Manitoba Investigates Biogas

WINNIPEG - Dec 20/06 - SNS -- The Manitoba government has committed CDN $300,000 to support the construction and feasibility assessment of anaerobic digesters at three Manitoba hog operations.

Anaerobic digestion is a process that breaks down manure components producing biogas which can be used as a heating source or for the generation of electricity.

Provincial agriculture minister Rosann Wowchuk said, "The digester process could also help with nutrient management in the waste-water stream plus odor control and pathogen reduction.

"The biogas produced in the anaerobic process creates renewable energy that can directly benefit the producer. Environmentally it also helps to reduce the risk of surface and groundwater contamination and reduces greenhouse gas emissions."

A $100,000 funding package will be offered over two fiscal years to each of the three hog operations with the first payment available in the 2006-07 fiscal year.

An anaerobic digester system at Cook Feeders in Teulon is in place and undergoing the finishing stages. Two others, at Topeaka Farms in Grunthal and Riverbend Colony near Carberry, are presently in the design phase.