Watershed Agricultural Council Accepting Applications Through
September 16, 2009 |
WALTON, NY, JULY 24, 2009 -- The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) is currently seeking applications from large energy consumers (over 75,000 square-feet) including schools, housing complexes, college campuses, manufacturing facilities or entire communities that are interested in exploring biomass heating options for their building(s). Studies will evaluate the potential for meeting a facility's energy needs with available by-products of the region's forest products manufacturing and forest management activities. Selected applicants will receive a detailed assessment of the economic, environmental and technical feasibility of installing a high efficiency, low-emissions biomass boiler system to accommodate wood as a renewable fuel option.
In early 2009, WAC worked with Richmond Energy Associates -- a professional consulting firm with extensive experience in wood energy systems -- to conduct preliminary biomass heating assessments at several facilities including three public schools in the Catskills Region. The study, titled Biomass Opportunities in the Catskills, showed that shifting 85% of their heating load to wood chips would save users roughly two to three times the current prices paid for conventional fuels. This generates immediate fuel cost savings and helps to achieve quicker paybacks versus other renewable energy installations. Discussions with potential chip suppliers also suggest that the region could support several appropriately scaled biomass heating applications. At this time, WAC is offering another opportunity to research additional facilities and communities that could benefit by making the switch to regionally-sourced, low-carbon fuels.
Selected applicants will receive a site visit from an experienced wood energy specialist working under contract to WAC. The contractor will survey your facility, collect appropriate energy consumption data and prepare a written report which will detail the technical and economic feasibility of integrating a biomass boiler system including:
· Options and estimated costs for installation of an appropriately scaled biomass energy system
· Projected savings (including a "payback through savings scenario") compared to existing fuel
· Amount and general specifications of biomass to be consumed annually
· The supply, availability and accessibility of raw material to fuel the system (including the amount and condition of material generated in the vicinity of the site, source of material, cost estimates of material purchase and delivery, and potential contractors that can deliver the biomass)
· Potential source(s) of funding for the biomass system including state construction aid, energy service contracts (ESCos), carbon offset banks and federal programs
· Summary of emissions control technologies and review of permits that may be required
· Potential reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions as compared to existing energy source
· Recommendations for additional energy efficiency measures that will compliment a biomass system.
The costs for this assessment will depend on the complexity and level of detail required. At this time, no cap is being placed on the level of funding available. However, preference will be given to applications that address an opportunity to connect multiple buildings into a district heating loop (rural communities, office complexes and college campuses) and/or require year-round heat or process steam. The project is focused on facilities in Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester Counties. All project proposals must be received by the Watershed Agricultural Council no later than September 16, 2009 to be considered.
To download the full application, please visit http://nycwatershed.org/ei_forestry_grants.html, or contact Collin Miller, Wood Utilization & Marketing Specialist at (607) 865-7790 ext. 112 or email collinmiller@nycwatershed.org.
The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) is a non profit organization with offices in Hamden, Walton and Yorktown Heights. WAC's mission is to support the economic viability of agriculture and forestry through the protection of water quality and the promotion of land conservation in the New York City watershed region. The WAC is funded by New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the US Forest Service Northeastern Area State & Private Forestry and other federal and foundation sources. The WAC is an equal opportunity employer and provider. | |
Your privacy is important to us; therefore, we will not sell, rent, or give your name or email address to anyone. And, you can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the link at the bottom of any WAC eBurst.
|
|
|
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
START DATE: July 24, 2009
END DATE: Sept. 15, 2009 |
|
SUMMARY: WAC seeks applications from large energy consumers (over 75,000 SF) interested in exploring biomass heating options for their buildings. Preference given to projects addressing multiple-building heating loop or requiring year-round heat/process steam. Eligible facilities from Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester Counties should apply. |
RELEASE CONTACT:
Wood Utilization & Marketing Specialist
(607) 865-7790, ext. 112 |
WAC CONTACT:
Tara Collins
Communications Director
(607) 865-7090, ext. 226 |
The Watershed Agricultural Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the economic viability of agriculture and forestry through the protection of water quality and the promotion of land conservation in the New York City Watershed region. The WAC is funded by The New York City Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service and other federal, foundation and private sources. The WAC is an Equal Opportunity Providers and Employers.
| |
