MINTO – A federally regulated primary processing establishment in Harriston may be partnering with CEM Engineering for a proposed biodigester project.
At a Sept. 16 council meeting, CEM Engineering and Farm Fresh Poultry representatives Martin Lensink and Jeff Tuck delegated about a proposed cogeneration system (produces heat and electricity) fueled by biogas.
“The biodigester provides us the opportunity to remove the wastewater stream from the system and allows us to deal with our own water,” Tuck said.
“We think that goes a long way towards easing pressure on the Town of Minto and on its infrastructure.”
He noted Farm Fresh would be able to generate its own power, gas and limit the water discharge.
“What we’re building is a very big stomach,” said Lensink a professional engineer. “Unlike your stomach that only releases biogas periodically, this anaerobic digestor will release biogas continuously. It farts all the time.”
Biogas is produced when organic matter, such as food or animal waste, is broken down by microorganisms in an oxygen-free environment.
Officials noted the project is very much in its infancy, with lots of work left to validate and secure the necessary contracts.
The hope is the biogas produced will also make electricity and useful heat.
“The primary inputs are poultry by-products,” Lensink said.
Provisions in the design are up for discussions “for things like boiler manure, corn silage and septage from the town someday we hope,” he said.
As for managing odours, Lensink stated all organic matter will enter a facility that is under negative pressure at all times to avoid odours being released. It also uses a filter.
The proposed location for the equipment is on the corner of Hutchinson and John Street in Harriston on land now owned by Farm Fresh.
The proposed project scope includes:
- two to three internal combustine engines;
- one to two boilers;
- nitrogen dilution skid;
- biogas storage bag;
- steam accumulator;
- hot water storage tank;
- provision for a separation unit; and
- storage of nitrogen.
“We haven’t talked to the neighbours yet, but we know that might be a condition you put upon us,” Lensink said. He assured council no liquid will leave the property as berms are to be placed around the site.
“Farm Fresh Poultry and CEM Engineering are asking council to empower [CAO] Gregg [Furtney] to complete a municipal support resolution for us.
“Without which we cannot submit the proposal on Dec. 18 to the province,” Lensink said.
“Without your support we have no project.”
Council comments
“The energy you produce, you have to sell back to the province?” asked deputy mayor Jean Anderson.
“We’re going to have both. Some of the engines will put power into the grid and then a few will put power into the plant,” Lensink replied.
Councillor Ron Elliott asked how the project is funded.
Lensink stated, “The province of Ontario is the counterparty [so] when they’re signing to a 20-year contract this is an easy project to finance.”
“It’ll be financed by big investors like Mutual Life [and] Sunlife, those kind of people (insurance companies).”
Elliott asked for the cost and Lensink replied, “somewhere between five and 10 million (dollars).”
Councillor Ed Podniewicz asked where project products are being manufactured.
“Two thirds of it is made here and about one third will come from Germany … none of it from the states,” Lensink said.
As for Farm Fresh adding new permanent full-time jobs in the area, Lensink was not sure.
Mayor Dave Turton asked if the operation runs 24/7. Lensink replied, “Yes that’s right.”
The project schedule spans from 2025 to 2030 including:
- meeting to agree on price, November;
- tender submission deadline, December;
- notification to selected proponents, June 2026;
- execute contract with independent electricity system operator, July 2026,
- financial closing, September 2026;
- commercial operation target, Dec. 31, 2028; and
- commercial operation deadline, May 1, 2030.
“Somewhere between January and March (2026) we will know if we are awarded a 20-year contract or not,” Lensink told the Community News.
“If we are awarded the contract, we’ll be up and running by the end of 2027.”
Council unanimously granted support for the Farm Fresh biogas project.
