A $70 million project to install an anaerobic digester to convert dairy cow manure to renewable natural gas at a Franklin County dairy just got a financial boost from the state. 

The Washington Department of Commerce has awarded $2.5 million to 5D RNG LLC for the construction of an anaerobic digester and nutrient recovery facility to reduce emissions and run-off. It was one of seven projects to receive $13.8 million in grants from department’s Dairy Digester Program. 

“These dairy projects cut emissions and boost the resiliency of rural communities,” said Sarah Clifthorne, interim director of the Department of Commerce. “They’re a smart, practical way to deliver cleaner air and water, while creating new economic opportunities for Washington farmers.” 

The project is for Five D Farms, located between Highway 395 and the Snake River in southern Franklin County. It maintains a herd of more than 8,000 head of dairy cattle. The farm began pursuing a project aimed at capturing methane from its herd’s manure three years ago, according to documents filed on the State Environmental Protection Act registry. 

The farm currently uses open-air lagoons with no methane capture, resulting in methane emissions and significant nutrient management challenges, according to Commerce. The new facility will introduce not only emissions control and advanced wastewater treatment but also the sale of renewable natural gas by the farm.  

5D RNG is affiliated with Stellar J Corp., a Woodland, Washington-based construction firm that specializes in renewable energy projects. It received a $2.5 million Clean Energy Grant from the state earlier this spring for the project.