Mississauga, Ont.-ICEC Canada Inc. is reportedly closing its office at the end of August and will halt fertilizer activity in the country, according to knowledgeable sources. Inquiries to ICEC headquarters in Houston were not returned.

Mesquite, N.M.-A mixture of interested citizens, including those who live close to Helena Chemical Co.’s fertilizer warehouse here, was on hand last week for a hearing on whether Helena should be able to operate without a state air quality permit. “There were a number of concerned neighbors and community members, I am told by people who went,” New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) spokeswoman Marissa Bardino told Green Markets. While some contended the fertilizer-mixing operation produces odors and poses a public health threat, others supported the company, which has clashed since 2008 with state regulators over operating without the permit. Although Helena has maintained that independent data shows the Mesquite plant is well within state and federal air quality standards, NMED officials have refused to allow a waiver, citing the $400,000-plus in fines and penalties assessed to Helena over the years. State Environmental Secretary Ron Curry remarked, “I continue to be baffled by the actions this company continues to take.” The denial resulted in Helena appealing to the independent seven-member New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board, which has already has conducted three days of hearings in Santa Fe, where only one member of the public attended. At the Mesquite hearing last week that attracted 50 or more people, some declared that Helena is important to local farmers and their crops, with one agriculture official urging the board to “carefully consider the collateral damage that would occur if Helena is denied what they’re asking for.” An elementary school teacher claimed Helena’s plant is responsible for groundwater contamination that caused students to suffer nosebleeds. The hearings resume next Wednesday, and one attorney close to the process told the local press that the board likely will hand down a ruling within the next 90 days.

Carlsbad, N.M.-As previously reported (GM, July 26, p. 9), the Board of County Commissioners of Eddy County adopted an ordinance on July 20, 2010, authorizing industrial bonds up to a maximum of $90 million for an expansion at Intrepid Potash Inc. Intrepid has confirmed that the bonds are for the previously announced Langbeinite Recovery Improvement Project (GM, May 10, p. 13). Will Kent, Intrepid director of investor relations, contacted Green Markets to clarify a few items regarding the industrial revenue bond transaction. He said the transaction is “self-funded,” which means that the transaction will not utilize underwriters but will instead be funded internally by Intrepid, using cash and investment balances, cash flow from operations, or available borrowings under its senior credit facility. Intrepid is the largest producer of potash in the U.S. and is dedicated to the production and marketing of potash and Trio^TM, a product produced from langbeinite ore. Intrepid owns five active potash production facilities – three in New Mexico, and two in Utah.

Washington-Some 76 sustainable agriculture and environmental groups sent a letter to Senate leaders on July 13 urging them to pass comprehensive climate change and energy legislation in this session of Congress, and to include measures to encourage sustainable farming practices. “Agriculture is especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of rapid and unpredictable global climate change,” said Martha Noble, a policy analyst for the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. “Our farmers and ranchers will need federal resources, including conservation technical assistance and research, to cope with and adapt to regional climate changes.” The letter called climate change and energy legislation an “essential first step in addressing the wide-ranging climate threats and opportunities facing U.S. agriculture,” and admonished lawmakers to include “support for the agricultural sector to move towards sustainable practices with scientifically proven climate benefits for both mitigation of emissions and adaptation of agriculture to changing conditions.” The letter took a few swipes at conventional agriculture and the use of synthetic fertilizers. “Current research indicates that many sustainable and organic agriculture practices, such as using cover crops, leaving crop residue on fields, managed rotational grazing, and reducing or eliminating the use of synthetic fertilizers, can all contribute to reducing our nation’s GHG emissions,” the letter said. “By implementing innovative and sustainable farming practices we can reduce the heat-trapping gases emitted from farming and increase the amount of carbon stored in the soil on those farms.” Noble said the type of legislation the groups are advocating can provide a “win-win situation” for farmers and ranchers. “Not only will it enable them to better deal with rapid climate change, it can also significantly improve the conservation and economic performance of their farms and ranches,” she said.

Denver-Intrepid Potash Inc. says its efforts to convert the idle HB property in New Mexico to a solar solution mine got a lift from the state in the form of a groundwater discharge permit, but the project still has a long ways to go. Intrepid is saying the okay from the New Mexico Environment Department is a major regulatory hurdle, but its timetable depends on completion of a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) environmental impact statement (EIS) that will likely delay initial production into late 2012 or early 2013. The BLM has issued its scoping summary report for the EIS and is moving forward on preparation of the EIS on schedule. Indications are that the EIS will be completed and federal approval granted by late 2011. “Intrepid is ready and financially able to fund one hundred percent of the HB project through its available capital resources the moment Intrepid receives all required permits and approvals,” said Bob Jornayvaz, Intrepid executive chairman of the board. Intrepid expects to invest between $120-$130 million to construct the HB Solar Solution Mine. Additionally, Intrepid anticipates that, when fully operational, the HB Solar Solution Mine will add between 150,000 to 200,000 st/y of additional low-cost potash production.