Anaerobic Digester Workshop Draws Huge Crowd
Posted: January 3, 2011
George Hurst leading the tour at Oregon Dairy, Lititz
Lancaster, December 2, 2010 -- Alternative energy drew a huge crowd to Lancaster, bringing folks from 19 states and 2 Canadian provinces. Penn State Cooperative Extension partnered with EPA's AgSTAR program to offer an Anaerobic Digester Workshop. Over 150 people came out to learn about biogas recovery; a hot topic as farmers and communities explore ways to reduce nutrients flowing into the Chesapeake Bay.
Presenters discussed successful digester systems on small to medium operations, as well as important considerations when evaluating the potential for community digesters. Robert Graves from Penn State University discussed the basics of anaerobic digestion as it relates to energy, odor and nutrients. Stephanie Lansing, University of MD, spoke about her work researching small-scale digester options. Bill Shuffstall, Penn State University, discussed regional digesters and advanced water treatment, including information on efforts in Martinsburg, PA with The Cove Area Regional Digester project. The regional project, which is 10 years in the making, has led to similar discussions in the Lancaster area.
