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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWrigley's Farm-BarleyDr.P.J.Ford Slack Superintendant, Delta/Greely School District I am writing to you regarding the alternative heating system being considered for the Delta High School.I understand you are close to sending a grant request to AIDEA to fund this project.I wish to encourage you to consider a multi-fuel type unit to have flexibility in the fuel source.Many solid fuel bio-boilers will bum a variety of fuels from garbage to wood chips.What is more critical is that the fuel has consistent moisture content so continual adjustments to the unit are not necessary. As for a fuel source,if you will consider using barley,we will guarantee delivery of 4000 tons delivered on a keep full basis for $220 per ton.According to Greg Smith of Global Energy Solutions,a 4,000,000 BTU boiler will consume about 500 pounds of fuel per hour.4000 tons of barley will provide fuel for at least two years operation.The fuel will be consistent in moisture and quality,relieving the school of unnecessary adjustments due to varying moisture conditions of the fuel. One of the most important factors to consider is the availability of fuel.A new crop of barley is grown and harvested every year,while according to area foresters in Delta and Tok,harvesting trees will be on a 100-year rotation.Another issue is storage of fuel.To store a significant quantity of chips to bridge cold spells will require a pretty large building.Enough barley to last 3 weeks will fit in a bin with a footprint of only 15 feet in diameter and will cost a fraction of what a storage area for a three-week cushion of chips will cost. If you are interested,I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.Because barley is a local resource,easily grown and stored,it could benefit the school by reducing heating costs while providing agriculture with a new market. relY~ Br Wrig)j· 89 -279 deltaswcd@wildak.net