EFI USA

Covered lagoon digester costs typically range from $300,000 to $1.5 million depending on lagoon size, site conditions, biogas collection requirements, and flaring or energy recovery infrastructure. EFI provides detailed proposals after a free site assessment that accounts for your specific operation.

Covered lagoon digesters are most cost-effective for operations producing significant organic waste streams. For dairy operations, this typically means 500+ head. For swine, 2,000+ head. For food processing facilities, any operation with a wastewater lagoon producing measurable biogas is a candidate. EFI's proprietary dataset helps us model viability for your specific operation.

A typical covered lagoon digester installation takes 4 to 8 weeks from mobilization to commissioning, depending on lagoon size and site conditions. EFI's in-house fabrication capability means covers arrive on-site ready for installation, minimizing field time and disruption to your operation.

Routine maintenance includes periodic inspection of cover integrity, condensate drain clearing, flare system checks, and monitoring system calibration. EFI offers comprehensive O&M contracts that include scheduled inspections, 24/7 remote monitoring, and emergency response. Most systems require only a few hours of on-site attention per month.

Yes. The majority of EFI's installations are retrofits to existing lagoons. Our engineering team evaluates the existing lagoon geometry, freeboard, structural integrity, and waste characteristics to design a cover system that integrates seamlessly. In many cases, no lagoon modifications are needed beyond minor grading of the perimeter.

A covered lagoon digester (CLD) is an ambient-temperature or mesophilic system that covers an existing or purpose-built lagoon, capturing biogas as waste naturally decomposes. A continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) is a heated, mixed vessel that accelerates digestion at higher temperatures. CLDs have dramatically lower capital costs and are ideal for operations in warmer climates or with high-volume, lower-solids waste streams. EFI specializes in CLDs and has installed more than any contractor in the US.

A geosynthetic liner is a synthetic membrane — typically made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene) — used as an impermeable barrier for containment applications. These engineered membranes prevent liquids, gases, and contaminants from migrating into soil and groundwater. EFI installs geosynthetic liners for agricultural lagoons, landfills, mining operations, industrial ponds, and municipal wastewater systems across 25+ states.

HDPE liners can last 50+ years with proper installation and favorable conditions. Buried liners protected from UV exposure routinely exceed 50 years of service life. Exposed liners with UV stabilizers typically provide 20-30+ years depending on climate and chemical exposure. EFI's IAGI-certified installation practices and rigorous quality assurance program ensure maximum service life from every liner system.

Liner thickness ranges from 30 mil to 100 mil depending on the application, regulatory requirements, and site conditions. Agricultural containment typically requires 30-60 mil. Landfill and municipal applications often require 60-80 mil. Mining and hazardous waste containment may require 80-100 mil. EFI's engineering team evaluates your specific regulatory framework, chemical exposure, and loading conditions to specify the optimal thickness.

Geosynthetic liner installation typically costs $0.50 to $3.00 per square foot depending on liner thickness, material type, site terrain, and project complexity. Thinner agricultural liners on prepared subgrades fall at the lower end, while thick HDPE installations on difficult terrain with extensive QA requirements are at the higher end. EFI provides detailed proposals after a free site assessment that accounts for your specific conditions.

Yes, geosynthetic liners can be repaired in the field using extrusion welding techniques. EFI's repair services address punctures, tears, and seam defects using material-compatible patching and welding methods. For localized damage, field repairs restore full containment integrity. For extensively damaged liners, EFI can install a complete relining system over the existing liner, often without removing the original material.

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is rigid with superior chemical resistance, making it ideal for landfills, mining, and industrial applications where chemical exposure is a primary concern. LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene) is more flexible with better puncture resistance and elongation, making it preferred for uneven subgrades, settling environments, and applications requiring conformability. EFI's engineering team recommends the optimal material based on your specific site conditions and containment requirements.