Looking at the future of dairy farming and seeking ways to ease the burden of mounting energy costs , Fairvue Farms , with support from local and state leaders , has partnered with PPM Energie , a company based in Germany and Austria , to build a BioEnergy Plant featuring an anaerobic digester , at their Woodstock farm .

Paul Miller , who owns the farm with his wife , Diane , is excited about the partnership and the possibility of bringing an anaerobic digester , the first of its kind in this part of the country , to Fairvue Farms .

PPM’s spokeswoman Kathryn Moschella said the company was hired by the dairy farm to design and build the BioEnergy Plant , “ We approached Fairvue Farms for PPM Energie back in July , ” she said , explaining that she , along with the Millers , have been seeking grant funds , specifically block grants , and lobbying lawmakers for assistance with building the plant .

The $ 2 . 4 million project would be an educational prototype , and a technological advancement , providing “ green ” jobs for local residents , some of which might even be long-term , as PPM considers establishing a Connecticut branch in Woodstock , Putnam or Pomfret .

Anaerobic digestion , the breakdown of organic materials through the use of anaerobic bacteria , produces a biogas that can be converted into energy . PPM Energie has , according to Miller , perfected this process and will be able to provide Fairvue Farms with the ability to harness that energy , allowing Fairvue Farms to supplement not only their own energy needs , producing enough electricity to more than cover last year’s$ 150 , 000 electric bill , but enabling them to help others .

According to a document shared with Putnam Selectmen in mid-February , “ the digestion of the waste which the farm produces in large amounts would help prevent the excess nutrients from seeping into the aquifers of Woodstock and Putnam , which would protect the drinking water and the environment of the surrounding communities ... ”

Putnam Mayor Robert G . Viens wrote a letter in support of the project , following the presentation to the board , though he said Putnam might not be directly involved with grant money . Viens agreed that the anaerobic digester would ensure cleaner run-off at the local aquifer and said , “ Green energy is something everybody should be interested in … it’s good for everyone . ”

Additionally , Fairvue’s presentation said , “ the thermal heat generated from the conversion of methane gas to electricity can be offered to schools located near the farm . ” Miller believes The Hyde School and Woodstock Middle School will greatly benefit from the installation of a BioEnergy Plant at the farm , as may local businesses .

Fairvue Farms made an official presentation in Woodstock , and has received support from First Selectman Allan D . Walker , Jr . who said , “ It just made sense to be on board , ” and , “ It’s good for the farmer , good for the community . ” Walker was intrigued by the project that would help to keep a dairy farm in operation , and pleased that Miller was willing to share the benefits of the plant with the community .

Miller , who was flown overseas by PPM Energie in November to check out how other systems work and look , said that the system will not look like the incinerator in Dayville and hopes that local residents will warm to the idea of the BioEnergy Plant . In addition , those living near the farm would notice a distinct decrease in odor once the plant was established .

There is no date for construction , as work on obtaining grant money continues . “ I just hope we get the money in line for 2011 , ” said Moschella ,