Abstract
We conducted a survey to identify for the US Environmental Protection Agency examples of and reasons for the failure of many previously installed methane recovery systems. Six dairy producers participated in this survey. Installation costs of systems ranged from $100,000 to $950,000. Three producers have continued their dairy operations but no longer use methane recovery technology. Two producers were favorable to the technology but no longer operate a dairy. Of those surveyed, only one producer continues to use methane recovery technology. Identified problems associated with unsuccessful operations included poor design, collection of manure in a wet form, and incomplete cooperation from electric companies. Producers found that the technology required intense management and was economically risky. Increased cooperation between electric companies and small producers of electricity and greater prices paid for electricity might provide positive economic incentives that would encourage methane recovery and electricity generation. One producer indicated that the benefits from anaerobic digester technology to be emphasized to potential users were income from sales of final solids and that nutrient value of both solid and liquid effluent streams as fertilizer sources.
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