Jackson Township to Hear Proposal for Manure-to-Gas Energy Facility

Article Summary: A proposal for an anaerobic digester facility that would convert hog manure into natural gas was brought to the attention of the Jackson Township Board. The project manager for the proposed facility, which would process waste from the Bernhard Hog farm, has agreed to present the plan directly to the board and residents at a future meeting.

Anaerobic Digester Proposal Key Points:

• A proposal has been made to build an anaerobic digester facility within Jackson Township.

• The facility would process manure from the local Bernhard Hog farm and convert it into a usable gas product.

• An informational meeting about the project has already taken place at the county level.

• The project manager will present the plan at an upcoming township meeting to provide details and answer questions.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, IL – The Jackson Township Board on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, was informed of a proposal to construct an anaerobic digester facility that would convert manure from the Bernhard Hog farm into natural gas.

The update was provided as part of the Town Report during the board’s regular monthly meeting. Supervisor Matt Robbins, who was absent but provided the report, stated that an informational meeting about the project had already been held with Will County. Following that meeting, Robbins contacted the project manager, who agreed to present the proposal directly to the township. A date for that presentation has not yet been set.

Anaerobic digestion is a process where microorganisms break down organic materials, such as animal manure, in an oxygen-free environment. The process produces biogas, which can be processed into renewable natural gas, and a nutrient-rich solid known as digestate, which can be used as fertilizer.

The proposal comes as agricultural operations face increasing pressure to manage waste sustainably. Such facilities are often touted as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from farming operations by capturing methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.

The board took no action on the matter, as the report was for informational purposes only. The future presentation will give trustees and residents their first opportunity to hear specifics about the project’s scope, potential location, environmental impacts, and economic benefits. Further discussion and consideration by the board will follow that public presentation.