Anaerobic Digester Workshop - September 18 or 19, 2008

Increasing odor, air and water quality concerns have created significant difficulties for the viability and growth of the livestock industry in North Carolina. Management of air emissions and nutrients are major issues facing producers and the citizens in the state. However, effective mitigation technologies such as anaerobic digesters and lagoon covers are emerging. These technologies not only address many of the environmental concerns surrounding manure management, but also create opportunities for revenue from energy generation and carbon credits. This free workshop, hosted by Environmental Credit Corporation (through a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant), EPA Region 4, and AgSTAR, will provide a broad overview of anaerobic digestion of swine manure and other related issues. Workshop speakers include representatives from North Carolina State University, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and EPA, along with experts in anaerobic digester technologies and financial incentives. After the workshop, attendees will be transported to Lillington, NC to view a covered manure lagoon. The Butler Farms project was financed by Environmental Credit Corporation with a contribution from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Conservation Innovation Grant. Employees of Environmental Credit Corporation, including the Butler Farm project manager, will be on site to answer questions during the tour. For those unable to attend the workshop and tour on September 18th, the tour will be repeated the morning of September 19th. More information can be found here.