Voicing disappointment over how and why Boise Inc. officials withdrew from consideration as a potential host for the Renewable Energy Clean Air Project, Mike Hanson Tuesday asked that the company’s executive administration reconsider the decision and meet with a team to discuss updated information and current facts about the project.

Hanson, who serves as the chairman of Koochiching Development Authority Board, said Tuesday that while his support of Boise Inc. is unwavering, he is disappointed that company officials did not write or call the local leaders of the project about their decision.

In addition, he said Boise remains the “ideal host for the project, though there is the potential for another opportunity.”

Lori Lyman, Boise public affairs manager, told The Journal after Tuesday’s meeting that withdrawing from consideration as a possible host for the RECAP project was purely a business decision.

“We were honored to be considered as one of three possible hosts and applaud the merits of the project and the efforts of those involved,” stated Lyman.

Hanson said at Tuesday’s KDA Board meeting that he heard about the company’s letter sent to John Howard and Stephen Korstad of Coronol, who in partnership with the county have explored the project, by a telephone call from Koochiching Economic Development Authority Director Paul Nevanen.

RECAP would use a plasma arc torch to vaporize garbage and other waste to produce synthetic gas and slag. The “syngas,” comes from organic waste and would be sold as sources of energy, such as steam. Slag, the byproduct of gasifying inorganic waste, can be sold as road aggregate, tile and bricks, among other products.

The letter sent Sept. 12 and signed by Bert Brown, Boise mill manager, said the company applauded Coronol’s efforts to reduce landfill waste.

“However, while the plasma gasification technology is fascinating, the complexities and unknowns are many,” wrote Brown. “Therefore, we would like to withdraw from consideration as a possible host for the project.”

Hanson thanked Boise for its support and said using the company’s name as a potential host in discussions about RECAP furthered the project, which has raised more than $5 million toward development. In addition, he said the only local money used for the project came from an annual allocation from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board that may only be used for economic development.

Hanson said an Aug. 17 letter from the county asked company officials to meet about the project.

“RECAP is now at a point where the project requires the attention of Boise decision makers,” the letter signed by Hanson said. He said the discussion with Boise energy, environment and public affairs staff would have provided answers to questions posed by Boise officials earlier.

“I have not received any calls, nothing in writing,” he said.

Hanson said he’s unsure if Boise Inc. officials know that the developers, Coronal in partnership with the county, would provide 100 percent equity financing.

“We’re not looking for equity investment,” he said. Instead, an additional $40 million is available for the project from outside sources, he said.

Hanson acknowledged that new technology “is a gamble” and said county officials continue due diligence in researching the technology.

Westinghouse Plasma Corp., a division of Alter NRG, has told local officials that the Koochiching project is No. 2 in the world and No. 1 in the United States.

And, Hanson said, Westinghouse has said it would seriously consider an equity stake in the project.

In addition, Hanson said a recent meeting with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner John Linc Stine “have again encouraged us and were encouraged by the progress we’ve made.”

While Hanson said he’s not asked Boise Inc. for a phone call or something in writing, “I am now. I would prefer a discussion about the other terms.”