Research, document, and experiment with waste management technologies and strategies suitable for remote alpine regions.
In collaboration with local peoples, organizations, and governments, our goal is to facilitate the planning and implementation of simple, innovative, and appropriate environmental solutions for human waste management in the Everest region in order to provide sustained improvements in quality of life, mitigate human impact, and preserve the local and regional watershed.
Phase 1: (2009-2011)
Build Capacity
Board, Recon, Partnerships, Sponsorship
Prototype
Design (minimum scale for functionality)
Build Prototype
Test Prototype (UBC Farm) & Tweak Prototype
Transport, install, test, assess
Phase 2: EBC-System Scale up: develop, transport, install, test, assess (2011-2012)
Phase 3: Data Analysis (2012)
Phase 4: Enhancements and Permanence (2013-onward)
Reduce human waste volume
Reduce human waste toxicity
Create useable energy source (methane)
Provide toilet services
Fertilize Plants
Achieve financial sustainability
Nutrient Cycling
Human waste - fuel - fertilizer - food
System Design / Optimization
Carbon Trading
Product diversification
Arctic research camps, refugee camps, remote villages, sail boats, base camps, port-a-podies.
Literature Review
Sagarmartha National Park has a human waste management problem
Lapachelle 1995
According to Stan Armington, Himalayan trekking veteran and author of Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya, waste management "is the biggest problem in SNP"
Sagarmartha National Park has numerous environmental problems, including deforestation due to fuel wood harvesting.
Many sources
Anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic waste is a viable and effective solution for waste management in Nepal. 189,122 AD units have been installed in Nepal in the past 15 years.
http://www.bspnepal.org.np
AD produces readily combustible methane that can be used in lighting / heating / electricity generating systems. Methane (bio-gas) is primarily used for heating (cooking / space heating) in Nepal.
Ostrem 2004.
Katuwal et al 2009
60% of a developing countrys rural households energy needs can be met by AD of family & land wastes
Guidotti 2002
AD units in Nepal have brought numerous environmental improvements and quality of life improvements including, female empowerment, employment, workload reductions, income generation, improved education opportunities, improved hygiene and improved health (infant mortality & respiratory)
Gautam et al. 2009
80% of rural Nepalese live agricultural subsistence lives. AD produces end-product sludge that improves crop productivity. This Bio-slurry has increased crop productivity by 5-15% in 68% of Nepalese households with AD units. This also reduces the use of dung & inorganic fertilizer saving a Nationwide average of $300,000USD per year.
Gautam et al 2009
AD units capture and combust methane reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. Methane is 18x more powerful than CO2 at trapping IR radiation. If not captured in AD, methane would off-gas during unmanaged digestion. Greenhouse gas credit from methane capture / combustion can be sold through the World Bank and Kyotos Clean Development Mechanism. Current technology becomes financially sustainable if captured methane can be sold for $5USD per ton through the World Bank. Currently selling at $10.25USD per ton. Carbon trading currently brings Nepal ~$600,000USD/year.
There is a need in Nepal for AD systems that function in cold / high elevation regions.
Lapachelle recommended Sagarmartha NP investigate small scale methane generation units as a means of treating waste.
Greenhouse assisted AD chambers improve methane fraction, reduce retention times, and increase reactivity through elevated temperatures.
Kumar 2008
Low-tech AD units have been designed and installed at 4000m in the South American Andes
http://biogas.wikispaces.com/Digester+Projects
References
Guidotti, G. (2002). Biogas From Excreta: Treatment of Faecal Sludge in Developing Countries.
Gautam, Rajeeb a,1, Baral, Sumit b,2, Heart, Sunil 2009. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 13, 248252
Katuwal, Hari *, Bohara, Alok, 2009.
Biogas: A promising renewable technology and its impact on rural
households in Nepal. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 13, 26682674
Kumar, Vinoth, Bai, Kasturi R, 2008. Solar greenhouse assisted biogas plant in hilly region A eld study. Solar Energy 82, 911917
Lachapelle, Paul 1995. A REPORT ON HUMAN WASTE MANAGEMENT IN SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK. Environmental Program, University of Vermont Burlington, VT & School for International Training, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Ostrem, Karena (2004). GREENING WASTE: ANAEROBIC DIGESTION FOR TREATING THE ORGANIC FRACTION OF MUNICIPAL
SOLID WASTES. MSC Thesis, Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering Foundation of School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University
Executive
Cory Richards: Co-Founding President
Geoff Hill: Co-Founding Vice President
Jeremy Frimer: Secretary
Court Richards: Treasurer
At Large
Conrad Anker: Director
Edward Beggs: Director - Technical
Ivan Tucakov: Director - IT
Steve House: Director - Alpine Advisory
Barry Blanchard: Director - Alpine Advisory
George Lowe: Director
Steve Swensen: Director: Engineering
Interested in a Director Position?
See "details" page from the main menu
GEA's Team of UBC Integrated Engineers includes:
Hayes Zirnhelt: Waste Treatment & Sustainable Energy Systems
Gaelen Krause: Thermo-fluid Dynamics & Remote Applications
Chen Yan: Advanced Structures & Design
Confirmed:
Berg Adventures
UBC Department of Geography
UBC Department of Integrated Engineering
National Science and Engineering Research Council
Adventure Thamserku
Pending:
Everest Region
Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee
Sagarmatha National Park
Hillary Foundation
Mountain Protection
International Center for Integrated Mountain Development
National Mountain Clubs
Guiding Associations
Confirmed
National Science and Engineering
Research Council (planning salary)
Possible / Pending
Opportunities
Title Sponsor(s) (project funding)
Component Sponsors ($$ for select components)
Contributing Sponsors (in-kind)
See Sponsorship Opportunities page
Click name for more information
We propose to integrate a suite of tried, tested, simple, effective, and ecologially & socially appropriate technologies in the Everest Region.
The technical solutions we are testing must be simple because of the remote nature of the Everest region and its extreme weather and climate. All components we propose to test have been installed in many remote and urban regions throughout the world.
The largest challenges will be found in the human dimensions of this project and insuring the system design is function in its location culturally, environmentally, and economically.
The true challenges inherent in the project are not technical. Keystone to the success and longevity of these technical systems are strong, mutually beneficial relationships amongst individuals, organizations, governing bodies, and sponsors.
Schematic of a John Todd Eco-Machine (link)
human excrement
Anaerobic Digestor and Biogas Production
Notes:
90kg of human excrement is produced at EBC each day. It is carried by porters to lower elevations and deposited in waste dumps and directly onto fields.
Low Tech-Biogas digestors have been installed in hundreds of thousands of remote communites throughout developing nations (including 180,000 in Nepal alone).These units are simple, cheap, effective, require minimal maintenance, and provide reliable, combustable methane gas that can be used for heating, cooking, and power generation. Final end product is readily compostible, less toxic, and effective as a fertilizer for agricultural fields. However, there aren't any low-tech designs for cold climates. We have begun the design and analysis processs to develop a low cost low tech high alpine biodigester for human and animal waste. Our first design report can be found in the right column and in the prototype development section.
Composting Toilet
Research and trials from composting toilets at Mount Rainier, Mount Shasts, in the Canadian Rockies, in New Zealand and Australia are being compiled and analyzed for potential application in the Everest Region. (Link here)
Solar Dehydrating Toilet
Solar energy has been used successfully in the dehydration of human waste in Rocky Mountain National Park. We are testing a system that is optimized for the Everest Region. (Link here)
human urine
Human Urine Collection, Dilution, and Application System as fertilizer for local potato production
Notes: human urine is used throughout the world as fertilizer in agricultural settings. Recent research has proven human urine as a safe, clean, effective, and cheap fertilizer replacement in horticultural greenhouses (Heinonen-Tanski et al. Bioresource Technology 98 (2007) 214217)
Urine as Cucumber
Fertilizer
questions
What are the key social services that are not being met in the Everest Base Camp Region? Can any of the systems components be designed so that expressed social needs can be met or improved upon?
hot water
Hot water is required for basic cooking, cleaning, medical treatment. The Biogas Digestor can provide a consistent, clean, convienient source of heat energy that can be used to heat water. Coupling the Biogas Digestor with a solar hot water pre-heater, the system becomes more reliable and effective. Currently, solar water heaters are being used to heat small quantities of water during sunny weather.
waste reduction and treatment
90kgs of human waste is produced each day during the climbing season. Anaerobic digestion can reduce this volume and improve its value as a fertilizer.
clean cooking fuel
Biogas is used primarily as a cooking and ligting fuel throught the developing world. Its practicality has been proven. Gas flow rate depends on input, environment, alternate gas demands (water heating) and tank capacity.
fertilizer for potato production
Raw sewage and composted sewage is currently spread onto high elevation potato patties where single and double season harvest provide food for locals. Urine and end product of effective waste treatment can improve plant productivity and human health.
PV panels are commonly used to provide electical energy where connections to the local / regional power grid are not feasible or where not desired.
There are many commercial products available that come complete with all components and are simple to set up and maintain.
System inputs and demands are required to design an appropriate system. Installation location and needs / demands assessments must be completed prior to choosing a PV system.
A local company, Lotus Energy, provides complete kits in the Everest Region.
Waste Oil Powered Generator
Our team has successfully operated diesel generators on waste cooking oils in cold climates (Kubota Generator in Vailmont BC(photo right)). We have sourced a high altitude diesel generator that could be converted to burn waste vegetable oil. A simple method of oil collection, treatment, and delivery has been explored at UBC to meet the fuel requirements of this possible energy production technology. Report provided to right.
"A small diesel engine (Hatz) genset has been tested for use at 5000m. The generator head is an advanced electric motor made by eCycle"
We are proposing a partnership with UBC Plant Operations to test this generator with Electric vehicle charging on the Vancouver Campus.
gea wvo report
Solar Hot Water Heaters are one of the most basic passive solar technologies employed throughout the world. Their objective is to utilize the suns energy to heat water through high surface low volume, heat trapping panels / tubes and store the heated water in high volume low surface area tanks for future use.
Due to water's high specific heat capacity, energy stored during the day can be released when desired. Due to the diurnal patterns of most humans, we tend to require hot water and heat at night when we return 'home' to cook, clean, wash, sleep.
In order to provide a suitable growing environment for plants, horticulture greenhouses also require heat in the nighttime to maintain temperature within the range suitable to food crops.
Can potato production, a staple crop in the Everest region, be safely enhanced through fertilization from waste management end product or early season seedling development in durable reliable and cheap greenhouse structures?
the structure
This component is still in development. and will likely depend considerably on the design and testing of the primary components (waste treatment & social services).
Bench Top Digester
Produced 40L of methane with 6kg of manure
Field Scale Digester Built at the UBC Farm by 4th Year UBC Integrated Engineering Team & Report Document.
Heated greenhouse to over 50C. Heat didn't transfer as well into digester bag....
prototype 1-shits report
Solar Dehydration Toilet retrofit (drawing) Based on Joe Arnold's Rocky Mountain National Park Design (photo) and lab-scale analysis design (far right). 87% mass reduction accomplished in lab scale trials.
Incineration Trials
Partnerships and collaboration are a vital component in this project.
Successful partnership building depends on clear communication, openness, flexibility, and patience.
Our team will strive to connect with all stakeholders,in the Everest Region, who are likely to be involved or influenced by this project's Mission.
Project Partners to date can be viewed from menu item "our team".
Future Project Partners / Stakeholders include but are not limited to:
Notable Passionate Individuals with Everest Experience
Local Everest Region Organizations
Local Everest Region Community Groups
Local Everest Region Businesses
National Mountain Climbing & Guiding Organziations
National & International Mountain / Environment NGO
NGO Protection / Conservation Agencies
International Development Agencies
Corporate Leaders (through sponsorship)
Do you own, operate, or know of, an Everest Region
Business?
Organization?
Community Group?
...that has a stake in human waste management in the Everest Region?
Please send us an email with the below topics included:
Copy & paste text below into your email program or use the "contact" form in the main menu.
Entity Name:
Contact Person:
Contact Details: (phone / email)
Mission Statement:
Stakeholder statement: (Describe relationship to Everest Region & human waste management)
Are you concerned about human waste management in the Everest Region? (Y/N)
Are you interested in participating in this project in any form? (Y/N)
Describe how you would like to participate.
Provide your feedback on the mission and system components.
Thank you.
We are looking to partner with all National and International Guiding Associations that frequent the Everest Region.
We would like input, feedback, and connections from experienced individuals within these organizations as well as the lines of communication which can be used to transfer information about waste managment developments and provision of basic serices.
We would also like to learn about granting opportunities available from many National Guiding Associations.
Please send us an email through our "contact" page
National Guiding Association: Country_______
Contact Name:
Approximate # of guided trips to Everest / year:
Grants available & details:
Do you support the mission & methods of engaging in the reduction of waste and provision of services in the Everest Region as set out in this website?
Would you like to be recognized as a project supporter on our Partners Page?
Can you contribute to this project in any other capacity? Describe.
We are looking to partner with all National Mountain Clubs that frequent the Everest Region.
We would also like to learn about granting opportunities available from many National Clubs.
Please send us an email through our "contact" page with the below text "copied & pasted" in the body.
Do you own, operate, or know of, an NGO that works in the Everest Region?
and
NGO Name:
We will soon begin the search for a title sponsor.
Given Everest's appeal, we expect strong global media attention.
The deliverables attached to this project are long overdue.
Clear recognition will be attributed to the title sponsors for their financial support.
Sponsorship packages available upon request.
Please "Contact" us with sponsorship suggestions and connections.
Select components of our technology system will be available for sponsorship. These include:
Please "contact" us noting your interest.
We will respond with specific details.
* Please note *: All Sponsorship Packages can be split or combined depending on respective entities desired level of involvement.
Principal Sponsor Recognition
Name Association (company's name Green Everest Alliance for first 2 years, Green Everest Alliance, initialized by company name for future years)
Funding Components: Salaries, North America Prep, Nepal Prep, Install, Test
Title Sponsor Recognized whenever a Component Sponsor is recognized.
GEA team Camp System (tents, etc)
GEA team living expenses (food, porters, etc)
Backup Generator
IT Systems (computers, printer, etc)
Communications System
North America Communications
PV Solar System
Solar Hot Water Heater
Biogas Capture
Hot Water Heater
Biogas Cook Stove
Hot Shower & Clothes Wash
Contributing sponsorship provides smaller businesses and organizations, and individuals the opportunity to contribute in-kind with services, commodities, and cash donations.
Please contact us for a sponsorship package.
Include a brief summary of your sponsorship intentions and desires .
Waste Managment
Horticulture
PV System & Solar Hot Water
Social Services
Rural Energy
Applications
Greenhouse
Assisted
Biogas in India
Biogas in Nepal
Biogas in Tibet
Biogas in
Nepal map
Kumar small
plastic biogas
Kkatuwal
biogas nepal
Gautam biogas
nepal 2009
Urine as Cucomber
Rural Service
Case Studies
Budget being updated
Green Everest Alliance is a registered Society in British Columbia Canada. It has an Executive Board of Directors with specific titles, tasks, and responsibilities and a set of Directors at Large. The Executive positions are currently filled.
We are currently seeking to fill a number of 'Director at Large' specialty positions.
We are looking for passionate, motivated, experienced, critical thinkings and team players. Skills & experience with the Everest Region, a technology component, sponsorship acquisition, or strategic planning is key.
Committment: 1-4 hours per month(pending specialty)
Term: 1-3 years
Primary Role: endorsement (publicly & privately)
Secondary Role: assessment (financial sustainability, project planning feedback, decision making, outcome assessmen)
Tertiary Roles: creative thinking
If you would like to apply to fill a 'Director at Large' position:
Send us an email via the "contact" menu link
Include the following information:
Name:
Contact Info: (phone / email)
Brief Summary of Specialty / Skills / Experience that relates to this project:
Why you would like to participate as a Director at Large:
List you experience working as a Director or with NGO's:
I am aware of my responsibilities associated with my position as a 'Director at Large' for a Canadian NGO: YES / NO
(info can be found in the "Director Files" menu tab)
(full coverage Directors and Officers Insurance will be in place)
I will aspire to read the documents contained within the "Director Files" menu page.
Coming Soon
BC Society Incorporation Forms
Name Registration Documents
GEA Team Member & Partner Online Project Center (ZOHO)
GEA Interactive Blog
GEAEngineering Design Group (GOOGLE GROUPS)
BioGas Sector Partnership Nepal
Sagarmartha National Park Waste Management Report
In-Ground Nepal Bio-gas Plant Construction Manual
Cory Richards
Co-Founding President
206.310.1091
crichardsfoto(at)yahoo.com
Geoff Hill
Co-Founding Vice President
604.505.3656
mail(at)geoffbhill.ca
