The Native Village of Eyak is seeking funding for a feasibility study to determine if we can find an alternate use for the materials burned in the City burn pile. The burn pile is a potential source of energy in the form of heat that is currently being wasted. Using this energy to produce heat for city or school buildings could help reduce heating costs and create jobs in the community. In addition, illegal burning of non-wood waste materials creates air and water pollution that affects our quality of life. The burn pile is located near a popular fishing area and along a popular recreation road. Using the materials in the burn pile for heating would allow the city to reduce illegal burning and improve Cordova's health.

In 2009, NVE commissioned a study on the feasibility of creating a district heating system for downtown Cordova. Due to the cost of installing distribution infrastructure, the study determined it was uneconomical to use the burn pile materials for a full district heating system without supplementing it with sustainably harvested wood. However, the study said that a small-scale wood boiler system for one or two buildings may be an economical use of the burn pile waste. To read the full report, visit the 2009 publications page.

NVE has applied for funding through the Renewable Energy Fund Round III to perform a detailed feasibility study on a wood-fired boiler heating system for one or a few community buildings. Results of this funding request should be known by the end of the 2010 legislative session.