[USCC] Disinfecting storm water for windrow irrigation

Wed Oct 25 13:04:11 CDT 2006

Craig,

There are several technologies that could be used to treat the stormwater.
I receive a free publication called Stormwater, the Journal for Surface
Water Quality Professionals.  They have advertisements for several types of
control technology that could easily be built into the runoff control
system of a compost site.  The cost of the technology is never discussed.
Their web address is http://www.stormh2o.com/sw.html.

Hope this helps.

Ken Powell
Environmental Scientist
SW Processing Facilities Unit
Kansas Department of Health & Environment
Bureau of Waste Management
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 320
Topeka, KS  66612-1366
Phone: (785) 296-1121
Fax: (785) 296-1592
E-mail  kpowell at kdhe.state.ks.us
www.kdheks.gov/waste

             "Craig Coker"                                                 
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             10/25/2006 10:01                                      Subject 
             AM                        [USCC] Disinfecting storm water for 
                                       windrow irrigation                  

             Please respond to                                             
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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

Colleagues:

The NC Division of Water Quality is on the verge of requiring that
composters in North Carolina obtain a wastewater discharge permit for any
rainwater that comes into contact with composting, curing or product
storage
areas (in lieu of a storm water discharge permit); unless the composter can
demonstrate that the captured storm water from the 25-yr, 24-hr storm can
all be reused on-site for moisture control in windrows or piles.
Hydraulically, this is generally achievable.

However, this raises the question of fecal coliform contamination of storm
water and the viable means to disinfect that storm water.  There is sparse
data available on fecal counts in storm water samples.  A 2003 sample by a
County yard waste composting facility in NC showed a fecal count of 43,000.
The 1997 study by E&A for Clean Washington Center at Phoenix Organic
Products (also yard waste only) indicated an average fecal count of
650,000.
I surmise the fecal is coming from animal feces in the grass clippings
and/or leaves.

When disinfecting equipment to prevent cross-contamination, I have used a
simple Clorox solution in a backpack sprayer, so I have been evaluating the
use of Clorox as a disinfectant for storm water.  However, I am uncertain
of
the degree of residual chlorine concentration if Clorox (or similar
chlorine-based bleach) were used to disinfect a storm water irrigation
supply.  The folks at Clorox recommend a dose rate of 1 gallon of their
Ultra Clorox Germicidal Bleach (EPA Reg. No. 67619-8) per 30,000 gallons of
water for disinfecting swimming pools.

Does anyone think that the residual chlorine from that level of dosing
would
be detrimental to the composting process?

Does anyone know of other viable means for disinfecting storm water that
would not affect the composting process?

Many thanks,

Craig

Craig Coker

Coker Composting & Consulting

3331 Glade Creek Blvd.

Ste. 7

Roanoke, VA  24012

(540) 904-2698

Fax: (540) 904-6732

Cell: (540) 874-5168

craigcoker at cox.net

www.cokercompost.com

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