DeJong Family Farms
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Production Facility

AQUA was retained by DeJong Family Farms to provide engineering services for a renewable natural gas (RNG) production facility utilizing advanced anaerobic digestion technology to convert dairy manure into renewable energy and beneficial agricultural products. The project was developed to enhance sustainability, reduce environmental impacts, and create value from agricultural waste streams through innovative resource recovery processes.
 
The facility incorporates an enhanced micro-hydrolysis and thermophilic anaerobic digestion system designed to process up to 750,000 gallons of dairy manure per day generated by approximately 6,300 dairy cows. Through the digestion process, the facility destroys more than 70,000 pounds of volatile solids per day, significantly reducing organic loading while improving manure management and environmental performance.
 
Biogas generated during the digestion process is captured, conditioned, and upgraded to produce approximately 500 decatherms per day of renewable natural gas. The RNG is recovered as a valuable renewable energy resource, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels while reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with agricultural operations.
Following digestion, solids are recovered and dewatered to approximately 20 percent solids content, creating a beneficial agricultural product that can be reused onsite. This integrated approach maximizes resource recovery by converting waste into both renewable energy and reusable agricultural materials.
 
The project demonstrates AQUA's expertise in renewable energy systems, anaerobic digestion technology, agricultural infrastructure, and sustainable resource management. The facility provides a long-term solution for dairy waste management while generating renewable energy and supporting the operational sustainability goals of DeJong Family Farms.
Key Services Provided
  • Anaerobic digester process design
  • Renewable natural gas (RNG) facility engineering
  • Agricultural waste management systems
  • Biogas collection and recovery systems
  • Thermophilic digestion technology
  • Resource recovery and sustainability planning
  • Solids dewatering system design
  • Energy production infrastructure
  • Environmental compliance support
  • Agricultural reuse systems
Project Benefits
  • Renewable energy generation from agricultural waste
  • Significant reduction in organic waste volume
  • Improved manure management and environmental stewardship
  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
  • Beneficial reuse of digested solids
  • Enhanced sustainability and operational efficiency
  • Long-term resource recovery solution for dairy operations
Project Study:
Client
DeJong Family Farms
Reference
*Available upon request
Location
Francesville, IN
Features
  • Enhanced micro-hydrolysis process
  • Thermophilic anaerobic digester complex
  • Capacity to process 750,000 gallons of manure per day
  • Approximately 6,300-cow dairy operation
  • Production of 500 decatherms per day of RNG
  • Destruction of more than 70,000 pounds of volatile solids daily
  • Solids dewatering to 20% solids content
  • Onsite agricultural reuse of recovered materials

Related Project Experience

Prospect Valley Dairy
​Resource Recovery / Renewable Energy

Lost Creek Dairy
​Resource Recovery / Renewable Energy