A new biochar facility that is aiming to reduce landscaping waste has been approved for Falls Township.
Advertisements
Earlier this week, the Falls Township Board of Supervisors approved preliminary and final land development for the biochar facility that can burn several tons of wood and landscape material per hour.
Michael DiNardo, president of Shades of Green Inc., will open the facility near his existing business at 80 MY Lane.
The operation is expected to create five to seven jobs, according to Michael Meginniss, DiNardo’s attorney.
Advertisements
The system will use a “slow, controlled burn” to reduce yard waste.
The material left behind after burning the yard waste is clean carbon ash, which can be used in rain gardens, Meginniss stated.
The approved facility will use technology from AirBurners, a Florida-based company, to perform controlled burns of up to 15 tons of wood and landscape material per hour. The process is designed to reduce green waste volume by 90 percent, transforming it into biochar, a clean carbon ash that can enhance soil quality, according to officials.
Advertisements
For construction of the facility, some brush will be cleared, but a “visual buffer” of woodlands will be kept at the site, Meginniss stated.
The project also includes a 20,000-gallon fire protection tank as a safety measure because there is an absence of public water in the immediate area. Fire Marshal Rich Dippolito has approved the plan.
Supervisor Vice Chairperson Erin Mullen said she supported the project.
Advertisements
“We’re really excited about this coming to the township,” Mullen said.
DiNardo first proposed use of the system in 2022 when he presented it to township officials.
Advertisement
Convenient Legal Access to High Quality Cannabis Just A Few Minutes Away!
Canna Remedies: Educate Curate Elevate
Advertisements
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
