As with so many states, Vermont has witnessed the effects of phosphorus pollution on its waters, particularly visible as algal blooms on Lake Champlain, for quite some time. While not all of this pollution comes from agriculture, a sizable share does. In response, the state government has launched the Vermont Phosphorus Innovation Challenge (VPIC) to incentivize the development and implementation of technologies that target reducing phosphorus loads that stem from manure application to farmlands.

From 27 applicants, VPIC has recently chosen six technologies to receive various amounts of seed funding each toward piloting their technologies. At this webinar, we'll hear from VPIC organizers and from the developers of three of those technologies. Please join Kaitlin Hayes from the State of Vermont, Jim Jutras from the Village of Essex Junction (working alongside Raju Badireddy from the University of Vermont), Mike Curtis from DVO, Inc. (working alongside Eric Roy from the University of Vermont), and Bobby Levine from Digested Organics for this 90-minute webinar. Ample time will be provided for audience Q&A. The technologies discussed will include:

DVO, Inc. and University of Vermont
An anerobic digester, with enhancements for solids control using Dissolved Air Floatation (DAF) processes, to develop a ‘p-cake’ product that is high in phosphorus for potential nationwide resale to agriculture.

Digested Organics

An ultrafiltration system on a Vermont dairy farm to remove most of the phosphorus, suspended solids and pathogens in liquid manure, producing a transparent liquid ideal for field application and a concentrated fertilizer that is readily transportable.

Village of Essex Junction, Chittenden County Solid Waste District and University of Vermont

A proprietary pipe descaling technology (PDT) to effectively remove phosphorus in wastewater applications. The technology uses an induced electric field of variable amplitude and frequency that can promote precipitation of crystalline minerals (struvite) without the dangerous and damaging adhesion to pipes, pumps or in tanks. A PDT coupled with electric-filtration cell will be employed to enhance phosphorus capture.

The Vermont Phosphorus Innovation Challenge