[USCC] Setting Industry Standards

Thu Nov 9 08:50:09 CST 2006

 Frank,
What happens if much of the composted manure is found to contain the
pathogenic strain of E. coli?  Will that compost producer be placed at
risk because some persons are overly cautious and allowed the incidence
of a non-compost related contamination event to influence the pathogen
testing regime for all composted manures?  There is no current reason to
stress about the pathogenic strain of E. coli in composted manure
because the current fecal coliform testing program the uses EC-MUG media
tests for the presence of E. coli as the indicator species for fecal
coliform bacteria, which is a test for pathogen concentrations.  My
opinion is that labs could add the pathogen test to their list, but it
shouldn't necessarily be included as an STA test and would really only
add to the fear factor related to compost use.  Whether the pathogenic
strain is present or not, the 503 regulations should still be used as a
guideline for testing pathogens. If there are greater than 1000 CFU/g
fecal coliform bacteria (E. coli), there is a problem.  If not, the risk
is low. 

Dave Schellinger 
W. A. Callegari Environmental Center

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at composter.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at composter.com] On Behalf Of frank
Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 1:05 PM
To: US Composting Council Compost Discussion List
Subject: [USCC] Setting Industry Standards

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 

Composters,
If we (USCC) want to become a leader in setting industry standards and
show all State and Federal  regulators that we can be counted on to act
quickly when needed to protect the public, we now have an opportunity.  
A common question is "does compost have E Coli 0157 in it and is it safe
to use?". To take advantage of this oportuinity we need to be set up to
do the following:

Can we:
Does the USCC have money available to fund the following:
a) fund testing for E Coli 0157 for each compost sample sent in during
regular testing (cost < $100 per sample) ?
This will answer the question of how often is it found and is it a
problem. If it is found to be a problem we need to do something about
correcting it. This could be put out to bid for all samples to be sent
to one place or a refund to each composter having the test done.

b) fund Bob Miller and the CAP program to add E Coli 0157 to test
samples to test out the labs doing the testing.
Like the other tests we need to know the method and sample handling is
such that when we test for it we know the procedure works.

c) Fund the program that adds new procedures to the TMECC so we can
include the E Coli 0157 procedure to the Methods manual.
We need a group that is in charge of reviewing methods in the manual and
can add methods so all labs use the same proven procedures they need  to
do the testing.

d) fund the added expense to the STA program for working with and make
changing to the STA form to include E Coli 0157 along with metals,
salmonella and fecal coliform -IF- found to be needed. To fund the added
cost needed to review results for E Coli 0157 when they are sent in
along with the other data..

If the USCC can require, or ask for volunteers, -NOW-  to have E Coli
0157 tested in their compost with their normal sampling and the results
sent in to Ron Alexander (STA) for review along with their other results
to make a decision if there is, or not a problem - we take control and
start leading the way. OR we can just sit by and see what happens...... 

Frank

--
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

_______________________________________________
Compost maillist  -  Compost at composter.com
http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost

This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council.

_______________________________________________

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

Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses will have
their posting privelages suspended.  No exceptions!

Opinions expressed 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 