In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Raymond Apy, the CEO of Northeastern Biochar Solutions and one of the main figures behind Saratoga Biochar Solutions! The proposed facility’s goal is to process biosolids into carbon fertilizer, but local opposition to the project has been significant… Ray has met every goal and then some, and he wants more people to understand the importance of the project. Listen to this episode to hear his explanations and future plans!
00:48 – The Show Begins
01:41 – A Brief Background of Ray Apy
04:16 – The Biosolids Disposal Problem
05:21 – Meeting Moreau
07:09 – Why Biochar? A History
12:46 – Solving a Big Problem: Chemical Fertilizer
17:50 – Opposition Mounts
19:58 – Chapter 92 Does Not Apply
21:42 – 16 Conditions… All Met
24:12 – Propaganda, Defamation and Gaslighting
25:55 – Sewage Sludge vs. Biosolids: There IS a Difference!
27:48 – Biosolids vs. Biochar: There IS a Difference!
28:54 – PFAs: What They Are, and WHERE They Are
34:38 – Emerging Technologies: Biochar isn’t New!
38:06 – Wood’s Place in the Process
39:25 – Sharing Findings: With the DEC and Beyond
42:25 – The Well-Informed Have No Problems with the Project!
43:51 – Other Avenues: Railroad Ties, Asphalt Shingling, Carbon Concrete
46:25 – Public and Private Enterprise Alike
47:35 – Starting Small… And Keeping Emissions Low
49:50 – Not Giving Up
50:20 – How to Get in Touch
50:53 – Closing Remarks
