An alternative energy company focused on biofuels is developing an operation in Cartersville. Eco-Energy said in a press release the ethanol unit train terminal and storage facility will serve the Atlanta area.

With 20 locations across the country, Eco-Energy's services include the marketing, trading, transportation and distribution of biofuels across the globe. It serves biofuel refiners, major oil companies, blenders, retailers and other commodity companies.

The local facility is set for Cartersville West Industrial Park, said Melinda Lemmon, executive director of the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development. "[Its] impact is to be determined, but quality jobs and investment are anticipated and appreciated," she added.

Operations are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2013. The project is being developed in conjunction with the local department of Economic Development.

“Cartersville’s access to the Atlanta market, transportation and other advantages are a great match for Eco-Energy. We are pleased to work with Eco-Energy, CSX Economic Development, several city departments and H&H Realty during the development of this facility and beyond,” Lemmon said in the release.

The ethanol unit train terminal in Cartersville will be capable of distributing more than 400,000 barrels per month with its automated loading system and offer 24/7 product access to its terminal customers. It will be equipped to receive up to 96 rail car unit trains via the CSX railroad and have about 200,000 barrels of ethanol tank storage.

“We are excited about this addition to our ethanol unit train offering. Atlanta is a growing market and this project reflects our continued investment in delivering optimal low-cost supply chain solutions to bio-fuel producers and end users. We also intend to further develop the site to service other industrial related businesses seeking longer-term supply chain solutions,” CFO/COO Gwaine Ton said in the release.