Undersecretary of the Environment visits Maxagro’s biodigester to learn more about odor reduction in the pork industry

Following the enactment of the first Chilean Odor Emission Standard, the Undersecretary of the Environment visited Maxagro’s biodigester in the O’Higgins Region. The purpose of the visit was for the government official to see first-hand the advanced slurry treatment system, which has been perfected over more than two decades.

On March 2, the Chilean Undersecretary of the Environment, Maximiliano Proaño, visited Maxagro’s biodigester in Pichidegua (O’Higgins Region). He was joined by Pablo Espinosa, the company’s General Manager; Elizabeth Ellmen, Sustainability Manager; Juan Carlos Domínguez, ChileCarne’s President; and Daniela Álvarez, the association’s Sustainability Manager.

The visit followed the enactment of Chile’s first Odor Emission Standard to show the government official one of the pig industry’s advanced slurry treatment systems, a concrete solution to reduce odor emissions at farms.

Since 1999, the Chilean pig sector has been working to manage odor emissions at farms by implementing clean production measures and practices. It has also invested in cutting-edge technology for handling slurry, which produces most of the emissions. Currently, 80% of Chile’s pig production uses advanced slurry treatment systems, such as activated sludge plants, biodigesters, lombrifilters, deep bedding, and biostabilization of solid waste. These technologies have reduced odor emission rates up to 95% in pig farms.

“We know the community was waiting for this resolution for a long time. The implementation of the first odor standard in Chile seeks to improve people’s quality of life and will help reduce local socio-environmental conflicts. At the same time, it provides companies with certainty, as it sets clear guidelines for pig farm operations,” explained Undersecretary Proaño during his visit.