FALL 1999
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In this issue • Value-added agriculture builds hope for rural Iowa • Clinton listens to producer concerns • Cooperative study offers model - and savings - for Iowa • School food production and service: Half a century of training • Iowa manufacturers take note: Changes at IMTC • Youth catch BOOMERANG! -- Build character and life skills
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Cooperative study offers model -- and savings -- for Iowa When the Chevron chemical plant in Fort Madison was closing, the company was concerned about the elimination and cleanup of the pond that had held manufacturing byproducts and water for the fertilizer plant. With the help of environmental consulting firm CH2M Hill, Iowa State University Extension and the Department of Natural Resources, Chevron took a "green approach"-- applying the tons of solids (mostly calcium phosphate precipitates) to farmland.
"A pretty extensive assessment was performed on what would be the best use for the solids -- landfilling or land application," said CH2M Hill's Joel Kimmelshue. "There were many factors considered in terms of cost, potential economic value of the solids to Lee County farmers and economic influence on the people of that county. Chevron felt that it was important to re-use available pond solids, reduce landfill usage and provide an economic benefit to the farming community of Lee County." Chevron called on ISU Extension to conduct a land application pilot study on local farmland, explained Bob Dodds, Lee County extension education director. Pilot study results showed that the solids applied in the study were non-toxic and met requirements for safe land application; application of the solids did not increase levels of environmental concern; and there was no appreciable effect on the chemical quality of plant tissue. The study also showed that the land application of the solids increased crop fertility yields. "The application of these solids had economic benefit to the grower -- a value of nearly $1.2 million based on present-day value of phosphorous," said Dodds. "Because hog manure is also high in phosphorus, this information is valuable statewide." Kimmelshue said Chevron learned something through this study also. "It demonstrated that there are alternative uses for these kind of byproducts and their re-use can provide benefits to the community, Chevron and the environment." The three-year study also benefited taxpayers. Landfill
space valued at $600,000 was saved, along with the ability
to use that space to meet other needs. |
