Study of Poultry Litter as Power Source of Interest to Oklahoma Farmers
By Ryan McNeill, The Daily Oklahoman -- April 17
A study to determine whether burning poultry litter for energy is economical could begin within the next three weeks, according to a news release from House staffers.
It comes as state poultry producers are seeking a place for their waste. A
lawsuit with the city of Tulsa prevents the spread of chicken litter on the
ground in eastern Oklahoma, meaning companies may only ship the waste elsewhere.
Nearly 3,000 poultry houses raising about 60 million birds exists in
Oklahoma.
Experts think chicken litter used in land applications causes phosphorus -- a
hazardous material -- to leak into rivers and streams.
AES would compile information from the burn and turn it over to the
Legislature. The company would provide a detailed written report to lawmakers.
The report will study how burning the litter affects plant and air quality
emissions.
Money for the project would come from a Rural Economic Action Plan
administered by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
An earlier plan called for Oklahoma and Arkansas to work together on the
plan, each providing $40,000 to try the pilot project at Shady Point before June
30. But Arkansas is having trouble finding the money.
"They still want to be involved, and we're hoping they will find the
money to help with the finances," said Lundy Kiger, AES director of
government and community relations, in a written release.
The burn will mix chicken litter with coal, with the waste making up about 40
percent, Kiger said.
Kiger said 2,500 pounds of chicken litter and one ton of limestone will be
shipped to the Idaho test site in 55-gallon containers. The limestone will be
used to absorb the high sulfur content in Oklahoma coal.
-----
To see more of The Daily Oklahoman, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to
http://www.newsok.com
(c) 2004, The Daily Oklahoman. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune
Business News. AES,