Characterizing GHG emission sources from covered pig manure storage facilities with biogas treatment systems

Description

Certain pig manure management operations (e.g., stirring the manure and opening the manure pit) can allow considerable amounts of greenhouse gases to escape. Depending on their scale, these fugitive emissions could limit the value of airtight manure pits equipped with treatment systems unless corrective measures are taken to significantly reduce them. The main goal of this project is to document emissions, determine whether these measures are necessary, and issue recommendations on what measures should be taken.

The project consists of characterizing and quantifying the following greenhouse gas emission sources over two years:

• Biogas treatment system
• Opening of an airtight pit
• Stirring of the manure

In situ methods are being used to sample and measure the emissions.

Objective(s)

• Determine whether airtight manure pits with treatment systems are an appropriate way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Measure fugitive emissions under current manure management systems
• Characterize and quantify greenhouse gas emissions from a biofilter over two years (except in the winter)
• Characterize and quantify fugitive emissions in spring and fall for two years
• Compare fugitive emissions from manure pits with concrete covers to those from pits with floating covers
• Issue recommendations on how to reduce fugitive emissions through technical means or agricultural practices