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PERSPECTIVE

Compost Science & Utilization, (2006), Vol. 14, No. 1, 3

Research Lessons In The Field

IN THE March, 2006 issue of BioCycle, several articles give fine examples of how knowledge gained at composting research laboratories is being channeled into management decisions in the field. One report - designing a “supersized indoor composting facility” - traces the changes since 1993 in

managing biosolids for land application and soil improvement. Today, 25 counties in California have bans on land application, viewing biosolids as a very undesirable waste product. The result is a need to develop a composting facility that will convert biosolids, manure and green waste into acceptable end products.
The site selected is 25.4 acres with an existing 410,000 sq ft building (originally constructed as a furniture warehouse). The challenge is enclosing all operations with complete air capture and odor control, plus generating 150,000 tons/year of marketable material. This facility is viewed as a test case for the region's ability to build and operate a successful operation in a densely populated area. The layout includes all the distinct areas of an organics recycling facility, with specs for ventilation exchange in both the composting and curing areas.
According to facility planners, odor control techniques are a major challenge. Biofiltration was selected with very large duct work. To ensure that air would move as intended and stagnant pockets would not develop, computer modeling of the interior flow was performed. Once operations are underway, a prime challenge will be to keep product moving off site. Conclude the managers: “Any operation can work around a bad batch of compost or an equipment failure, but working around angry neighbors is far more difficult.”
Another article in March BioCycle deals with dust management, a topic covered often in these pages of CS&U. Preventing problems requires good facility design, adherence to well-maintained controls and procedures as specified by research results. Dust is a major enemy of equipment and buildings since it clogs air intakes, gets into lubrication systems of machines, and accumulates to depths where its insulating properties can cause machinery to overheat.
This issue of Compost Science & Utilization continues its ongoing analysis of specific phases of composting with all aspects of processing, emissions, suppressiveness and compost impact on soil properties and crop response. The research findings are being well used at sites throughout the world, as is evident from the articles in BioCycle. If you are not receiving BioCycle, please call Ann Miller at (610) 967-4135 ext. 22 or e-mail biocycle@jgpress to get a complimentary copy of the latest issue - and details of how to subscribe.