June 2-4th, 2003 at the Hilton North Raleigh in Raleigh, N.C. provided a forum to address some of the barriers, both technological and institutional, facing AD technology (anaerobic digester).

Experts say that AD could effectively and efficiently address a number of persistant environmental problems associated with agricultural and municipal waste management including water quality and air quality.

Sponsored by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Dept. of Energy and Water Environment Federation, the summit will also provide a forum for examining the opportunities for public and private sectors to work together to facilitate digester adoption within the context of animal waste management, rural economic development, and environmental improvement.

The technology is here, and is ready to use throughout the world.  AD (anaerobic digestion), a process by which synergistic actions between bacteria act to break down waste products.   One of the resulting byproducts of that natural process is a biogas that can be used to generate electricity.

For more information, contact the Water Environment Federation at www.confinfo@wef.org