Lauren Toretta, President of CH4 Biogas, discussed the company's operation and growth in the area. 

CH4 Biogas has a facility in Covington, Wyoming County.  Toretta explained that CH4 Biogas takes in organic waste, and through

a process called anaerobic digestion, converts it to energy and an alternative heat source.  The process and equipment is based

upon a Danish technology that has existed for about 25 to 30 years.

There are economic and environmental benefits to the conversion process.  Companies reduce the expense of disposing of their

waste materials, while greenhouse gases are kept out of the atmosphere.  The waste is also kept out of landfills, protecting the

watershed.  The byproduct of the system is a bedding for livestock and a fertilizer.

CH4 Biogas currently has 30 plants in 11 different countries.  Toretta said there is a natural connection between CH4 Biogas and

New York's growing dairy industry.  Yogurt producers Alpina and Theo Muller are among the company's clients.  She said the

region's commitment to agriculture, as well as forward thinking people motivated by ways to improve the environment and business,

have strengthened the company's commitment to the area.  CH4 Biogas has secured land in Batavia for a new facility to be located

in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.