AltEn suspected in pollinator death

Eighty-five University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) bee colonies have died since 2017 and according to Judy Wu-Smart, a UNL professor, the culprit is a nearby ethanol plant.

Eastern Nebraska research and Extension Center (ENREC) is located in Mead along with AltEn an ethanol company.

The company uses pesticide coated seeds to produce ethanol from corn.

After noticing signs of neurotoxins in adult bees, Wu-Smart began investigating the cause for hive deaths. 

She noticed a lack of other wild pollinator species in the immediate area.

The UNL bee team led by Wu-Smart began by looking into milkweed pollen which is a common plant used by pollinators.

 In the milkweed nectar, they found 3,000-5,000 parts per billion(ppb) of clothianidin.

This was originally thought to be caused from the fields the milkweed was found in, Wu-Smart later linked it to near by water sources. 

The neonicotinoid levels in plants were higher in plants closer to water sources.

These neonicotinoids were linked to AltEn when the team linked higher levels of clothianidin to areas closer to the plant. 

Neonicotinoids are insecticides that are chemically similar to nicotine. 

Unlike other insectices, neonicotinoids don’t sit on the surface of the plant. They are absorbed into plant tissues and distributed accross the plant’s system. 

Examples of neonicotinoids are clothianidin, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid and dinotefuran. These neonicotinoids have been linked to bee deaths.

The process results in distillers’ grain which is fed to cattle and a waste product. 

The waste is placed in lagoons and sold as a soil conditioner to farmers. 

Waste products from  the plant have shown high levels of neonicotinoids.

In a research study, Wu-Smart notes that the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) tested the waste lagoons and found the levels of Clothianidin and thiamethoxam to be between 30,000 and 50,000 ppb and fungicide levels to be at 200,000 ppb.

In the past the plant was cited by the state for non-compliance to several pollution laws. 

NDEE also showed concerns about AltEn waste disposal.

 A public hearing was held for the company in December 2015.

Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received complaints about AltEn in 2018 and 2019.

The soil conditioner waste from the plant has been sold to local ranchers. This is applied as a liquid on the soil surface.  

Some residents reported having pets become ill after drinking water found on the surface of treated soil.

According to Wu-Smart, residents of Mead have reported seeing wildlife and pets showing signs of neurotoxicity such as staggering. 

NDA also noted dying wildlife specifically geese and birds that had landed in infected feilds.

According to the American Bird Conservatory, neonicotinoids  can killl birds when even trace amounts are found in a feed. 

Nematodes such as earthworms are easily posioned by the chemicals. Nematodes are important in soil health and the loss can degrade soils. 

According to Wu-Smart, wildlife and plant life around Mead are at risk from neonicotinoid poisoning.