Madison Steff
Staff Writer

Eight California dairies have taken the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” to a whole new level by capturing methane gas from manure and turning it into energy and fuel.

These dairies are producing much more than milk and cheese these days; they are producing a new form of renewable energy as an attempt to eliminate manure pollution problems.

“It is a certainly valuable source that needs to be developed more so we can quit depending on fossil fuels,” Eddie Imsand, owner of Medowbrook Dairy in El Mirage, said.

Many dairies that produce manure power harvest the manure daily and let it sit in a digester tank, similar to a large crock-pot, for 20 to 28 days.

The gas produced creates energy, which is utilized on the farm first to run engines and power turbines.

The remaining gas is then sold to a company who will redistribute the power to customers.

The liquid from the mixture is combined with fresh water and used to irrigate crops while the leftover solids are removed.

Other dairies will directly send purified methane to electricity providers rather than generating electricity on the farm.

It is estimated that the manure produced by five to 10 cows, depending on their size, will power one household and three collective dairies will produce enough electricity to power 373 homes.

This newfound form of renewable energy is not just limited to cow manure.

“Any organic matter with the right bacteria can be used,” Robert Van Ommering, part owner of Van Ommering Dairy in Lakeside, said.

Several different types of fecal matter can be used to create energy and fuel, but collectors need to be extra cautious in order to prevent disease that could possibly be spread through the process.

A new bill limiting California’s greenhouse gas emissions is currently being considered by the state legislature. If passed, it will motivate electricity providers to find replacements – such as ths one – for fossil fuels.

“Our field is going to be looked at more and more,” Imsand said.

Manure and solar power will be perfect candidates to slowly integrate and start replacing fossil fuels.

“The process of turning cow manure into energy and fuel protects three resources; water, air quality and electricity,” Imsand said.

Water from the wet manure is used to irrigate crops on the farm while it is estimated that 60 percent of manure is collected daily on farms that produce manure power.

The process also allows dairymen to create electricity and power machines without using fossil fuels.

With so many positive factors, it is quite possible that manure could be the future of man made energy.

“It’s not cost effective right now,” Van Ommering said. “But we’ll see.”

Madison Steff can be reached at msteff@ulv.edu.