SME worked with REV LNG to create sustainable energy from an unexpected but effective source: dairy cows. REV LNG – a liquefied natural gas supplier – launched efforts to build facilities at several Michigan-based dairy farms to harness the methane from cow manure to create renewable natural gas.

Phase one of the project entailed environmental due diligence and required survey work. While necessary, these first steps can cause endless delays and regulatory headaches. SME’s collaborative teams worked seamlessly and meticulously to provide REV with detailed due diligence and fostered relationships with stakeholders.

REV’s plan centers around 10 anaerobic digester tanks, each with a 2-million-gallon capacity, to convert methane into renewable natural gas (RNG). These digesters allow a fruitful partnership between REV and each dairy farm. When built, the digesters will create a previously untapped renewable energy source equal to 1.8 million gallons of gas each year.

A host of requirements, including land transfer surveying, environmental due diligence, and permitting, stood between REV and the construction of its digester tanks. Wetland protection and ALTA surveys were necessary to complete lease agreements between REV and each farm.

SME’s survey and environmental teams kicked off phase one of the project and passed on data to our geotechnical, civil design, and construction materials testing groups to streamline our multiservice approach across ten sites. REV’s plan involved leasing land from each farm to hold a pad containing processing equipment, a semi-truck filling station, and an anaerobic digester.

REV was concerned about building strong relationships with stakeholders and conducting a rigorous due diligence process, so they brought SME on board. The attention to detail provided by each service group fulfilled these priorities and positioned REV to begin construction of this innovative waste-to-energy project.