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An On-Going Dilemma
Asking Permission from Local Regulators to Compost Horse Manure
Message from Peter Moon:
Let me start by saying that our primary objective in designing all O2Compost systems is to protect surface water and ground water resources. With our compost systems, we are effectively isolating the raw mix of materials and preventing adverse impacts to the environment.
It is also our goal to significantly reduce odors, flies and rodents in and around the compost pile and to improve the overall aesthetics of the manure handling area. In all cases, our compost systems qualify as "Best Management Practices (BMP's)".
It is, therefore, extremely frustrating for all concerned when local regulators layer on additional requirements which, as it turns out, dissuade or prevent our clients from implementing an easy solution to their manure management problem.
Case in Point
Earlier this year, a client in Wisconsin contacted the La Crosse County Department of Land Conservation to inquire if permits would be required to set up an O2Compost system for her 10 horses. Her question, as well intended as it might have been, threw her into a bureaucratic "do-loop" which ultimately prevented her from setting up her compost system.
If you are interested in the details of what she was required to do, read the full article posted on our website.
To fulfill all of the permit requirements, she would have had to hire a farm planner at a significant expense and expose her farm to an unending scrutiny of County Regulators.
The Outcome
The irony is that she abandoned her plans to compost and is now spreading raw manure on her pastures and a neighbor's farm ground.
My Recommendation
As a registered Professional Engineer, I am torn between: 1) satisfying the letter of the law, and 2) sidestepping these agency-driven obstacles and doing what's ultimately the right thing for the environment. When it comes to permits, my suggestion is this: "Don't Ask - Don't Tell".
It's a Mystery...
Can you identify the location of this O2Compost system? Email your guesses to sherri@o2compost.com. Any correct responses will be posted in our next newsletter.
Composting in China
In September of this year, Peter Moon, founder and President of O2Compost, was asked to become a "Foreign Expert" to teach the principles of composting to the Beijing Hydraulic Research Institute (BHRI). Peter is one of several Foreign Experts - the others are working on such topics as incineration of municpal solid waste for energy recovery, electrification of automobiles, wetland restoration and stream enhancement, and software architecture and design.
Peter is currently working on a pilot test project to compost 80 tons of biosolids (solid residuals from wastewater treatment) and teach the Aerated Static Pile Method of composting. Using the results of this pilot project, he will then help design and construct a full scale compost facility located on the outskirts of Beijing and provide assistance with system startup, full scale operation and compost utilization.
The goal is to then design and construct compost facilities at other locations around Beijing and other major cities in China that can benefit tremendously by converting an "organic waste problem" into a "natural resource opportunity".
Testimonials
Two new testimonials have been added to our website! Coincidentally, one is from North Carolina and the other is from South Carolina. Visit the Testimonials page on our webiste to read what they have to say.
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