NYSERDA helping Claverack
Farm develop composting business model
RELEASE: IMMEDIATE, July 25, 2001
CONTACT: Tom Collins, NYSERDA
(518) 862-1090, ext.3250.
Albany, NY – The New York State Energy Research and Development
Authority (NYSERDA) recently funded a $75,000 contract with Earthworks
of Claverack (Columbia County) as part of a $491,347 project to develop
a centrally located, commercial manure composting facility. If successful,
the project will manage nutrient runoff and control odors – two
prominent livestock issues that are costly and time-consuming for
farmers.
"New York's farmers are facing increasingly stringent environmental
regulations and greater competition from other countries,"
said NYSERDA President William M. Flynn. "This project is one
example of how we're helping farmers address environmental concerns
in ways that enhance their business and competitiveness."
Though composting is a low-technology process that reduces volume
and weight, this project seeks to establish a business model for facilities
that handle cardboard and food wastes in addition to animal wastes.
The on-farm facility would generate tipping fees, paid by other farmers
and produce a marketable compost product.
The project is also co-funded by the Empire State Development Corp.,
the Natural Resources Conservation Services and Wil-Rock Farms. It
is one of more than 400 research and development projects supported
by NYSERDA.
In addition to R&D efforts, NYSERDA also administers the New
York Energy $martSM program,
which is designed to lower electricity costs by encouraging energy
efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition.
The programs are available to all electric distribution customers
(residential, commercial, institutional and industrial) of Central
Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and
Rochester Gas and Electric.
All New York Energy $martSM programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by
electric distribution customers of participating utilities. NYSERDA,
a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975, administers
SBC funds and programs under an agreement with the Public Service
Commission.
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