GRRO Press Release
GRRO and Edge Technologies, Inc. Announce a Solution to the Swine Manure Problem by Reducing Odor by 97 Percent and Full Recovery of the Nutrients in a Value Add Fertilizer
Wednesday, January 15, 2003
Eldora, Iowa Applying high-powered ultrasonic equipment to innovative hydrocyclonic drying technologies, both developed in Iowa, a new Iowa company will use science to attack the problem of hog waste odor. Ag Waste Recovery System, Eldora, is being formed to integrate and bring to market this exciting technology that has been proven to reduce odor by up to 97 percent while capturing 97 percent of the nutrients for use in a value-added fertilizer product.
The AWRS multi-step proprietary process is not new. Instead, it is an innovative combination of technologies that have been in service for several years by each of its partnering companies.
The process works by routing the animal waste through a chamber in which a magnetostrictive product known as TERFENOL-D produces high-powered ultrasonic waves, destroying the cell walls of bacteria and pathogens, rendering them inert and virtually odorless. A product is then introduced to bind the solids, resulting in cleansed water that can be reused for agricultural applications or released safely back into the environment.
In fact, early testing by the Olfactometry Laboratory at Iowa State University has shown that 97 percent of detectable odor is removed from the dried solids that have undergone treatment with the AWRS system.
The solids are then run through a hydrocyclonic dryer to remove excess moisture and can produce a high-quality, pathogen-free, nutrient-rich fertilizer which can be marketed in agricultural and retail sectors. Tests have proven that, because the odor-causing bacteria have been destroyed by the ultrasonic waves, the odor will not return when the fertilizer is rewetted.
Ag Waste Recovery Systems was formed by a consortium of Iowa-based companies whose mission for the past two years has been building a cost-effective, environmentally responsible system to address the issue of animal waste and its effects on the environment.
Included in the consortium are:
- Etrema Products, Ames, a subsidiary of Edge Technologies, a world leader in high-powered ultrasonics;
- S&S Environmental Applications, LLC, (SSEA) Bainbridge Island, Wash., an environmental technology company specializing in development, application, testing and implementation of innovative systems; and
- Global Holding Company, with manufacturing facilities in New Providence, Iowa, which specializes in recovery of beneficial materials from industrial, municipal and agricultural waste.
"During the course of working on this project, we have had the opportunity to meet many companies working on the swine manure issue," said Bill Flowers, president of Edge Technologies. "Some have developed very interesting technologies that compliment our vision. Edge and our partner, SSEA, believe that our decision to partner with the GRRO companies will decrease the time to market for the overall system and help us to achieve a more cost-effective solution for the pork producer."
New EPA rules for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) recognize the agronomic value of animal manure, but insist producers find ways to store and use manure without compromising the environment. The AWRS system addresses these new regulations through a process that not only protects water supplies by sterilizing harmful bacteria contained in animal waste, but also makes available the nutrients and organic material locked in the untreated manure product.
"It's the fact that GRRO, Edge and SSEA have developed and fully demonstrated the technologies that makes this project possible," said Doug Kostlan, Etrema Products. "We have an opportunity to solve an environmental problem that the pork industry, politicians and environmentalists, as well as local, state and federal agencies would like solved. Being involved with Iowa companies, helping to solve an Iowa issue is very gratifying. On top of that, the value-added opportunity for pork producers and the potential value-added fertilizer business opportunities for an odorless, non-leaching, slow-release fertilizer are potentially huge."
AWRS systems will be available in mobile models that can service many small- to medium-sized hog operations per year or in a larger, stationary model for large producers. The anticipated cost for a system can be offset by replacing current odor reduction approaches and liquid manure hauling expense.
"After working for more than 12 years in the environmental field, it is very exciting and gratifying for me to join forces with Edge Technologies and S & S Environmental to implement a viable solution for the swine waste industry here in Iowa," said Loran Balvanz, president of GRRO. "Bringing the patented technologies of the GRRO Tempest Dryer, the ACQUA IC-SEP Water Treatment system and the ability of U.S. Manufacturing together with Edge Technologies and the SSEA process technology to produce both mobile and stationary systems only puts icing on the cake."
Richard Sheets, chief executive officer of SSEA, agrees. "Developing a solution for the swine manure problem has been a vision of mine for many years," Sheets says. "Etrema's high power ultrasonic technology and GRRO's exceptional separation and drying systems have enabled me to realize that vision and address many other environmental problems." Balvanz has announced plans to move the corporate headquarters of GRRO to Iowa and locate them in Eldora to expedite this venture. SSEA has filed a patent application covering the innovative aspects of this new manure treatment technology.
In the nation, 97 million hogs are produced each year, 26.3 million 26 percent coming from Iowa. According to state pork producer organizations, the pork industry accounts for some 86,000 jobs in Iowa, as well. AWRS chose the Eldora area for its headquarters because the surrounding counties Hardin, Hamilton and Wright make up about 25 percent of the hog operations in the state and boast a ready and willing workforce.