Text Size 
2011 Biomass Boiler Operator’s Summit
August 9, 2011
Glacier High School, Kalispell, Montana
Purpose
A focused event directed towards optimizing the operation of small-scale wood biomass energy systems. The event provided a source of information and networking for those both currently operating biomass boiler systems and those considering an installation.
Over 60 people attended from the states of Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Alaska, and Vermont. Attendees included current biomass boiler operators, soon-to-be operators, facility managers, biomass fuel suppliers, mill owners, engineering firms, boiler manufacturers, and project developers. The event was organized by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, in partnership with the US Forest Service and Sustainable Northwest.
Presentations
System Maintenance and Optimization
Tom Javins, PE, Associate Director for Engineering and Utilities, University of Montana
Jason Logan, Sales and Service Representative, Messersmith Manufacturing
Controlling Emissions
Current and Proposed Air Quality Regulations Related to Wood Boilers
Vickie Walsh, Air Permitting Supervisor, Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Air Emissions and Wood Boilers: Stack Test Results, Optimizing Combustion and Minimizing Emissions
Calvin Loomis, Process and Emissions Services Team Leader, Bison Engineering
Results from Montana’s Biomass Energy User’s Survey—Successes and Savings
Julie Kies, Biomass Utilization Coordinator, MT Dept of Natural Resources
Biomass Fuel Supply
Emissions, Energy Returns, and Economics: Using Forest Residues for Thermal Energy Compared to Onsite Slash Pile Burning
Greg Jones, Research Forester, Rocky Mountain Research Station, US Forest Service
Case Study: Darby School’s Stockpile of Community-Donated Wood
Rick Scheele, Maintenance Supervisor, Darby School
Kevin Jump, Fuel Supplier, John Jump Trucking
Fuel Procurement, Supplier Bids and Contracts
Open Discussion
Other Topics
Resources for Educating Communities and Students about Wood Energy
Julie Kies, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
Resource List
PowerPoint Slide
Current and Future Trends in Biomass Heating
Adam Sherman, Program Director, Biomass Energy Resource Center
Tour of Glacier High School’s 6 MMBTU biomass boiler plant
Jason Betterley, Systems Facilitator, Kalispell Public Schools
