Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 9, September 27, 2024
A. When
the Department determines that the composting of solid animal manure and other
animal by-products is performed in such a manner that the odor and vector
attraction potential is reduced and the controlled microbial degradation of the
organic manure and other animal by-products has been accomplished, this
material may be considered Exceptional Quality Compost. Exceptional Quality
Compost may be sold or distributed without regulation by the Department, if it
meets the requirements of this part and the standards established by Penn State
University. The Department shall review and approve the composter design and
proposal for operation and distribution of the composted product. Composting
systems shall be designed by a professional engineer or an engineer with the
Natural Resources Conservation Service.
B. Composting can be subject to nuisance
problems such as odors, dusts, and vector attraction. Therefore, the composting
facility shall incorporate measures to control such conditions. An Odor and
Vector Abatement Plan shall be developed for a composting facility.
C. Compost Product Quality Standards.
1. Product Standards are necessary to protect
public and environmental health and to ensure a measure of commercial
acceptability.
a. Based on EPA standards for
pathogen reduction, the time/temperature conditions required are equivalent to
an average of 128 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) (53 degrees Celsius (°C)) for
five (5) consecutive days, 131°F (55°C) for 2.6 consecutive days, or
158°F (70°C) for thirty (30) minutes.
b. The composted product shall meet or exceed
the minimum standard of mature or very mature compost as set forth in the USDA
Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost (TMECC) Section
05.02-G CQCC Maturity Index. A maturity rating shall be given based upon the
Maturity Assessment Matrix given in this method.
c. When land applied, the compost shall
adhere to requirements for constituent concentrations and loading rates as
outlined in Part 100.100, Part 200.100, or Part 400.60.
2. Compost products which meet these
standards and also comply with pathogen quality and vector attraction standards
are considered to be of Exceptional Quality and can be used without regulatory
oversight, other than the compliance of agronomic application rates based on
product analysis.
3. If the
Department determines that the composting system is not being operated properly
or that the composted product is not of an Exceptional Quality, the composted
product shall be handled in accordance with the land application requirements
of Part 100, 200, or 400 (as applicable) of this regulation.
4. An operable thermometer capable of
measuring temperatures within a compost pile shall be kept at the composting
facility for monitoring the temperature of each compost pile or batch. A
written log of the daily temperature reading should be kept for each batch of
compost. Temperatures shall not be allowed to rise above 180°F (82°C),
which may cause combustion in the compost pile and start a fire.
5. The composted product shall be analyzed by
Clemson University or another Department approved laboratory. The composted
product content information along with recommended application rates shall be
distributed with the product. The consumer shall be advised that the composted
product shall be applied at an agronomic rate.
