Liberty Energy officials were not resent at Monday’s meeting.
While Wyatt was initially linked to the resurgence of the project after it was met with public opposition for a site located between Brawley and Imperial, he said he did not direct Liberty to look at Niland specifically.
“I indicated to them that the only chance they had was to find a site that addressed the concerns of that (initial) proposal,” Wyatt said.
Imperial Irrigation District Director Jim Hanks said the land purchase was initiated by Liberty, not by the district. Meanwhile, farmer Saul Rendon, who grows okra and squash next to the proposed site on English Road, said he will continue to voice his concerns.“I sell my products all over America,” Rendon said, adding contamination is a pressing concern in agriculture. With a recent outbreak of E. coli bacteria in recent months, Rendon said he is hesitant to feel assured none of the sludge will carry bacteria.  “How are they going to contain it? The air blows everywhere here,” Rendon said. After an environmental impact report is generated, the public will be allowed to voice their concerns before the county Planning Commission. Before the project can be approved, it will be reviewed by the County Air Pollution Control District, which will determine whether the project can meet air quality standards. Wyatt said while the APCD and county Board of Supervisors are one in the same, he will remain objective throughout the process and has not chosen how he will vote. “I’ll consider the information based on facts,” Wyatt said. “I’m only one of five votes.”