Management of liquid and solid waste from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
(CAFO) has become an issue of increasing sensitivity – and a target for tighter
regulatory control. The sheer numbers and concentrations of animals are impressive:
- Cattle Feed Lots – Over 86 million head in the US
- Dairy – Over 9 million head, half of which are in 5 states
- Poultry – Over 8 billion broilers sold in 2002; 82% produced in 11 states
- Swine – Approximately 60 million head, with 82% in nine states
Operators are finding increasing levels of activity, among both the state and federal
regulators that are threatening their operations:
- State level odor abatement laws
- Stringent controls on nutrient loading, with special focus on nitrates and
phosphates
- Growing restrictions on disposal of solids (or liquids in spray-field applications)
- The potential (and occasional reality) of large fines or closed operations
AMS has demonstrated success in the microbial treatment of CAFO operations –
especially when combined with mechanical treatment approaches and sound nutrient
planning.
Benefits of the AMS approach include:
- Continuous liquefaction/reduction of solids (reduced sludge volumes)
- Stabilization of anaerobic lagoon functions, and related bio-activity
- Reduction in ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and volatile organic compound emission
- Consequent reduction in odor – and complaints from the community
- Accelerated organic matter breakdown and nutrient release in disposal sites
click here
