeavor’s ability to reach goals that covered the creation of renewable energy, economic expansion and restoration of adjacent prairie."

By Ray Scherer, News-Press Now.

A new biogas production plant based out of northern Missouri continues to make steady progress.

It’s been slightly more than a year since the first volumes of biogas processed from hog manure were injected into a pipeline. Roeslein Alternative Energy, based in St. Louis, built a $120 million anaerobic digestion plant just north of Albany.

Officials touted the endeavor’s ability to reach goals that covered the creation of renewable energy, economic expansion and restoration of adjacent prairie.

Owner Rudi Roeslein had said earlier the effort also presents an opportunity to return the area to its former prairie status, growing native grasses that can be transformed into alternative fuel. He said the outcome also would carry improvements for the environment and a broader habitat for wildlife. Renewed prairie grass would enrich the soil and clean local water resources.