Dicklands Farm, a well-established dairy farm in Fraser Valley near Chilliwack, BC, has expanded and thrived by integrating innovative technologies and sustainable practices. This approach has improved herd health, boosted efficiency and reduced the farm’s environmental footprint while enhancing long-term productivity.

A major step in this effort was building a renewable natural gas (RNG) plant to create a new revenue stream and enhance sustainability. By capturing manure that would otherwise be spread on fields, the facility significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The Dicklands Farm Biogas plant processes manure from its own dairy operations, neighboring farms and organic food waste, creating a regional solution for sustainable energy.

At the core of the operation are two large anaerobic digesters that convert organic material into RNG. The project included designing and constructing digesters, a precast concrete processing plant, storage tanks, a biofilter, a flare, a biogas upgrader and essential equipment containers to maximize efficiency. These components ensure a seamless and effective process for converting waste into clean energy.
After gas extraction, the nutrient-rich digestate is dried, pelletized and sold as fertilizer, reducing reliance on chemical alternatives. Water used in the process is recovered—converted to steam to separate it from the digestate, then condensed and purified through reverse osmosis. This reclaimed water is reused for livestock drinking water, plant operations, or irrigation, further supporting sustainability and reducing water waste.

Anaerobic digestion also minimizes odors by processing manure instead of spreading it raw. Ventilation air is chemically treated to remove ammonia before passing through a biofilter with wetted wood chips, which absorb and neutralize odors. This system ensures that only clean air is released, benefiting both farm operations and the surrounding community.

The concept of a biogas facility at Dicklands Farm first emerged in 2010 when the owner developed an interest in generating energy from biomass. However, it was not until 2019 that MPE was brought on board as the coordinating professional. By this time, the owner had already engaged a biogas consultant and a major equipment supplier.

MPE provided civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services to support both the consultant and supplier in the detailed design of the facility. This included the overall site layout, large concrete digestion tanks, a processing plant, as well as various storage tanks and equipment enclosures.
One of the key challenges of the project was integrating equipment from the primary supplier, which was based in Germany. Much of this specialized equipment was designed for the German and European markets, requiring modifications to ensure compliance with Canadian regulations. MPE played a crucial role in securing CSA approval for the imported equipment and identifying suitable Canadian alternatives where necessary.

Additionally, MPE provided structural design for tanks and other components to meet local environmental loading requirements. The team also developed mechanical and electrical designs to support facility operations and ensure seamless integration of components. Throughout the process, MPE carefully reviewed the equipment supplier’s process drawings to verify compliance with Canadian codes and standards.

Dicklands Farm’s Biogas plant now produces renewable natural gas (RNG) with a target of 200,000 GJ annually, which is injected into the grid while also generating fertilizer. By integrating this facility into an existing farming operation, the farm is not only producing clean, renewable energy but also addressing environmental concerns by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing land impact, and improving air quality.