1. Biodigester Project Bebedouro, Brazil Engineers Without Borders University of Maryland, College Park

2. Alagoas Maceio

3. About the Community Current problems with sanitation –No proper removal of waste/waste-water Area plagued with urban development problems Very poor area

4. EWB Solution Install a Biodigester to convert human and animal waste into biogas The biodigester will serve as an example to the community that affordable, easily implementable waste-water solutions exist Install biodigester at community school

5. About the Location Escola Estrela do Mar (The Starfish School) –School of ~25 underprivileged students –Provides education for poor children for free –Cooks 3 meals daily for students –Provides students with medical and dental health care –Works closely with the community –Website at www.starfishschool.org

6. Planned New Location A new school is currently being built 3 kilometers from current location Located in Santa Amelia Expanding to house more students

7. Current School New Location

8. What is a Biodigester? Enclosure that processes organic waste to produce biogas Cleanly processes waste Commonly used in rural or farm setting

9. Proposed Benefits The biodigester will remove waste from current cesspools –Potential to pump waste from outside sources Use the biogas as cooking fuel –Reduces pollution Produces high quality organic fertilizer as a byproduct

10. Considerations Maintenance Manageability Community Acceptance Space Time Cost Fuel needs

11. Proposed Timeline Now: Continue forming EWB-UMCP team –Meeting times: 6 PM, EGR 0135 Summer 2007: Assessment Trip Winter 2008: Implementation Trip