Selecting a suitable site for large-scale commercial composting
Many factors need to be taken into account in site selection.
We will assume that a preliminary assessment will have, by this stage, already have identified suitable green waste feedstocks which exist within reasonable proximity of the chosen site, and that the owner is willing to make the site available for this purpose.
Similarly, there will be many sites which will be precluded from composting facility use, by planning and other similar constraints, either attached directly to the deeds, or within the Local Plan.
Points to consider:-
- Flood plain and high water table sites may be flooded during the wet weather, and therefore must be avoided;
- Heavy equipment cannot operate under boggy conditions. An all-weather access road to the site is essential;
- An effective barrier to prevent unauthorised dumping (fly tipping) and entry, is necessary;
- The site needs to be capable of being graded to minimise water ponding on the compost slab areas, and a storm water management system needs to be designed for any site in a flat area to prevent runoff from backing-up and entering the receiving, processing, curing and storage areas;
- Runoff also needs to be prevented from leaving the site. Runoff can be directed to a holding tank (or possibly a pond) where it can be used as a source of irrigation water for the compost during dry periods.
- The site should also have access to fire protection, and there should be space for future expansion. Although, use may be made of a holding tank or lagoon, without these a suitable high flow rate potable water supply may be required. Consult the local Fire Brigade if unsure;
- Tree or other vegetative buffers should be included in the site plan if possible, because they aid in preventing the site from being a noise annoyance and they contribute to visual aesthetics and public acceptance of the site.;
- The site should contain a weighbridge and be planned for traffic control, unloading and receiving, processing, storage and sale of the finished products;
If several different products are produced at a site, the facility could be divided into areas that correspond to the processing for each product. For example, a site that produces compost, landscape chips and boiler fuel could be divided into two or three processing areas. Yard waste for composting could be received and ground in one area and then placed in another area dedicated to the composting process. After several months, depending on the feedstock and composting system used, the composting material could be moved to a curing and storage area. The woody material being processed as boiler fuel could be processed in a separate area for immediate shipping. Wood for landscape chips could probably be processed in this same area as needed. The important point is to design the site to facilitate the efficient flow of material, that is the receiving, processing, storage and sale of the materials.
In order to operate a solid waste facility to produce compost, a permit must be applied for and obtained from the Environmental Agency. For permitting requirements refer to the Environment Agency web site (England & Wales), SEPA web site (Scotland), DEFRA (Northern Ireland), or EPA (Ireland). Enviros Consulting can provide further assistance, if engaged on a site specific basis. For certain feedstocks, licensing under the Animal By-Products Regulations may also be required.
|
