310039_Compliance Progress Report_20240607

Smithfield
600A �00A. TZesponib(�'
June 6, 2024
North Carolina Dept. of Environmental Quality
Division of Water Resources
Animal Feeding Operations Unit
1636 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1636
Attn: Christine Lawson
Re: Murphy Brown, LLC Benson Farm Facility No. 31-039
Dear Mr. Ravella:
Permit No. AWI310039
Project: Progress Report
Part V. General Conditions #6
• Construction of the digester began in April 2021.
• During construction a new digester mixing system was developed by Smithfield and installed at the
site. The new system utilizes a closed loop mixing system, which reduces the potential gas loss from
an open top mixing systems.
• The digester was functionally complete by end of summer 2021.
• The digester became fully operational and producing/collecting biogas in the fall of 2021.
• The pilot GUILD NANOGATE on farm gas upgrading unit was installed and commissioned in Fall
2021.
• An infuser pump was installed in the original primary lagoon to infuse tail gas and off -spec gas into the
open lagoon under the liquid surface.
• In the spring of 2024, the Guild pilot unit was replaced with a Guild production unit.
• Site is currently part of an ongoing air study with NC State and Duke University that will conclude
later this summer/fall.
• Construction of the gas collection pipeline is underway and should be completed by fall 2024.
• Smithfield plans to request a change to the general permit upon connection to the pipeline this fall.
• To date there have been no changes to the operation and maintenance plan for the facility.
Please contact me at [phone] if you have any questions concerning this package.
Sincerely,
�G
JasonE. Olmstead PE
Engineering Project Manager
Enclosures