Biogas production in Kentucky: A best management practice alternative for nonpoint source pollution prevention

Conference · Tue Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:478751

Zourarakis, D P; Coleman, S A ^[1]; Thom, W O ^[2]

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1. Kentucky Division of Conservation, Frankfort, KY (United States)
2. Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, KY (United States); and others

Despite continued conservation efforts on the part of private landowners, citizens groups, universities, and government agencies, the lack of adequate animal waste management systems still poses a significant threat to both water and land quality in Kentucky. Recent surveys indicate that only a fraction of the animal confinement units in the state have waste management systems in good operating condition. Biogas production systems are not presently included as a technological option or {open_quotes}best management practice{close_quotes} (BMP) for recycling animal wastes and are not eligible for Cost Share financial aid programs. Abundant animal manure is produced as a reasonably collectible resource in farm operations where dairy cattle, swine, and poultry are raised. Broiler and layer houses are rapidly proliferating in the western part of the state. This paper assesses the economic viability of using a low-cost, floating cover lagoon technology to collect biogas and generate electricity in several types of animal raising operations. In cases where the biogas energy can be used effectively on the farm and the technology receives partial funding as a BMP, the technology is economically viable.

• OSTI ID: 478751
• Report Number(s): CONF-960958--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
BIOGAS PROCESS
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
MANURES
WASTE PROCESSING PLANTS