Brightmark Energy expands to Washington with biogas project
California-based Brightmark Energy has expanded its reach into Washington state, with the purchase of a biogas project that will process thousands of gallons of dairy waste into renewable natural gas each day.
“Brightmark specializes in energy technologies that turn waste into productive, sustainable energy solutions,” Brightmark Energy CEO Bob Powell said. “We are working to develop similar projects across the country to help dairy farmers mitigate the regulatory and environmental concerns associated with waste management, while transforming manure management from a cost center to a profit center.”
The project, based in Yakima County, will convert 150,000 gallons of dairy manure per day into the equivalent of 1.4 million gallons of gasoline. It will include a new pipeline infrastructure they hope will also fuel other dairy-based ventures in the area. In addition to Brightmark, the project is also being supported through a $1.4 million grant from Yakima County and another $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
With the extra backing now in the picture, DeRuyter Dairies plans to upgrade its 12-year-old manure collection system and digester so as to increase capacity and water conservation efforts. They are partners on the project with Brightmark and the original developer, Promus Energy. Together, all three will work on the project as Augean Renewable Natural Gas, with Promus continuing to serve as project manager.
Beyond RNG, Augean intends to use the waste products are biofertilizers, digested dairy fiber for use as cow bedding or as a peat moss substitute, and reclaimed irrigation water.
