The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has awarded Cheron Inc., an Indianapolis-based company, a $30,000 Recycled Product Marketing grant for the company’s innovative use of scrap gypsum.
The company converts the scrap drywall into a soil additive that improves the quality of the farmland.
Cheron is also recycling synthetic gypsum into soil amendment products. Synthetic gypsum is a byproduct from the processing of coal in the production of electricity.
"By creating awareness and demand for the beneficial use of gypsum within the Indiana agricultural community, Indiana farmers can realize true benefits," said Ron Chamberlain, one of the founders of Cheron. "Using gypsum on Indiana soil not only enhances farmers' productivity and the state's output, but it also helps protect our environment by capturing more carbon dioxide, reducing soil erosion, and helping with the offsite movement of pollutants such as excess nutrients and pesticides."
Cheron estimates that more than 20,000 tons of synthetic gypsum and scrap drywall will be diverted from landfills and land applied in Indiana this year. Additionally, by 2010, Cheron expects to be diverting 200,000 tons of gypsum away from the waste stream and landfills.
"Anytime someone can create something that positively affects the environment, we are proud to offer assistance," said IDEM Commissioner Thomas Easterly. "This was an extremely worthwhile venture that has resulted in tremendous results."