The Current Situation

Manure, primarily organic, is largely biodegradable through microbiological decomposition that produces gases, odors, and significant changes in nutrient contents.   Runoff from spray fields and lagoons contains organic and inorganic compounds in solution, particles, and sediments including nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and other nutrients.  In many cases the runoff may also carry fecal coli form, bacteria, and viruses.

Pig and hog farmers have been restricted to using less than 17% of available acreage for actual pig and hog growing.  The balance of the land is used as spray fields.  Due to the environmental impact on ground water and the odor associated with collection ponds and spray fields, expanding production is very difficult.  The lagoon represents a danger to the environment at large:

• Overflow due to heavy rainfall
• Leaking into the ground water
• Breaking of the dam
• Slow break down of stored solids
• Release of ammonia gas into the atmosphere

Scientific studies show that contaminants from pig lagoons are getting into groundwater.  In fact, North Carolina State University reported that as many as half of existing lagoons are leaking badly enough to contaminate the ground water.  The pig farming industry is running out of places to spread or spray the waste from lagoons, and is producing more phosphorous rich manure than available land can adsorb.  Studies in Germany, the Netherlands and Italy found that pig farms release large amounts of ammonia gas.  When this ammonia returns to the surface in rain, it contributes to acid rain and an explosion of algae growth in rivers and estuaries.

The Solution

The operational costs of maintaining lagoons and spray fields are very high and significantly reduce a hog producer’s already slim profit margin. Additionally, the farmer has been spraying contaminated ammonia and phosphorous loaded liquid on the fields, which increases the potential of environmental damage. By using the Seaway Midstream Closed Loop Animal Waste Treatment System the hog producer can make better use of his facilities and increase profits by adding additional hog houses and eliminating lagoons, spray fields, and foul odors.