A Tennessee-based renewable energy company is looking to build a facility at the Town of Trion industrial park that would convert chicken manure into natural gas.  Johnson Energy Solutions, based in Soddy Daisy, says that with the abundance of poultry farms in the Northwest Georgia area, the plant would be able to provide a service by taking the chicken waste and turning it into natural gas – also the company would produce fertilizer as a byproduct of the process.

Randy Johnson, the president of the company, spoke to the Trion Town Council this week about the plans.  The biggest concern expressed is the potential of foul odors coming from the plant.  Johnson promises that the company will “spend millions of dollars” in the latest odor control technology.

Trion Mayor Lanny Thomas told WZQZ News earlier this week that it could be an exciting opportunity for the Town of Trion – and for area poultry farmers as well.  Incoming County Commissioner Andy Allen has expressed concern about the county residents property values that live near the town’s industrial park where the facility would be located.  Johnson Energy Solutions says that they will “spend the money to take care of odors”.