[USCC] Compost Digest Vol 29 #15-- Regulation by various agencies (Rufus Chaney)

[frank]

Mr. Edo McGowan,

There are only two things composters can do regarding safety. One is to 
make sure the compost has met Pathogen Reduction temperatures and time 
and the other to make sure the composting process is formulated to be 
very active using a wide variety of microbes and continues to completion 
to degrade as much of the biodegradable carbon it can leaving a very 
stable product. That will include degradation of as many of the organic 
contaminants and pathogens that can be degraded. Working to improve 
these two steps is our goal, as I see it. A third step, if you will, 
would be to make the product as marketable as possible in regards to 
smell and looks for the intended client.

If there are any pathogens or contaminants left after attention to these 
two processes at a concentration of unacceptable risk, the feedstock 
source must be removed or corrected by the provider. So information of 
contaminants or pathogens left after a very well monitored and active 
composting process would be of interest. And if you have suggestions as 
to how to improve these two processes that would also be of interest.

Thanks

Frank



Edo McGowan wrote:

>U.S. COMPOSTING COUNCIL 15th ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND TRADESHOW
>Wyndham Orlando Resort | Orlando, FL | January 21-24, 2007
>The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry
>CONFERENCE PROGRAM, REGISTRATION FORMS, WORKSHOP AGENDAS,
>EXHIBITOR INFORMATION AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE USCC WEBSITE: www.compostingcouncil.org OR CALL THE USCC AT 631-737-4931 
>
>
>Re: Compost Digest Vol 29 #15-- Regulation by various agencies (Rufus Chaney)
>
>
>Mr. Chaney, I agree about the use of straw men in arguments, however, I feel that my postings have not fallen into this category. I have attempted to maintain a professional attitude and think the record corroborates this. My problem stems from a lack of appreciation within the list serve with respect to your and Al’s refusal to adequately address antibiotic resistance in sewer sludge as used, for example in composted potting soils and bagged compost sold at nurseries. I have attempted to ascertain the source of many of these products and the fact that they are made from composted sewer sludge fails to be presented on the package. Some well known companies go so far as to put websites claiming to specify ingredient composition. When, however, one attempts top ascertain such, there is no information. The WERF paper that was just released by Higgins-Murthy seems to indicate that current standards are not only deficient, but would suggest that these areas be evaluated yet further. The issue of high rates of indicator intensification in some sludge also speaks volumes on resistance, hence feed stock for compost. I don’t see how this issue is a paper tiger.
>
>Thus we are not proffering straw men or beating a dead horses here. Again, I agree that the need for a professional conversation is necessary to any discourse, but there is nothing wrong with debate unless one is afraid of it.
>
>The fact that the regulatory authorities are behind the curve is merely symptomatic of a larger political influence, which I believe can easily be demonstrated. Thus, it is critical for industry to step up to the plate in a professional way. How else should they respond---with spin?
> 
>
>_______________________________________________
>Compost maillist  -  Compost at composter.com
>
>
>Ongoing Sponsors of the USCC Discussion list are:
>
>Food Industry Environmental Network (FIEN), a regulatory and policy e-mail alert service for environmental, food and agricultural industry professionals.
>Contact Jack Cooper 301/384-8287 JLC at fien.com --- www.fien.com
>
>Renewable Carbon Management, LLC with the containerized, in-vessel NaturTech Composting System www.composter.com rcm at composter.com
>
>(c) Copyright 2006 United States  - All rights reserved
>Opinions expressed are represent only the poster and are not necessarily the opinion or policy of any organization.
>
>Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through our website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm     For discussion list policies and information regarding subscribing, unsubscribing, digest or other options, go to:http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost
>
>For additional help in unsubscribing or to report bugs and problems, send a message to the List Manager, Jim McNelly, at compost-owner at composter.com 
>
>
>
>  
>

-- 
Frank Shields
Soil Control Lab
42 Hangar way
Watsonville, CA  95076
(831) 724-5422 tel
(831) 724-3188 fax
frank at compostlab.com
www.compostlab.com