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Basic Information
Program Background
AgSTAR is an outreach program designed to reduce methane emissions from
livestock waste management operations by promoting the use of biogas recovery
systems. A biogas recovery system is an anaerobic digester with biogas capture and combustion to produce electricity, heat or hot water. Biogas recovery systems are effective at confined livestock
facilities that handle manure as liquids and slurries, typically swine
and dairy farms. Anaerobic digester technologies provide enhanced environmental
and financial performance when compared to traditional waste management
systems such as manure storages and lagoons. Anaerobic digesters are particularly
effective in reducing methane emissions but also provide other air and
water pollution control opportunities. AgSTAR provides an array of information
and tools designed to assist producers in the evaluation and implementation
these systems, including:
- Conducting
farm digester extension events and conferences
- Providing “How-To” project
development tools and industry listings
- Conducting performance characterizations for digesters and conventional
waste management systems
- Operating a toll free
hotline
- Providing farm recognition for
voluntary environmental initiatives
- Collaborating with federal and state renewable energy,
agricultural, and environmental programs
Methane Emissions from Animal Waste Management
Methane emissions occur whenever animal waste is managed in anaerobic
conditions. Liquid manure management systems, such as ponds, anaerobic
lagoons, and holding tanks create oxygen free environments that promote
methane production. Manure deposited on fields and pastures, or otherwise
handled in a dry form, produces insignificant amounts of methane. Currently,
livestock waste contributes about 8 percent of human-related methane
emissions in the U.S. Given the trend toward larger
farms, liquid manure management is expected to increase. For more information on international emissions, projections, and mitigation costs, see International Analyses.
Emission Reduction Technology: Anaerobic Digestion
For more detailed information on commercially available anaerobic digestion technologies and their costs, download Managing Manure with Biogas Recovery Systems: Improved Performance at Competitive Costs (PDF, 4 pp., 4.4 MB, About PDF).
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