In October 2025, the Lee Mechanical Fire Protection team completed annual inspections and testing for Xcel Energy’s French Island Facility in La Crosse, Wisconsin — a one-of-a-kind biomass power plant that also serves as a resource recovery facility.

Its two generating units burn wood waste and refuse-derived fuel (RDF), or processed municipal solid waste, to create renewable energy. The facility has the capacity to process more than 100,000 tons of municipal solid waste each year, transforming what would be landfill material into a clean, sustainable energy source for the region.

Working within this environment presents unique challenges. Atmospheric air quality can be harsh, and many surfaces are covered in soot due to the combustion process. Despite these conditions, our team safely and efficiently completed the inspection work with precision and professionalism.

One distinctive aspect of the project involved the fire pump system, which draws water directly from the Mississippi River. During testing, our crew engineered a solution to return water safely back to the river using heavy equipment to elevate hoses and prevent bank erosion while maintaining compliance and environmental integrity.

At Lee Mechanical, we are proud to deliver high-quality fire protection services that safeguard people, property, and essential operations. Our team designs and maintains advanced fire protection systems tailored to meet the specific needs of each facility, from power plants and manufacturing facilities to healthcare and commercial buildings.