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Environment |
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The future of Van Der Geest Dairy… in sync with the environment |
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As producers, we understand the importance of land and clean water. We are committed to continue to conserve its natural beauty. |
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Fresh Water Pond |
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The freestall barns are flushed and waste is pumped to a Collection Pit which is then run through a Primary Separation System (currently a slope screen) and then through a Secondary Separation System (screw press) where approximately 30% of the solids are captured. |
| The solids are then conveyed to the Rotary Drum Dryer where they make approximately three passes through (1 minute each) and have been dried to 10-30% moisture and can either be used as bedding or as fuel for the Bio-Mass Furnace. The Bio-Mass furnace runs at approximately 1600 degrees Fahrenheit and the exhausted air temperature is approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit. |  |
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| Both the gas exhausted from the dryer and the liquid from the secondary separators are pumped to the sealed concrete Oxygenation Trench where the liquid is oxygenated and "air scrubbing" occurs with four rotors that 'beat/splash' the liquid. The purpose of the splashing is to eliminate the ammonia with the heat and oxygen aiding in aerobic bacterial growth (similar to municipal wastewater systems). | |
| The liquid is then pumped into the 1st Lagoon where it is aerated (16 laterals run by pumps) and the recycled water is pumped and recirculated through the oxygenation trench. The liquid passes through this process approximately five times at the rate of 2M gallons per day. |  |
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The overflow liquid travels to the Main Lagoon where the aerobic bacteria further digests the solids. The liquid can then be irrigated out or used for flush water, starting the cycle again. |