A unanimous vote of the Noble County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) on April 5 gave the green light for Metzger Dairy Inc., operating on the western outskirts of Wolf Lake in Noble Township, to construct an anaerobic digester system and produce renewable natural gas (RNG) on site. 

Once in operation, the system at Metzger Dairy is expected to generate a full tanker truck of RNG every three to five days, which will be transported to an injection point to be added to the natural gas pipeline.

Ag and food production represents a targeted industry for economic development in Noble County. This project stands to lessen the sector’s dependence on fossil fuel and energy, reduce odor at and near the fresh air ag site, and reduce operating costs. Additional benefits could be realized if the operation chooses to set up a program to accept local food waste and/or collaborate to accept manure from other local farms as well.

“We are excited to see more renewable energy production coming to Noble County,” said Melanie Kellogg, executive director for Be Noble Inc. “This project promotes economic growth by establishing new markets and increasing local revenues. It also supports local renewable energy growth, which is an important factor of consideration for site selectors. This will enhance the attractiveness of Noble County and give us a competitive edge.”

In addition to capturing and pulling out the methane from the manure generated by about 1,500 cows at Metzger Dairy, the process will enable recycling of animal waste. Byproducts left over from the process can be reapplied as fertilizer to farm fields, and cleaned and used for animal bedding.

IDGB Biogas LLC, located in Dublin, OH, has put together a consortium of seven dairies, including Metzger Dairy, in order to make this project financially viable. Larger dairies, with 5,000 head or more, have been using this technology for years. Six of the dairies in the new venture are located in Indiana. IDGB will run the digester operation at the local dairy.

Members of the BZA approved the variance allowing the operation with stipulations, including safety training with area fire departments. A representative from IDGB says plans are already in place to handle emergency contingencies.