| July 17, 2003
News Release
King County Executive Ron Sims said today that developing a system to convert methane gas from cow manure into electricity would give dairy farmers, along with regional air and water quality, a much-needed break. "Manure power" could also generate revenue for the project developer through the sale of "green" electricity, and organic soil amendments and liquid fertilizers. "Turning manure into electricity would not only help reduce odor and other dairy manure management problems in rural King County, it would bring tremendous environmental benefits," Sims said. The Executive's comments came in response to a recent study looking into the viability of a manure methane gas "digester" on the Enumclaw Plateau. Environmental Resource Recovery Group of Kansas completed the study for the County, King Conservation District, Puget Sound Energy, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Washington State University Energy Program, Seattle City Light, and a number of South King County dairy farmers. "The impetus was to help farmers with waste management issues, but the study suggests this can be an extremely innovative way to turn dairy waste into valuable resources and that it could be an attractive business venture," Sims said. Manure management is a challenge for dairy farmers in King County, where about 40 dairies and 12,000 mature dairy cows are located. A single cow produces 100 pounds of manure daily. Typically, manure is stored in lagoons and later sprayed onto fields in the spring and summer. Odor complaints and costs associated with nutrient management are among limiting factors in the growth and economic viability of dairies in King County. What's more, the manure creates greenhouse gas emissions, and can potentially leach into King County waterways near dairy farms. "With increasing land values that prevent farmers from increasing their land ownership and a need for increased herd sizes, a methane digester would answer many community issues on the Enumclaw Plateau," said Enumclaw dairy farmer Janet Baker. "Our issues include manure disposal, odor control, and clean water. This would provide a new energy source for electricity, reclaimed water for irrigation, a proven compost product for home and commercial gardeners, and keep the dairy industry alive on the Plateau, with milk locally produced. A winner for all." Sims said building a manure digester in King County is several years away. The partners won't move forward before assessing site identification and acquisition issues, ensuring cost estimates are viable, and exploring ownership and operation alternatives. Sims said a centralized location on the Enumclaw Plateau would make the most sense because that's where most King County dairies are located. The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks is already involved in projects to turn methane gas from its wastewater treatment plants and solid waste landfill into electricity. The dairy biogas digester project builds on those successes. A digester uses microorganisms to break down solids in cow manure to produce methane gas. The "bio-gas" would then fuel an electrical generator that would produce "green" power. Manure from 6,000 cows can produce 107 billion British thermal units (BTUs), which when converted to electricity can power about 800 households. "We are encouraged about the level of participation in this particular project," said Mike Richardson, manager of renewable energy, customer programs at Puget Sound Energy. "It is an excellent solution for dairy farmers to address their waste management issues, while providing the region with a valuable renewable resource." Beyond creating a renewable energy source, the digester would earn environmental tax credits for the developer. The manure solids would be converted into organic soil amendments, and the liquid portion would be filtered with current water treatment technology to produce water suitable for re-use purposes and concentrated organic liquid fertilizer. For more information about efforts to convert manure into electricity, contact Rick Reinlasoder in the King County Agriculture Program at 206-263-6566, or e-mail rick.reinlasoder@kingcounty.gov.
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