A new 8300 sq/ft biomass plant is being constructed at Colby College in Maine. The project will replace about one million gallons of heating fuel with about 22,000 tons of locally sourced wood chips and low grade forest waste including bark and treetops annually. Based on current estimates of oil and biomass prices, $11.25-million facility is expected to pay for itself in six to 10 years. It is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2011. The biomass is to come from sustainable forest operations within a 50-mile radius of the Waterville campus and twin 400-horsepower biomass-fueled boilers will produce steam used for heat, hot water, cooking, and cogeneration of electricity. It is expected that they will replace 90% of the 1.1 million gallons of heating oil used by Colby each year.