Sustainable Solutions Through Manure Management
More than 250 dairies across the U.S. use some type of anaerobic digester system to generate electricity or renewable natural gas (RNG). The technology adds a revenue stream for the farm, aids in manure management and community relations, provides lower carbon fertilizer options and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, all of which enhance sustainability efforts.
In 2016, Adam Graft, a dairy farmer and veterinarian from Americus, Ga., had his sights set on a high-input, high-output digester to manage manure and reduce odor. Three years later, midway through the engineering and permitting phase to add a D3 RIN digester, he was hit with a Clean Water Act lawsuit from his neighbors. The complaint brought against Graft cited water quality concerns and noxious odors.