Comanco

Controlling run-off into streams and water bodies is a critical operational element of commercial agricultural facilities. Uncontrolled runoff can contain nitrates, ammonia, phosphorous and bacteria that can harm and foul waterways. However, these contaminants – if properly contained and managed – can be applied as land nutrients, leading to a significant reduction in fertilizer costs.

Lined and/or covered storage basins allow for the retention of liquid and semi-solid waste for subsequent controlled disposal or land application. In addition to preventing contaminants from entering into the surrounding environment, covered containment systems are also effective at reducing or eliminating odors. Most agricultural treatment lagoons are anaerobic lagoons. Anaerobic lagoons are earthen structures, which look at first glance like farm ponds. These lagoons are designed to provide biological treatment and long term storage of animal waste.

Anaerobic lagoons also present the opportunity for biogas digester systems to be brought online. The digester will break the manure into a biogas and low odor effluent. The biogas can be collected and burned to produce heat and electricity, while the effluent can be applied to fields with significantly less odor but retaining nutrient value equal to that of untreated manure.

A geosynthetic lined and/or covered system can prove to be an economical solution to the growing environmental concerns related to animal waste disposal. COMANCO will approach every opportunity with a commitment to bring value-added solutions to the table – every time.

Agriculture