Nutrien begins $100 million project.
Nutrien is beginning a $100 million, two month long maintenance project that will result in the replacement of much of the plant's piping and parts and several upgrades. Special Projects Manager Russ Decker told us that this turnaround is routine and takes place every four or five years. The plant is bringing in 800 skilled workers from across the country to get the job done. In order to perform the work, the plant will shut down beginning August 30. Decker says we may hear some odd whistles and noise coming from the plant during this time, and during the restart in two months, but it's nothing to be concerned about. Nutrien is the world's largest producer of crop inputs such as potash, phosphate and nitrogen. The Lima plant also makes ammonia, urea and diesel exhaust fluid. The Lima plant had a record year for ammonia production in 2019 - 1.5 billion pounds!
Also at Monday's meeting, Tracey Sanchez, Jared Walsh and Mary Elmquist-Lane gave an update on the Greater Lima Region Park and Amphitheater. The club has raised just over $1 million of the $2.5 million needed to build the park. So far, the land has been cleared, 5 underground tanks have been removed from the site and grass has been planted. Landscape architect Pat Beam has been working with the local arts community to change the amphitheater from its original design of simple stage into a professional structure with potential seating for 2,500. Tracey told us that even though the Greater Lima Region has secured naming rights for the amphitheater and park, Rotary's name and logo will be very visible. Mary emphasized the importance of donations. She encouraged everyone to consider donating to the park and to give donation forms to their friends. The committee is working with Representative Cupp and Senator Huffman to secure state funding for the project. It's hoped that ground can be broken next year.
