Ground was broken yesterday for a culm cogeneration plant in Kline Township. The $140 million plant will transform the coal refuse into power and steam.

The power will be sold to the P.P. & L. Company and the steam will grow ornamental plants and hydroponic lettuce. Thomas Cassel, president of the Northeastern Power Company, said seven million tons of culm will be removed in the area during the cogeneration process. He said the ash that remains after the culm is burned will be used to reclaim the land to its natural state.