Capturing Methane: A Success Story from a Central Valley Dairy
Sourse: dairynews.today
Sealing manure ponds at a Central Valley farm cut emissions dramatically.
A dairy farm in Central Valley, California, has innovatively reduced its methane emissions through the use of a dairy digester. These structures are designed to capture methane gas from manure ponds, which are traditionally a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. The farm achieved an impressive reduction of atmospheric methane emissions by roughly 80%, validating estimates used by California state officials in their climate planning.
"The digesters can leak, and they sometimes do," said Francesca Hopkins, the climate scientist from the University of California, Riverside, leading the research. "But when the system is built well and managed carefully, the emissions really drop." The research was conducted over a year and demonstrated that while digesters are not a catch-all solution for dairy emissions, they are one of the most cost-effective methods available.
This initiative aligns with California's goal to reduce emissions 40% below 2013 levels by the end of the decade, with more than 130 systems currently in place across the state. Despite some initial leaks, which were quickly addressed in collaboration with the system operators and scientists, the project has proven the potential of industry and science working together to achieve climate goals. However, challenges remain, such as the need for comprehensive permits, significant investment, and ongoing maintenance.
"The digesters can leak, and they sometimes do," said Francesca Hopkins, the climate scientist from the University of California, Riverside, leading the research. "But when the system is built well and managed carefully, the emissions really drop." The research was conducted over a year and demonstrated that while digesters are not a catch-all solution for dairy emissions, they are one of the most cost-effective methods available.
This initiative aligns with California's goal to reduce emissions 40% below 2013 levels by the end of the decade, with more than 130 systems currently in place across the state. Despite some initial leaks, which were quickly addressed in collaboration with the system operators and scientists, the project has proven the potential of industry and science working together to achieve climate goals. However, challenges remain, such as the need for comprehensive permits, significant investment, and ongoing maintenance.
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