The port suffered storm damage on the existing bulk storage warehouse and will be operated at reduced capacity for five months. This causes extraordinary vessel demerge and handling cost related to reduced storage space at the port. To mitigate storm impacts in the future and to support growth of biomass exports, the Port would like to construct a storage dome adjacent to the existing bulk warehouse. The storage domes are less vulnerable to high winds, providing the port the resiliency of needed to mitigate future storm or disaster damage.
The new Biomass Dome has a capacity of 20,000 tons and will increase the bulk cargo exporting capabilities by 300,000 tons per year, generating an estimated $50 million in new export activity per year for the region. The dome will be 150 feet in diameter and stand 105 feet high sitting on a pile supported foundation. Product receiving will be accomplished by high angle conveyor systems connected to adjacent rail dump station. The dome will include an aeration system to prevent self-heating. The building will have dust collection and control, heat monitors, and fire suppression systems. The domes foundation includes automated doors leading to a reclaim conveyor system that will connect to the existing ship loading equipment. The existing Port’s wood pellet shipper, Enviva Partners, LP., is eager for the expansion project which will allow them to expand their Jackson County mill production from 800,000 tons annually to 1.1 million tons annually.
The wood pellet storage expansion will also provide Enviva with the security they need to proceed with an expansion of the Jackson County plant, providing significant economic benefits in the region.