MonticelloLive

UAM’s Spencer Gallery was the site of a Bio-Fuel Potential and Sustainability conference, which was held earlier this week.

Topics and speakers included:
Carol Williams, Arkansas Land Trust-Tax Incentives
Jim Wimberly-President BioEnergy Systems-Dedicated Energy Crops-Bio Fuels Production
State Rep. Allen Maxwell-Transportation Issues
Dr. Matthew Pelkki-UAM School of Forestry-Forestry Bio Mass Potential
Ed Ratchford-Arkansas Sr. Petroleum Geologist-Lignite/Coal/Coal Bed Natural Gas
Dr. Robert Weih-UAM Geometrics Professor-Spatial Technology
Bill Horton-DFI Energy Group-Algae Bio Fuels Production
Dan Sanker-CEO Case Stack-Green Sustainability Concepts

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Dr. Pelkki discussed the sustainability of resources including 6 types of resources that are available.
1.  industrial wood waste
2.  urban trimmings
3.  unfavorable stock trees
4.  salvage, such as storm damage
5.  designated bio-energy plantation
6.  in-forest residue, such as tree tops (there are approximately 2.3 million tons yearly)

If we try to convert a value to wood, we can use the BTU to establish values. Bone dry wood has a value of $74/ton.  Eectricity has a value of $221/ton.  Natural gas has a value of $232/ton.  Propane has a value of $293/ton.

Mr. Ratchford told the group that there is a large bed of lignite in the South Arkansas Delta, but that it is 1,000-4,000 foot deep, and too deep to mine for.   But he seem encouraging about the possibility of drilling for “coal bed natural gas”.  However, there is a large amount of lignite closer to the surface, between our area going toward Camden.

Dr. Weih told how spatial technology can be used to combine digital photos with satellite and aerial photos, and be used to plot progressive equation monitoring, as well as how forest imaging can be used to distinguish harvestable volumes of timber.  He also explained how GIS (geographic information services) can be an effective tool for determine transportation costs, and how layers of information, such as topography and cover type, relate to this area.

Dan Sanker explained how “technology clusters” develop, such as Silicone Valley, and New York CIty, with a central production process, “growing” supporting industries around it.

The forum was sponsored by State Representative Allen Maxwell.