Forest biomass diversion in the Sierra Nevada: Energy, economics and emissions

Abstract

As an alternative to open pile burning, use of forest wastes from fuel hazard reduction projects at Blodgett Forest Research Station for electricity production was shown to produce energy and emission benefits: energy (diesel fuel) expended for processing and transport was 2.5% of the biomass fuel (energy equivalent); based on measurements from a large pile burn, air emissions reductions were 98%-99% for PM 2.5 , CO (carbon monoxide), NMOC (nonmethane organic compounds), CH 4 (methane) and BC (black carbon), and 20% for NOx and CO 2 -equivalent greenhouse gases. Due to transport challenges and delays, delivered cost was $70 per bone dry ton (BDT) -comprised of collection and processing ($34/BDT) and transport ($36/BDT) for 79 miles one waywhich exceeded the biomass plant gate price of $45/BDT. Under typical conditions, the break-even haul distance would be approximately 30 miles one way, with a collection and processing cost of $30/BDT and a transport cost of $16/BDT. Revenue generated from monetization of the reductions in air emissions has the potential to make forest fuel reduction projects more economically viable.

The Optimum Slash Pile Size for Grinding Operations: Grapple Excavator and Horizontal Grinder Operations Model Based on a Sierra Nevada, California Survey

“…With respect to other results derived from the Blodgett Project, it was demonstrated that 248 utilization of biomass from these large debris piles can result in energy and air quality benefits [20],…”

The Optimum Slash Pile Size for Grinding Operations: Grapple Excavator and Horizontal Grinder Operations Model Based on a Sierra Nevada, California Survey

“…With respect to other results derived from the Blodgett Project, it was demonstrated that utilization of biomass from these large debris piles can result in energy and air quality benefits [23], as follows:…”

“…The overall sizes of the piles generated were typical of thinning operations in young and mature forests, with the bulk volume averaging 1784 m 3 per pile [23]. At each BFRS slash pile, a grapple excavator was used to transfer the waste material into a horizontal grinder.…”

Air Curtain Burners: A Tool for Disposal of Forest Residues

“…In addition, leaving large piles of forest residues near houses or within public parks have been a concern due to high risk of fire hazard and other forest management issues (i.e., growing and rehabilitation). For this reason, open pile burning (OPB) has been widely used in the Western U.S. to dispose of forest residues, to reduce wildfire hazard, and improve forest and productivity [7,8]. This forest residues disposal method has been extensively used as it provides a cost-effective option for disposal of forest residues [9,10].…”