Chicken-waste power plant gets Sonoma County financing OK

<p>State financing for a proposed chicken waste power plant near Sonoma County's airport has received initial approval from the county Board of Supervisors.</p><p>The OHR BioStar plant, proposed off Skylane Boulevard, is in line for up to $55 million in bonds from the California Municipal Finance Authority, which now must approve the financing package.</p><p>The project's previous location, on county Water Agency land south of Sonoma, was shot down by neighbors concerned about odor and traffic impacts. Similar concerns have been raised about the new 6.5-acre site, near a wastewater plant just north of the airport.</p><p>The Airport Land Use Commission this week found the project, including building heights and gas production, consistent with airport planning documents. The Federal Aviation Administration may also weigh in on the project.</p><p>Environmental studies are expected to wrap up next month, with hearings before the planning commission and supervisors to follow, a OHR BioStar official said.</p>