Installation of a "Fixed Film" Anaerobic Digester on Swine Finishing Facility to Produce Renewable Energy and Reduce the Potential for Water Pollution

A number of different anaerobic digester technologies are currently in use on farms in the United States. Despite a growing interest in the use of digesters for manure handling, however, there are no on-farm anaerobic digester systems in operation in South Dakota. Further, there are currently no “fixed film” digester systems operating on working farms in the United States. Fixed film digesters are uniquely different from the plug-flow, covered lagoon, and complete mix digester systems that are more commonly installed on farms. The purpose of this project is to demonstrate and evaluate the use of an innovative “fixed film” anaerobic digester that provides economic and environmental benefits, improves manure management, provides a pathogen-free, high quality end product, and reduces odors.