AgSTAR

AgSTAR National Mapping Tool

What is the National Mapping Tool?

Sample map available from the AgSTAR National Mapping ToolLaunch the National Mapping Tool. (Remember to right click on the link and choose "Open link in new window" to view the tool and this page at the same time.)

The National Mapping Tool helps advance the use of anaerobic digestion in the agriculture sector in the United States. The National Mapping Tool helps you:

  • Locate anaerobic digesters using livestock waste,
  • Examine the potential for growth in the agriculture sector,
  • Identify and compare investments,
  • Find organizations related to the AgSTAR program, and
  • Compare state incentives, policies, standards and emissions.

Getting Started (Frequent Questions)

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About the Data

The Mapping Tool allows you to customize your research using different types of data—known as data layers. Brief descriptions of the data layers available in the mapping tool include: facilities, growth potential, state summaries, investments and related organizations.

  • Anaerobic Digesters
    The AgSTAR Anaerobic Digester Database supplies the data for the mapping tool’s anaerobic digesters at livestock farms in the United States. The mapping tool includes facilities that are under construction, operating, or shut down. Details on each facility are available by clicking on a map symbol.  In-depth profiles are available for select projects.
  • Landfill Gas Energy Projects
    EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program is the data source for operational landfill gas projects in the United States. Landfill gas can be used for many purposes, including heating greenhouses, producing electricity and heat in cogeneration applications, and providing fuel to chemical and automobile manufacturing.
  • Wastewater Treatment Plants
    The Water Environment Federation Exit is the data source for wastewater treatment facilities, many of which operate anaerobic digesters to generate energy from biogas and to control greenhouse gas emissions. Biogas from these digesters can be used as fuel to generate electricity and heat for the facility.
  • Waste Facilities
    The Waste Business Journal Exit provides data for nearly 9,000 waste facilities in the mapping tool. Details for each facility include the types of wastes or materials that are accepted, volume of primary waste, cost per ton, tipping fees and remaining capacity.
  • Composting Facilities
    EPA and the Waste Business Journal provide data on composting facilities, which divert organic wastes away from traditional landfills.  The mapping tool includes details for operating and pilot composting facilities across the United States, including the annual tonnage and number of households served by each. The map organizes facilities by the types of waste received.
  • EPA’s Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2014 provides state-level summaries of methane emissions for livestock operations by animal group, including beef, dairy, poultry, swine, sheep, goats, horses, mules and asses, and bison.
  • The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) Exit is the data source for:
    • Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS): A state’s RPS requires retail electric providers to supply a specified minimum amount of customer load with electricity from eligible renewable energy sources.
    • State Incentives for Renewable Energy: including incentives and policies established by the federal government, state governments and U.S. territories, local governments, and larger electric and gas utilities in the United States.
    • State-level Investments in Renewable Energy Projects: including information on USDA programs that provide assistance to renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
  • USDA programs that provide assistance to renewable energy and energy efficiency projects are represented in the mapping tool. Energy investments are categorized by energy type, including anaerobic digester. Investments are also shown by funding program.
  • AgSTAR’s partners across the country, including state agencies, agricultural extension offices, universities and other state-wide non-governmental organizations are represented in the mapping tool. Additionally, colleges and universities that conduct research related to anaerobic digesters are also included.