![]() Tom Tailer has been creating and spearheading several projects- collaborating with EVJDF and University of Vermont Following Hurricane Matthew the HIDS project was launched. Using the HIDS (Humane Infrastructure Development System) cement panel design, ten domes (smaller version of the 20ft dome) have now been completed by staff and students of EVJDF. Strategically placed at 5 churches and homes of community leaders, they serve to showcase this structure as a means for evaluation of a continued program. After having many discussions in November, we are happy to report that these structures are highly valued in the community. The domes have a variety of day to day uses and will serve as safe shelter during any future natural disaster. We are currently researching how this program will move forward. In March 2017 Tom traveled to Duchity with a group of UVM students. Several of them had been researching, designing and constructing a new Biosand filter utilizing the HIDS panels in Vermont. Their first prototype was successfully created on site at EVJDF. Plans are underway to determine the possibility for production at EVJDF which would greatly decrease transport costs, allow many more filters to be installed and provide jobs as well as skills practice for voc. students. Prior to the March trip, Tom had worked in Vermont with several UVM students in the research and design of a zero water use septic system (KKP) that maximizes nutrient recovery and creates compost. During their trip in March they built the first KKP system at EVJDF. It uses the HIDS panel construction to form a raised bed. Over this bed sits an attractive, well ventilated and moveable outhouse frame. Human waste is covered daily with waste charcoal dust. When at capacity, the outhouse frame is transferred to the next raised bed, and a solar collector is placed over it; heating and dehydrating the waste to a safe level for planting non-root crop vegetables. After approx. one year the new compost will then be transferred to the garden. We are currently planning a winter 2018 trip to continue with monitoring and evaluation. Users at the school have given it high scores! Comments are closed.
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June 2019
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