Two Yakima County dairies to receive grant money

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Commerce is giving $970,000 in grants to four Washington dairies for the purchase of anaerobic digesters. The grants were announced on May 26 in a press release.

Organix, Inc., of Outlook, is receiving $205,855 to investigate the possible benefits of using a BioFiltro BIDA System for the processing of anaerobic digester effluent. It is anticipated that it will improve air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating noxious odors. It will also be used to clean water for reuse in the dairy’s flush system.

DeRuyter Dairies, also of Outlook, is receiving $164,145. The dairy will be converting to a flush flume in an effort to reduce the volume of water that is mixed with manure. It will also improve the capacity and efficiency of the digester, improve biogas production and recover nutrients and fiber.

The two other dairies, Edaleen Cow Power of Lynden and FPE Renewables of Mount Vernon, will receive $300,000 each.

“Energy resilience is crucial to strengthening rural communities,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown. “These new anaerobic digester projects, supported through the Washington Clean Energy Fund, have multiple potential benefits to the dairy industry, local residents and the environment.”