Sustainability & Peat Reserves
Since 2003, American Peat Technology has been producing value-added products manufactured from the peat natural resource. Although the use of peat in general is under scrutiny, the benefits of using peat in defined, high-value ways is indisputable. American Peat Technology’s sustainability documents for BioAPT and APTsorb are a reasoned, in-depth voice in the discussion revolving around the best use of peat.
In addition to stewarding the peat resource it depends on, American Peat Technology continually seeks ways to make its manufacturing process more environmentally sensitive and sustainable. The use of fossil fuels in the peat drying process is not only a concern environmentally, it subjects the company to varying and unpredictable costs and supply. In 2010, APT made the move to use carbon-neutral, locally-available and cost-effective biomass to provide the bulk of its dryer fuel needs. Additionally, through creative engineering and fabrication, APT seeks to repurpose equipment as it expands and optimizes the production process. For example, the two primary dryers and two feeder bins were salvaged and modified from previous manufacturing operations, and the ball mill was recovered from a scrap yard and put back to work. Also, the precast concrete in APT’s wood chip storage building was destined for the landfill, but was reclaimed for use as exterior walls. All of these efforts result in less pollution, less waste and less impact on the environment.
The long-term health and productivity of APT is directly tied to its peat resources. At current rates of use, the company expects to harvest peat in its existing permitted harvest area through at least 2050. The company hopes to grow and exceed its current use rate, which obviously reduces the expected lifetime of the current harvest area. The long-term plan of APT is to develop additional peat deposits and new manufacturing locations to meet future demand. Because opening new peatlands for development is a time-consuming, arduous and costly process involving numerous permitting agencies and requiring APT to seek a social license from the community, the process of expansion is already underway.
American Peat Technology does not take lightly the perceived impacts of peat harvesting. As evidenced in its current location (APT’s P.E.A.T. Project in Aitkin), local communities are proud and protective of the natural resources that characterize their landscapes. APT can point to the experiences and track record gained in Aitkin as a hedge against uncertainty. Peat harvest necessarily disturbs the natural landscape, but in the process, APT invests in the community that hosts them through the generation of well-paying jobs, a commitment to buying locally as much as possible and a generous charitable donation program. Once peat harvest is complete on a deposit, communities can expect APT to comply with and exceed the conditions of its permit by returning the harvest area to a vibrant, diverse and native landscape that will ultimately become a net producer of peat in the future.
Peat is a valuable resource, and APT will continue to be a staunch supporter of sustaining and enhancing the resource into the future. The environmental, social and economic benefits of peat development are too important for us to do anything less.
APT Innovations
Transforming Industries with Innovative Products
At APT, we’re constantly working to find better ways to use natural resources to address historical environmental challenges while creating cleaner industrial, municipal and agricultural practices around the world.
Solving Environmental Issues with Natural Peat
Humans have used peat in a variety of ways for hundreds of years, mainly as a fuel source. At APT we’re taking peat further than anyone else has before, to solve complex environmental issues in agriculture and water remediation.
Repurposing Manufacturing Equipment
Whenever possible, we’ve acquired previously-used manufacturing equipment and reengineered it to suit our operations.
Approaching Reclamation Proactively
We know wetlands are an essential part of Minnesota’s ecosystems. Before we begin harvesting, we have a plan for reclamation, restoration and mitigation. We’re committed to restoring the land we disturb, and we conduct our operations accordingly.
Modifying Granular Peat to Treat for Other Elements of Concern
Protecting water quality is a top challenge for both the industrial and municipal sectors. Through our ambitious R&D program, we are transforming our granular products to target contaminants like sulfate, selenium, mercury and arsenic.