Agricultural biomethanization and recovery of organic materials
A circular economy model from which Quebec and Canada can draw inspiration
The objectives in Quebec
- Accelerate the injection of renewable natural gas: Gas distributors are working to promote the development of renewable natural gas in Quebec by 2030
- Support program for the production of renewable natural gas officially referred to as the ‘Programme de soutien à la production de gaz naturel renouvelable (PSPGNR) of the government of Quebec : GNR Shefford is one of the few agricultural biomethanization projects accepted to date in the production stage
- Strong management support from the Ministry of the Environment
Local and global benefits
- Reversal of climate change
- Renewable energy production
- Production of a superior quality and odorless fertilizer
- Circular and local economy
- Careful implementation
How agricultural biomethanization works: a biological process of degradation of materials
Advantages and benefits of agricultural biomethanization
A neat establishment and layout
- A visual integration of constructions and developments so as to integrate into the landscape of natural and agricultural interest
- A minimized and aesthetic visual impact
- The preservation and enhancement of biodiversity and of the ecosystem’s integrity
- Pride for the community
Location
The property is located in an agricultural zone in the agroforestry area.
“ Agriculture in all its forms and forestry must be the priority in terms of use and extent for the land forming part of this affected territory and more marginally, commercial and industrial uses specifically related to agriculture are permitted.’’
Impact management
Les experts à l'oeuvre pour une acceptabilité sociale solide
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WATER
waterproof and no water spill installations with multiple testing points on property
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OLFACTORY
modeling atmospheric emissions to implement odor and dust mitigation plans
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SOUND
several sampling points scattered across the property
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SEPARATING DISTANCES
the agricultural biomethanization installation will be more than twice as far as the ditch from the nearest residences.
Transport
- 0.6 trips per day during fall-winter-spring
- 2.9 trips per day during summer
After :
- 5.29 trips per day during fall-winter-spring
- 7.59 trips per day during summer
Difference :
- 4 to 5 additional trips per day
Tractors :
- 45 km per hour maximum
- Monday to Friday
- Very little odor
FAQ
The project is located at 36, Chemin Bell, in Shefford.
The main motivation of GNR Shefford is to promote agricultural circularity both on the farm and locally, to help fight climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and to valorize by-products as high-quality agricultural fertilizer as part of sustainable agriculture.
The GNR Shefford project contributes to agricultural sustainability by implementing circular agricultural practices, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and recycling agricultural by-products responsibly.
GNR Shefford is a small, family-scale agricultural biomethanization site where at least 50% of the inputs are produced directly by the company.
Social acceptance is at the heart of GNR Shefford’s decisions. The company aims to work in close collaboration with the local community and to take into account the concerns and needs of the population in its initiatives.
The GNR Shefford project contributes to the creation of local jobs, which generates economic benefits for the community by promoting employment and economic development in the region.
The GNR Shefford project maintains open and transparent communication with the community and its local representatives. This includes presentations to Shefford representatives in 2021 and 2023, door-to-door initiatives to invite public consultation, appearances in the local newspaper, a public consultation in July 2023, door-to-door visits in the surrounding areas of the farm, distribution of leaflets in mailboxes, publications in the media, a website dedicated to the project, participation on the city council, and representation at the Bloc Québécois Energy Conference on September 12, 2023. This approach aims to ensure effective communication and active involvement of the community in the project.
Innovative projects like GNR Shefford raise many questions. This is one of the reasons why a public consultation and open house events were held early in the project. A neighborhood committee was also formed. Click here to view all the information (FR).
Partners
