One big idea is creating marketable products from the waste, and in the process make a big step toward local sustainability. In this case, a BioDigester that would process collected manure and green waste into bioGas for use in vehicles or electricity generation. And the remaining solid waste would provide seed-free nutrients for local agriculture, further offsetting the use of petroleum-based fertilizers in the valley.
The Bio-digestion Plant would provide the following benefits:
- Local option for disposal
- Methane is used directly for energy
- Compost is sterilized
- Nutrients concentrated in liquid fertilizer
- Nutrients removed from stormwater runoff
- Greenhouse gases reduced (less methane released to the air)
- Less truck traffic/ transportation to disposal sites
- Reduced demand for fossil fuel energy
- Reduced demand on landfills
- Creates local jobs
- Creates educational example for energy independence and use of local resources
A UC Davis program has demonstrated the feasibility of the technology in partnership with Onsite Power Systems
more here:
Seems like a big opportunity for a smart investor... Others in Ventura County are already doing this, and winning awards while making money in the process: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/nov/18/toland-road-landfill-making-money-and-energy/
For more information on the Ojai project please contact Bill O'Brien/Phil Sherman 805-658-6611
