|
|
|
Frequent Questions
What is AgSTAR?AgSTAR is an outreach program that provides an array of information and tools designed to assist livestock producers (typically swine and dairy farms) in the evaluation and implementation of methane recovery systems appropriate for confined livestock facilities that handle manure as liquids and slurries. Gas recovery systems and digester technologies may provide enhanced environmental and financial performance (air and water) when compared to traditional waste management systems such as manure storages and lagoons. What is the largest source of federal funding for manure anaerobic digester projects?In May 2008, Congress passed the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill). This builds upon the first-ever Energy Title of the 2002 Farm Bill, providing new programs and a stronger federal commitment to farm-based energy. Mandatory funding for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) - formerly the Section 9006 program - more than doubled from $115 million to $255 million. REAP will continue to include grant and loan funds for construction of proven anaerobic digester systems, but now also includes funds for technical assistance and feasibility studies. Since 2003, USDA Rural Development has awarded more than $40 million for anaerobic digestion systems. For more information, see the USDA Rural Development Web site . What kind of participants can become involved in AgSTAR and how do they get involved?AgSTAR informational products are available to all. All that is requested is a name and address that can be used in a mailing list. Service providers and developers are encouraged to provide and update company information in the Industry Directory List. To update your information, please contact us. How do you get energy from manure?Livestock manure that is handled as liquid and slurry decomposes anaerobically, which produces "off-gases" like methane. In waste management systems that are designed for treatment, such as digesters and anaerobic lagoons, these off-gases consist of about 70% methane. When these gases are collected and transmitted to a combustion device like an electric generator, boiler, or absorption cooler energy is produced. These gases can also be combusted in a simple flare as an odor and emission control strategy. What are the unit components of an anaerobic digester waste management system?Anaerobic digestion systems have four components: a digester, a gas-handling system, a gas use device, and a manure storage to hold the treated effluent until land-applied. Solids separators are also common in dairy applications. Anaerobic digestion systems separate the treatment and storage functions. This design provides several financial benefits to producers, including:
This multiple-cell process also improves environmental performance. What environmental benefits do digesters provide?Anaerobic digestion technologies provide air and water quality benefits including pathogen destruction; odor control; organic stability; greenhouse gas (methane) and hydrogen sulfide emission reductions; and some nutrient management benefits. They also offset environmental impacts of fossil fuel generation and provide rural electrical benefits such as green power, distributed generation and voltage support.
Key: P=poor, F=fair, G=good, E=excellent, L= low, L=low,
M=moderate, H=high Do all projects have to be on farms?There are two ways to develop a project:
How do I know if anaerobic digestion makes sense for my farm?To determine if a biogas recovery system is right for your facility, you will need to consider the following factors: how manure is handled at your facility, the frequency of manure collection, and the options available for using the recovered biogas.
What kinds of materials are available through AgSTAR to help me evaluate and develop a reliable system?General Information Project Development FarmWare - FarmWare is an analytical tool designed to provide a preliminary assessment on the benefits of integrating anaerobic digestion into an existing or planned dairy or swine manure management system. It provides details on costs, economics, and system type based on user input through a form. This product goes hand-in-hand with the handbook. Industry Provider List - This product contains a list of vendors and service providers available to develop projects. It also contains relevant experience of each company relative to anaerobic digestion and gas combustion of livestock manure. Funding On-Farm Biogas Recovery Systems: A Guide to Federal and State Resources provides information about programs and strategies, such as low-interest loans, grants, and tax incentives, that can help parties interested in implementing anaerobic digestion technology overcome financial barriers to project development. These materials are located in the Web site Documents, Tools and Resources section, which also contains additional articles and case studies on anaerobic digestion of animal wastes. Does AgSTAR provide cost share, grants or any other kind of financial support to develop projects?The AgSTAR Program provides information to identify appropriate systems for various farm types, and it does not provide project funding. However, the AgSTAR program provides funding guide of federal, state, and local cost share opportunities. Additionally, the Industry Directory List may contain financing arrangements through various providers. |
|