Enfield

Biochar, a charcoal-like material, is produced by heating organic matter to an extremely high temperature in a low-oxygen environment. The biochar can then store carbon for thousands of years. By putting biochar back into the earth, the carbon is permanently removed, making biochar one of the most immediate commercially scalable pathways for carbon removal.

A new forest product sector in Maine is heating up as startup companies establish facilities to turn forest residuals into a versatile high-value product called biochar.

Standard Biocarbon's vision is to be the largest biochar producer in North America. The substance can remediate pollution from agricultural runoff, PFAs and heavy metals. Biochar does not degrade in nature, so carbon content is captured for thousands of years.

New initiatives, such as a collaborative planning roadmap and a focus on emerging technologies, may help advance the forest products industry. The key is to find workers.

A total of $13.4 million in subsidies will be shared to restart two plants in Penobscot and Washington counties sold by former owner Covanta to Stored Solar, as well as to boost generators owned by ReEnergy in Aroostook.

Construction is underway for Maine's sixth Dollar General Store in the Penobscot County town of Enfield. It is expected to open in early September.

Even in the best of times, logging is not for the faint of heart. “There are so many factors you have to deal with,” said Tom Cushman, owner of Maine Custom Woodlands.

The Professional Logging Contractors of Maine is calling on the LePage administration and legislative leaders to take action to sustain Maine's biomass electricity production in the wake of news that Covanta Energy plans to shut down its two Maine biomass plants at the end of March.