From mattcotton at mindspring.com Wed Mar 5 23:48:39 2008 From: mattcotton at mindspring.com (Matthew Cotton) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 21:48:39 -0800 Subject: [USCC] Resource Management Certification Message-ID: <7B6F6D14-D63B-4E09-95EB-9B9C69C3B39F@mindspring.com> Apologies for Cross Postings Resource Management Professional Certification & Training Workshop Series - March 20 -21 2008 Davis, CA The California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) certification program makes its first stop in Northern California. The third of six in our series will be held at UC Davis. Please see below for more information on all of our 2008 workshop & training series. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ Courses Offered: Thursday, March 20, 2008 Public Outreach - Selling the 3R's - Instructor, Shana Levy McCracken Introduction to Organics Management & Composting - Instructor, Matthew Cotton Friday, March 21, 2008 Introduction to Recycling 101A and Introduction Rethinking Wastes 101B- Instructor, Richard Gertman Cooling the Planet with Zero Waste - Instructor, Gary Liss Where & When: Date: March 20-21, 2008 Registration: 8:30 - 9:30 am All courses are from 9:30am to 4:00pm Location: UC Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616 Who Should Register: This program will benefit individuals working in the recycling, composting, reuse, resource management and solid waste management fields. Individuals will receive training valuable for enhancing employable skills. Whether a person is new to the industry, or a seasoned professional, this program is designed to give an in depth understanding of the skills and technical expertise required for success in the recycling and resource management fields. Training and workshops are open to all persons. COST: $85 Member; $100 Non Member per workshop, except as noted below (for combined course on Friday) REGISTER NOW **NOTE - You can only register for one class per day** http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xnvsikcab.0.0.fjocx8bab.0&ts=S0323&p=http%3A% 2F%2Fwww.regonline.com%2Fcert_davis&id=preview Individuals enrolled in the certification program and who complete a test, will receive a certificate of completion for each course. For more information and to enroll in the certification program, View details of certification http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xnvsikcab.0.0.fjocx8bab.0&ts=S0323&p=http%3A% 2F%2Fwww.crra.com%2Fcertifications%2Fhow.html&id=preview Join Our Mailing List! http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp? m=1101515536677&id=preview ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ This is the third of six workshop series which will be held in 2008. For a full list of all future trainings, visit CRRA Certification calendar http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xnvsikcab.0.0.fjocx8bab. 0&ts=S0323&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crra.com%2Fcertifications% 2Fcalendar.html&id=preview . These workshops are available in part due to a Grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Sponsored by the City of Los Angeles CA Resource Recovery Assoc | PO Box 1228 | San Luis Obispo | CA | 93406 Matthew Cotton Integrated Waste Management Consulting, LLC 19375 Lake City Road Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 265-4560 Fax (530) 265-4547 matt at mattcotton.com www.mattcotton.com Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, May 4, 2008 to May 10, 2008 "The Possibilities are Endless ... Compost!" Get details at www.compostingcouncil.org Help support your industry. Become a member today!!! From rubinhial at verizon.net Thu Mar 13 16:13:11 2008 From: rubinhial at verizon.net (A RUBIN) Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:13:11 -0400 Subject: [USCC] Fire Plan for a Remotely Located Open Air Composting Facility Message-ID: <001101c8854f$0b62e400$0201a8c0@D9KT3811> I am writing to request any available information regarding a fire plan for a composting facility. I would be specifically interested in fire plans for remote composting facilities that do not have access to public utilities. Maybe you have or know of a composting facility that has been very proactive in their approach/planning with their local fire department? Thank you. Sincerely, Alan B. Rubin, Ph.D. From craigcoker at cox.net Fri Mar 14 12:04:12 2008 From: craigcoker at cox.net (Craig Coker) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:04:12 -0400 Subject: [USCC] Fire Plan for a Remotely Located Open Air Composting Facility In-Reply-To: <001101c8854f$0b62e400$0201a8c0@D9KT3811> References: <001101c8854f$0b62e400$0201a8c0@D9KT3811> Message-ID: <003f01c885f5$6d0f9a80$6400a8c0@LAPTOP> Alan: I'd refer you to Ken Newman at Royal Oak Farm near Lynchburg, VA (540-297-3299). His open-air windrow composting facility is rural and he's also the Ass't. Chief of the Huddleston VFD nearby. Following is an excerpt from the O&M manual I drafted for his VA DEQ Solid Waste Composting Permit. Cheers, Craig OPERATIONS MANUAL FIRE MANAGEMENT ________________________________________ Composting facilities can be sources of fires due to the combustible nature of some of the feedstocks in the composting process. Fire prevention is a far more effective approach to fire management than fire fighting, but, in the event a fire does occur, all employees shall follow these procedures. Fire prevention principles that are always in effect at Royal Oak include: careful and frequent temperature monitoring of compost piles; ensuring adequate moisture in compost piles; detecting and repairing any equipment fuel leaks immediately; and careful management and isolation of combustible liquids. There are three types of fires possible at the Royal Oak composting facility: a compost fire, a diesel-fuel fire on a piece of equipment, or a structural fire (i.e. the office, the repair garage, the storage shed, etc.). Each fire is different and requires a different approach to fight. Compost Fires Compost fires are usually caused by spontaneous combustion of the materials in the compost fire, but can also be caused by a carelessly-tossed cigarette, or by lightning. Compost fires are smoldering ember-type fires that can often be detected in their early stages by careful temperature monitoring. Use the following procedure for compost fires: . If routine temperature monitoring shows a location in a windrow where temperatures are greater than 160o F., flag the location of the reading (with a landscape flag or a stick with a rag tied to it) and notify the General Manager immediately. . If you detect smoke rising from a vent in the compost, mark the location and notify the General Manager immediately. . To fight a compost fire, carefully excavate the area around the marked flag or stick with the bucket of the loader and spread the compost out on the ground in a thin layer (no more than 12" thick). Be aware that exposing the inside of a compost pile to air while it is burning may spread the fire quickly. . Have another person standing by with a water hose and thoroughly water down the embers in the compost. Be aware that compost fires can reignite and spread so watering the whole area thoroughly is best. . If the fire seems to be spreading, notify the General Manager and assist him in getting larger amounts of water from the irrigation stanchion to fight the fire. Diesel Fires Diesel fuel and other combustible liquids leaking from a piece of equipment can catch fire, especially in the presence of fine dusts created by the composting operation which can be ignited by stray sparks. These types of fires can only be put out with a Class B fire extinguisher. In the event of a diesel (or combustible liquids) fire, immediately call 911. Use only an approved Class B fire extinguisher to fight the fire, aiming the extinguisher at the base of the fire. When the Fire Department arrives, let them take over. Structure Fire In the event of a fire involving one of the structures at Royal Oak Composting Facility, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIGHT THE FIRE YOURSELF. Immediately call 911. Craig Coker Coker Composting & Consulting 3331 Glade Creek Blvd., Ste. 7 Roanoke, VA 24012 Tel.: (540) 904-2698 Fax: (540) 904-6732 Cell: (540) 874-5168 Email: craigcoker at cox.net Web: www.cokercompost.com -----Original Message----- From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com [mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of A RUBIN Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2008 5:13 PM To: compost at mailman.cloudnet.com Subject: [USCC] Fire Plan for a Remotely Located Open Air Composting Facility I am writing to request any available information regarding a fire plan for a composting facility. I would be specifically interested in fire plans for remote composting facilities that do not have access to public utilities. Maybe you have or know of a composting facility that has been very proactive in their approach/planning with their local fire department? Thank you. Sincerely, Alan B. Rubin, Ph.D. _______________________________________ Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX. The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry. Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 ____________________________________________________________________________ __ Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost _______________________________________ This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors. Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their posting privileges suspended. 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 unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org From mattcotton at mindspring.com Fri Mar 14 12:27:30 2008 From: mattcotton at mindspring.com (Matthew Cotton) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2008 10:27:30 -0700 Subject: [USCC] Fire Plan for a Remotely Located Open Air Composting Facility In-Reply-To: <001101c8854f$0b62e400$0201a8c0@D9KT3811> References: <001101c8854f$0b62e400$0201a8c0@D9KT3811> Message-ID: <4B4DCA7B-EEEB-4809-9E9E-64DD9ACA514E@mindspring.com> Alan - Bob Rynk (One-time Technical Editor of BioCycle) has written two very good articles on fires at compost facilities, covering prevention (the best idea) and means of extinguishing (largely misunderstood). The Rynk articles are archived on BioCycle's web site. I believe they (BioCycle) have had a few more recent articles that you may find with a quick search on "fire" at www.jgpress.com/biocycle. Perhaps the most significant nugget of wisdom Dr. Rynk passed on is that good composting practice (i.e., managing moisture content, monitoring temperature, adequate porosity, etc.) is also the best mitigation for preventing fires at composting facilities. Many of the newspaper accounts of "compost fires" are actually spontaneous combustion fires in very large piles of organic material that may or may not be in any way managed to produce compost - though clearly there are lots of ways to make compost, some are more likely than others to run into spontaneous combustion issues - I've seen sites with very large piles, who don't seem to have have fire problems. Nonetheless, it is reasonable for large composting sites to have a written plan (and train employees) on fire prevention and control measures. I want to emphasize the training part because I am aware of at least one situation where a first-shift employee arrived at a site early in the morning to discover a spontaneous combustion fire, but didn't have the training to do much about it. I have written a number of site-specific fire plans for composting facilities here in CA - oddly the State requires a signed-by-the-fire- marshall, Fire Prevention, Control, and Mitigation Plan for permitted C&D recycling facilities, but they do not require them for compost facilities. This requirement came from the fallout after a well- publicized fire at a C&D recycling facility. I would hope operators of large compost facilities would have the foresight to plan for the eventuality of fires before the local planning or fire authority requires it. There are a number of resources available to help here: http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/LEACentral/Fires/default.htm Including a somewhat dated "US Composting Council Presentation". I believe Phil Leege put this together many years ago, as part of then USCC training (?) While there is some good stuff here, it should NOT be construed as USCC policy (I guess I'd be more comfortable if it was reviewed in this decade - I think the Industry has learned a lot since this was written), but there is some good stuff here. Fire officials who are not familiar with compost pile fires (or any fires involving really large piles of organic materials) tend to want to douse piles with water. Experience says this can be less effective then using material handling equipment (like loaders and dozers) to carefully remove non-burning material first, and then even more carefully remove the smoldering material to a location where it can be spread out, cooled off, and extinguished (water can be used here). Some facility operators who experience relatively small "smoker fires" (characterized by a small plume of smoke emanating from a specific chimney within the pile) report a technique of smothering the entire pile with finished compost or sand or other available non- flammable material. The danger in the "smothering" technique is that it can be very difficult (especially in fires who's origin is spontaneous combustion) to know for sure that all fire activity has ended. I have heard anecdotes about fires that were "out" but then "another" fire started a week later. This leads me to believe that the original fire might not have been fully extinguished. Nonetheless, large piles of organic materials are subject to fire from a number of sources - See the CIWMB resources or Dr. Rynk's articles for a good list. To address the remoteness issue, the plan should demonstrate an understanding of the causes, describe methods of prevention, and describe the fact that large amounts of water (which may not be available) are not necessarily the first line of defense, a good plan, employee training, and adequate material handling equipment, may be more useful. Matthew Cotton Integrated Waste Management Consulting, LLC 19375 Lake City Road Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 265-4560 Fax (530) 265-4547 matt at mattcotton.com www.mattcotton.com Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, May 4, 2008 to May 10, 2008 "The Possibilities are Endless ... Compost!" Get details at www.compostingcouncil.org Help support your industry. Become a member today!!! On Mar 13, 2008, at 2:13 PM, A RUBIN wrote: > I am writing to request any available information regarding a fire > plan for a composting facility. I would be specifically interested > in fire plans for remote composting facilities that do not have > access to public utilities. Maybe you have or know of a composting > facility that > has been very proactive in their approach/planning with their local > fire department? > > Thank you. > > Sincerely, > > Alan B. Rubin, Ph.D. > > _______________________________________ > Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & > Trade Show > January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX. > The National forum for those involved in the development and > expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry. > Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information > and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: > www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 > ______________________________________________________________________ > ________ > Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com > http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost > _______________________________________ > This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). > (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights > reserved > > Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the > Foundation, or the Board of Directors. > > Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its > website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm > > Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have > their posting privileges suspended. 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 unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, > send a message to the List Manager at > compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org From thisisdennis at juno.com Fri Mar 14 16:58:34 2008 From: thisisdennis at juno.com (thisisdennis@juno.com) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:58:34 -0500 Subject: [USCC] fire question Message-ID: <20080314.165934.3828.3.thisisdennis@juno.com> I am not sure exactly what your answer may be but i was a firefighter for many years. Seems to me you could have a fairly simple system something like a large water tank with a pump and a larger than a garden hose (several places around the facility if you are a large place) to hit a fire quickly if it breaks out. You could use this water system every once in a while to wet down a dry spot in a pile or windrow to keep it tested. If you are rural waiting on a fire dept to arrive sometimes costs a lot of money. If you saved a piece of equipment once in 30 years it might pay for your set up costs many times over. Also wash down can be done quickly with your system. Good fire extiquishers are invaluble as well. Dennis From mattcotton at mindspring.com Fri Mar 14 17:49:47 2008 From: mattcotton at mindspring.com (Matthew Cotton) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:49:47 -0700 Subject: [USCC] Passports for Mexico/BioCycle West Coast Conference Message-ID: Dear composters: I know that more than a few of you monitoring this list will be heading to San Diego in April for the BioCycle West Coast Conference. I just wanted to remind folks that you now need a passport, not so much to get into Mexico but to get back into the US. The rollicking border town of Tijuana is less than an hour from San Diego and you can get there via a train that leaves from nearby the BioCycle Conference hotel. None of the Conference or tours involves crossing the border, but I know the trek to Tijuana has been a popular destination for some Conference goers (Shopping, fish tacos, first-person research on immigration issues...). Here's the link to the conference details and agenda: http://wwwmjgpress.com/conferences1/conferences1.html See you there! Matthew Cotton Integrated Waste Management Consulting, LLC 19375 Lake City Road Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 265-4560 Fax (530) 265-4547 matt at mattcotton.com www.mattcotton.com Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, May 4, 2008 to May 10, 2008 "The Possibilities are Endless ... Compost!" Get details at www.compostingcouncil.org Help support your industry. Become a member today!!! From Michele.Young at sanjoseca.gov Tue Mar 18 12:20:45 2008 From: Michele.Young at sanjoseca.gov (Young, Michele) Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:20:45 -0700 Subject: [USCC] RFP Release - Neighborhood Clean Up Services - San Jose Message-ID: Greetings: The City of San Jose has released a Request for Proposals for Neighborhood Clean Up services in two of San Jose's hauler service districts, A and C. The City is currently using an interim contract which will expire on December 31, 2008. The recommended term for the new contract will be through June 2013 with an option for a two year extension. To view the RFP, as well as proposal requirements and complete timelines, register at: www.rfpdepot.com All updates will be posted online, and interested proposers will be notified of changes through the RFP Depot. Questions and comments must also be submitted through this site. If you are unable to use RFP Depot, please contact Doug Andreen, Procurement Specialist with the City of San Jose Finance/Purchasing Department at 408-535-7056. Thank you From advert at jgpress.com Wed Mar 19 08:28:54 2008 From: advert at jgpress.com (Teri Sorg-McManamon) Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:28:54 -0400 Subject: [USCC] International Compost Awareness Week 2008 Message-ID: <769C4B5B-8FB3-4443-BA4D-CBD52D3D764F@jgpress.com> Be Part of the Solution! Support International Compost Awareness Week ? May 4-10, 2008 Your company or organization can tap into International Compost Awareness Week by encouraging and celebrating composting in your locale from May 4-10, 2008. Besides planning and holding your own ICAW event - consider ordering additional copies of the 2008 poster, The Possibilities Are Endless, Compost! This stunning poster will make a great gift for your clients and customers. Hand delivering posters to local businesses in your area as your thanks for their efforts in organics recycling and composting is a strong gesture in building community relations. Each USCC member receives a complimentary poster - additional posters are $5 each to cover printing and postage. Posters will be mailed in mid April. The ICAW poster order form is available online at The efforts of committee members and volunteers make a tremendous difference to the success of ICAW and the programs of the US Composting Council. If you're interested in becoming a USCC committee member or ICAW State or Regional Coordinator, let us know! For questions please call Teri Sorg-McManamon, Chair, International Compost Awareness Week Committee 610-967-4135, ext. 33 or cell # 610-390-7930. Teri Sorg-McManamon Advertising Director The JG Press, Publishers of BioCycle, InBusiness, Compost Science and Utilization 419 State Avenue Emmaus, PA 18049 610-967-4135, ext. 33 610-967-1345 Fax 610-390-7930 Cell advert at jgpress.com Mark Your Exhibit Calendar! 24th Annual West Coast Conference to be held April 14 - 16, 2008 in San Diego, California. Powerhouse Conference Program - be sure to join us! Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, May 4, 2008 to May 10, 2008 -- "The Possibilities are Endless ... Compost!" For details and "know-how" visit www.compostingcouncil.org From wfbr17 at woodsend.org Mon Mar 17 10:44:56 2008 From: wfbr17 at woodsend.org (Will Brinton) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:44:56 -0500 Subject: [USCC] fate of California Maturity Index? Message-ID: <47DE91F8.8050902@woodsend.org> Does anyone know the fate of the "California Compost Maturity Index", a project funded by CIWMB and directed by Marc Buchanan, in the time 2002-3, with a committee of soil and compost test experts participating? The Index was up on the CIWMB website for years and I see it has been removed, but why? At the recent European Compost Quality conference (CODIS-2008) it was remarked that the CA Maturity Index seemed to be a very promising approach in understanding compost aging, instead of just relying on single tests (with each country having their own favorite and not being particularly open to admitting others that work)! I had to admit that Americans didn't seem to be paying any attention to it! -- William F Brinton Woods End Laboratories, Inc. From whthompson at ag.tamu.edu Wed Mar 19 14:10:09 2008 From: whthompson at ag.tamu.edu (Wayne Thompson) Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:10:09 -0500 Subject: [USCC] fate of California Maturity Index? In-Reply-To: <47DE91F8.8050902@woodsend.org> References: <47DE91F8.8050902@woodsend.org> Message-ID: <47E11EC1.BA25.0001.0@ag.tamu.edu> Will, The California Compost Maturity Index was incorporated into TMECC back in 2001 - before Marc completed his survey. Refer to TMECC Chapter 05.02-G CCQC Maturity Index, page 05.02-13. Matt Cotton served as principal reviewer and others on the committee served as critics and/or contributors. - Wayne Thompson >>> Will Brinton 3/17/2008 10:44 AM >>> Does anyone know the fate of the "California Compost Maturity Index", a project funded by CIWMB and directed by Marc Buchanan, in the time 2002-3, with a committee of soil and compost test experts participating? The Index was up on the CIWMB website for years and I see it has been removed, but why? At the recent European Compost Quality conference (CODIS-2008) it was remarked that the CA Maturity Index seemed to be a very promising approach in understanding compost aging, instead of just relying on single tests (with each country having their own favorite and not being particularly open to admitting others that work)! I had to admit that Americans didn't seem to be paying any attention to it! -- William F Brinton Woods End Laboratories, Inc. From wfbr17 at woodsend.org Wed Mar 19 16:43:22 2008 From: wfbr17 at woodsend.org (Will Brinton) Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:43:22 -0500 Subject: [USCC] fate of California Maturity Index? In-Reply-To: <47E11EC1.BA25.0001.0@ag.tamu.edu> References: <47DE91F8.8050902@woodsend.org> <47E11EC1.BA25.0001.0@ag.tamu.edu> Message-ID: <47E188FA.6070400@woodsend.org> Wayne, Thanks. As a member of the original committee and principal architect of the maturity index test scheme, I am fully aware of these facts. We are more interested that the funder CIWMB appears to have removed it from its website, so the the document is longer longer publicly available. You'll note that CIWMB web pages refer to it as a CCQC document (but CCQC no longer exists and the web address is up for sale). Therefore these are all dead ends. I hardly think attendees at the recent EU Congress, and Eurasians now interested in the scheme, should have to spend $200 to obtain the Draft CD of TMECC in order to access a previously public document. For this reason, if we can't find a public source, we will post it free to our webstore together with our own update to the numerical ranking scheme of two or more variables. William F Brinton jr President Woods End Laboratories, Inc. Wayne Thompson wrote: >Will, > >The California Compost Maturity Index was incorporated into TMECC back in 2001 - before Marc completed his survey. Refer to TMECC Chapter 05.02-G CCQC Maturity Index, page 05.02-13. Matt Cotton served as principal reviewer and others on the committee served as critics and/or contributors. > >- Wayne Thompson > > > > >>>>Will Brinton 3/17/2008 10:44 AM >>> >>>> >>>> >Does anyone know the fate of the "California Compost Maturity Index", a project funded by CIWMB and directed by Marc Buchanan, in the time 2002-3, with a committee of soil and compost test experts participating? > >The Index was up on the CIWMB website for years and I see it has been removed, but why? > >At the recent European Compost Quality conference (CODIS-2008) it was remarked that the CA Maturity Index seemed to be a very promising approach in understanding compost aging, instead of just relying on single tests (with each country having their own favorite and not being particularly open to admitting others that work)! I had to admit that Americans didn't seem to be paying any attention to it! > > > From buckstop at vdot.net Wed Mar 19 16:53:37 2008 From: buckstop at vdot.net (Stuart Buckner) Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:53:37 -0400 Subject: [USCC] International Compost Awareness Week 2008 References: <769C4B5B-8FB3-4443-BA4D-CBD52D3D764F@jgpress.com> Message-ID: <086101c88a0b$b0924b30$20cc15d8@A25BD8260D5F438> Current Sponsors of ICAW 2008 include: Coca Cola, Chinet, Starbucks, Chick fil-A, Stopwaste.org, A-1 Organics, BioBag, Garick Corp., BioCycle, Composting News, Resource Recycling, Reotemp Instruments, MSW Management, Filtrexx, Gore Cover Systems, WeCare Organics, St. Louis Composting, Synagro and Waste Handling Equipment News. Sponsorships Are Still Available for a Limited Time! For more information, contact the USCC at 631-737-4931. ____________________________________ Stuart Buckner, Ph.D. Executive Director US Composting Council 1 Comac Loop, Suite 14B1 Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 phone: 631-737-4931 cell: 631-834-1400 fax: 631-737-4939 buckstop at vdot.net Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show, January 26-29, 2009 at the Westin Galleria, Houston, TX Register at www.compostingcouncil.org Help support your industry. Become a member today!!! ----- Original Message ----- From: "Teri Sorg-McManamon" To: "USCC List Serve" Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:28 AM Subject: [USCC] International Compost Awareness Week 2008 Be Part of the Solution! Support International Compost Awareness Week ? May 4-10, 2008 Your company or organization can tap into International Compost Awareness Week by encouraging and celebrating composting in your locale from May 4-10, 2008. Besides planning and holding your own ICAW event - consider ordering additional copies of the 2008 poster, The Possibilities Are Endless, Compost! This stunning poster will make a great gift for your clients and customers. Hand delivering posters to local businesses in your area as your thanks for their efforts in organics recycling and composting is a strong gesture in building community relations. Each USCC member receives a complimentary poster - additional posters are $5 each to cover printing and postage. Posters will be mailed in mid April. The ICAW poster order form is available online at The efforts of committee members and volunteers make a tremendous difference to the success of ICAW and the programs of the US Composting Council. If you're interested in becoming a USCC committee member or ICAW State or Regional Coordinator, let us know! For questions please call Teri Sorg-McManamon, Chair, International Compost Awareness Week Committee 610-967-4135, ext. 33 or cell # 610-390-7930. Teri Sorg-McManamon Advertising Director The JG Press, Publishers of BioCycle, InBusiness, Compost Science and Utilization 419 State Avenue Emmaus, PA 18049 610-967-4135, ext. 33 610-967-1345 Fax 610-390-7930 Cell advert at jgpress.com Mark Your Exhibit Calendar! 24th Annual West Coast Conference to be held April 14 - 16, 2008 in San Diego, California. Powerhouse Conference Program - be sure to join us! Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, May 4, 2008 to May 10, 2008 -- "The Possibilities are Endless ... Compost!" For details and "know-how" visit www.compostingcouncil.org _______________________________________ Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX. The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry. Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 ______________________________________________________________________________ Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost _______________________________________ This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors. Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their posting privileges suspended. 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 unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org From whthompson at ag.tamu.edu Thu Mar 20 09:42:49 2008 From: whthompson at ag.tamu.edu (Wayne Thompson) Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2008 09:42:49 -0500 Subject: [USCC] fate of California Maturity Index? In-Reply-To: <47E188FA.6070400@woodsend.org> References: <47DE91F8.8050902@woodsend.org> <47E11EC1.BA25.0001.0@ag.tamu.edu> <47E188FA.6070400@woodsend.org> Message-ID: <47E23198.BA25.0001.0@ag.tamu.edu> Will, I understand the problem and agree with you. Given the success and popularity of the internet, i.e., online documents are readily accessible from anywhere in the world, it seems appropriate that the USCC might consider posting a number of popular and/or progressive TMECC field methods and end-use interpretation tools (as pdf files) on their web site. - Wayne Thompson >>> Will Brinton 3/19/2008 4:43 PM >>> Wayne, Thanks. As a member of the original committee and principal architect of the maturity index test scheme, I am fully aware of these facts. We are more interested that the funder CIWMB appears to have removed it from its website, so the the document is longer longer publicly available. You'll note that CIWMB web pages refer to it as a CCQC document (but CCQC no longer exists and the web address is up for sale). Therefore these are all dead ends. I hardly think attendees at the recent EU Congress, and Eurasians now interested in the scheme, should have to spend $200 to obtain the Draft CD of TMECC in order to access a previously public document. For this reason, if we can't find a public source, we will post it free to our webstore together with our own update to the numerical ranking scheme of two or more variables. William F Brinton jr President Woods End Laboratories, Inc. Wayne Thompson wrote: >Will, > >The California Compost Maturity Index was incorporated into TMECC back in 2001 - before Marc completed his survey. Refer to TMECC Chapter 05.02-G CCQC Maturity Index, page 05.02-13. Matt Cotton served as principal reviewer and others on the committee served as critics and/or contributors. > >- Wayne Thompson > > > > >>>>Will Brinton 3/17/2008 10:44 AM >>> >>>> >>>> >Does anyone know the fate of the "California Compost Maturity Index", a project funded by CIWMB and directed by Marc Buchanan, in the time 2002-3, with a committee of soil and compost test experts participating? > >The Index was up on the CIWMB website for years and I see it has been removed, but why? > >At the recent European Compost Quality conference (CODIS-2008) it was remarked that the CA Maturity Index seemed to be a very promising approach in understanding compost aging, instead of just relying on single tests (with each country having their own favorite and not being particularly open to admitting others that work)! I had to admit that Americans didn't seem to be paying any attention to it! From alexassoc at earthlink.net Mon Mar 24 15:20:19 2008 From: alexassoc at earthlink.net (alexassoc@earthlink.net) Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:20:19 -0400 Subject: [USCC] FW: Official Publication #61 will be available by Mid-Year Message-ID: Hi Compost World, If anyone needs an AAPFCO Official Publication, attached is the link to order one. Thanks, Ron Hello Everyone, I'm happy to let you know that the Official Publication #61 will be available for the Mid-year meeting. We will have 175 copies at the meeting for sale and distribution. Jamey is waiting for your order. I have attached a publication order form. On this form also note that the new Lab Sample Prep Manual has also been added. Check the Website http://www.aapfco.org/ all of the committee agendas that have been received have been posted. I will also be sending out an email as in the past with the complete set next week on Monday or Tuesday. (Just to give those last Chair persons time to submit their agenda.) Joe From steelydan_fan at yahoo.com Wed Mar 26 19:17:45 2008 From: steelydan_fan at yahoo.com (Richard Fortune) Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:17:45 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [USCC] Finished Compost Grinding Message-ID: <108688.25496.qm@web52704.mail.re2.yahoo.com> We have an Envirocycle compost bin that we've been putting in our kitchen fruit & vegetable scraps, egg shells and coffee grounds. Well, it's full and finished decomposing, but it's dry and kinda chunky and needs to be broken up before putting in the garden. I used an old Krups blade-type coffee grinder and was able to (tediously) finely grind up about half a buckets worth before the unit gave out. Are there more appropriate electric-powered devices out there to handle this task??? If so, please name your favorites. Thanks, Richard From Michele.Young at sanjoseca.gov Thu Mar 27 15:06:10 2008 From: Michele.Young at sanjoseca.gov (Young, Michele) Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:06:10 -0700 Subject: [USCC] Compost and tree planting Message-ID: Greetings to all, In doing a presentation to our local urban forestry group, I was told that they never recommend putting compost into the backfill hole when planting a tree. This is because they feel that roots will not search outside of the root ball area if there is "food" placed there. I talked to them about trenching and augering as a way of putting food into other zones, but they were steadfast about no compost in the planting hole. All of the planting guides that I have seen and used from the soil perspective show a compost soil-blend at planting. I would love to hear from professionals out there about their experiences, and advice. Please check with your urban forestry folks to see if no compost is a common recommendation, or just a local practice here in San Jose. Conflicted in San Jose Turn Over an Old Leaf - Compost! Michele Young City of San Jose Environmental Services Department 200 E. Santa Clara St. Tower 10 San Jose, CA 95113 Phone: (408) 975-2519 FAX: (408) 292-6212 From public at wormdoctor.org Thu Mar 27 12:17:48 2008 From: public at wormdoctor.org (Public) Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:17:48 -0700 Subject: [USCC] Finished Compost Grinding In-Reply-To: <108688.25496.qm@web52704.mail.re2.yahoo.com> References: <108688.25496.qm@web52704.mail.re2.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <011f01c8902e$7b9fe170$d200a8c0@KarinDell> Dry clumps are very common with compost tumblers. I would put it in a container and add moisture until it's as moist as a wrung out sponge. This will allow for some re-colonizing by decomposers, who need moisture and cannot thrive in a dry environment. (In fact the compost may not be finished if it's been dry during the composting period.) Then, depending on how fine a compost you want, use it as is or pass it through a 1/2 inch screen. Karin Grobe Organic Recyclers Anonymous -----Original Message----- From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com [mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Richard Fortune Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 5:18 PM To: compost at mailman.cloudnet.com Subject: [USCC] Finished Compost Grinding We have an Envirocycle compost bin that we've been putting in our kitchen fruit & vegetable scraps, egg shells and coffee grounds. Well, it's full and finished decomposing, but it's dry and kinda chunky and needs to be broken up before putting in the garden. I used an old Krups blade-type coffee grinder and was able to (tediously) finely grind up about half a buckets worth before the unit gave out. Are there more appropriate electric-powered devices out there to handle this task??? If so, please name your favorites. Thanks, Richard _______________________________________ Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX. The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry. Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 ____________________________________________________________________________ __ Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost _______________________________________ This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors. Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their posting privileges suspended. 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 unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 2978 (20080327) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 2978 (20080327) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 2978 (20080327) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com From risafisher at hotmail.com Thu Mar 27 17:58:56 2008 From: risafisher at hotmail.com (Risa Fisher) Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:58:56 -0500 Subject: [USCC] grinding compost at home Message-ID: Buy an electric leaf blower that can also mulch when you use it like a vacuum rather than like a blower. Look for one with a high volume reduction ratio for mulching. This also makes it easy to collect the material in the leaf bag that typically attaches to the discharge. You don't want it powder-fine. Risa W. Fisher, P.E. Risa Fisher & Associates, Inc. 5200 Keller Springs Road, Suite 927Dallas, Texas 75248 214-340-8478 - phone 214-221-1221 - fax 214-729-7071 - mobile RisaFisher at RisaFisherAssoc.com From sigma at ix.netcom.com Fri Mar 28 18:32:40 2008 From: sigma at ix.netcom.com (Len Walde) Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:32:40 -0700 Subject: [USCC] Finished Compost Grinding References: <108688.25496.qm@web52704.mail.re2.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <002701c8912c$046d0020$6501a8c0@MaryJane> Try a used food processor -- usually found in Goodwill Industries, The Salvation Army store and the like.. They have blades of different sizes. I have used them to fine grind similar food products for composting etc. Len Walde ----- Original Message ----- From: "Richard Fortune" To: Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 5:17 PM Subject: [USCC] Finished Compost Grinding > We have an Envirocycle compost bin that we've been putting in our kitchen > fruit & vegetable scraps, egg shells and coffee grounds. Well, it's full > and finished decomposing, but it's dry and kinda chunky and needs to be > broken up before putting in the garden. I used an old Krups blade-type > coffee grinder and was able to (tediously) finely grind up about half a > buckets worth before the unit gave out. > > Are there more appropriate electric-powered devices out there to handle > this task??? If so, please name your favorites. > > Thanks, > Richard > _______________________________________ > Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show > January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX. > The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of > the composting and organics recycling industry. > Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information and > Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: > www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 > ______________________________________________________________________________ > Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com > http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost > _______________________________________ > This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). > (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved > > Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, > or the Board of Directors. > > Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website > at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm > > Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their > posting privileges suspended. 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 unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a > message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org From wfbr17 at woodsend.org Thu Mar 27 16:05:26 2008 From: wfbr17 at woodsend.org (Will Brinton) Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:05:26 -0500 Subject: [USCC] Finished Compost Grinding In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <47EC0C16.4000800@woodsend.org> Dear Richard I'm hesitating to speculate what the Energy Index on your compost is after going to this extent to reduce it with an electrical grinder! And why? First of all, it sounds like your compost is dry, and so I wonder if it really broke down and matured adequately. There is nothing like moistening and turning with a spading-fork, before finishing-off a home compost. Secondly, - and regardless of the answer to #1, try screening the compost, and return the coarser material to the bin for one more go around. To do this use 3/8" hardware cloth on a wood frame, if you are a do-it-yourself type, or acquire a garden sieve (see Gardner's Supply or try gardenshoponline.com which has a lovely 3-mesh size hand held compost screen). Will William F Brinton jr President Woods End Laboratories, Inc. www.woodsend.org www.solvita.com 207 293 2457 ext 17 > > Subject: > [USCC] Finished Compost Grinding > From: > Richard Fortune > Date: > Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:17:45 -0700 (PDT) > > >We have an Envirocycle compost bin that we've been putting in our kitchen fruit & vegetable scraps, egg shells and coffee grounds. Well, it's full and finished decomposing, but it's dry and kinda chunky and needs to be broken up before putting in the garden. I used an old Krups blade-type coffee grinder and was able to (tediously) finely grind up about half a buckets worth before the unit gave out. > >Are there more appropriate electric-powered devices out there to handle this task??? If so, please name your favorites. > >Thanks, > > From frank at compostlab.com Fri Mar 28 12:58:43 2008 From: frank at compostlab.com (frank) Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:58:43 -0700 Subject: [USCC] Compost and tree planting In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <47ED31D3.6070402@compostlab.com> Hi Michele, Putting compost in a backfill hole is a high risk use - but I would still do it. To do it the mix of compost with native soil must be perfect because there is no exit plan for the plant. No place for the roots to go in time if the salts are too high (too much nutrients). There is no chance to leach or make changes when you see symptoms. I suggest digging the hole and mix in compost to the receiving soil until the EC meter give the appropriate reading. Can be done on site. Then back fill the hole with plant in it. This will give the plant a good start and once the nutrients are used up the healthy roots will look for more in other places. Frank Young, Michele wrote: >Greetings to all, > >In doing a presentation to our local urban forestry group, I was told that >they never recommend putting compost into the backfill hole when planting a >tree. This is because they feel that roots will not search outside of the >root ball area if there is "food" placed there. I talked to them about >trenching and augering as a way of putting food into other zones, but they >were steadfast about no compost in the planting hole. > >All of the planting guides that I have seen and used from the soil >perspective show a compost soil-blend at planting. I would love to hear >from professionals out there about their experiences, and advice. Please >check with your urban forestry folks to see if no compost is a common >recommendation, or just a local practice here in San Jose. > >Conflicted in San Jose > >Turn Over an Old Leaf - Compost! > >Michele Young >City of San Jose >Environmental Services Department >200 E. Santa Clara St. Tower 10 >San Jose, CA 95113 >Phone: (408) 975-2519 >FAX: (408) 292-6212 > >_______________________________________ >Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show >January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX. >The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry. >Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 >______________________________________________________________________________ >Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com >http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost >_______________________________________ >This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). >(c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved > >Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors. > >Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm > >Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their posting privileges suspended. 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 unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org > > > > -- 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 From jziegenbein at ieua.org Fri Mar 28 11:24:27 2008 From: jziegenbein at ieua.org (Jeff Ziegenbein) Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:24:27 -0700 Subject: [USCC] waste water with sulfur for composting Message-ID: <74E0091F337EEE4ABD8598079A9747A502F96E47@sky.ieua.org> Does anyone have experience incorporating water from an H2S bioscrubber that will contain 10% sulfur? I am not sure what impacts that may have on a typical compost heap and if it would contribute to odors, VOCs, quality impacts etc. Any input would be appreciated. Jeff Ziegenbein From LewisDV at mda.state.md.us Fri Mar 28 10:36:49 2008 From: LewisDV at mda.state.md.us (Donald Lewis) Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:36:49 -0400 Subject: [USCC] Compost and tree planting In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <47ECD851.B618.00F1.0@mda.state.md.us> I remember reading a bulletin from one of the extension services that had references to studies showing that if the soil in the hole is appreciably better than the surrounding soil the plant doesn't send roots out beyond the original hole. The original work may have been done @ Cornell Don Lewis >>> "Young, Michele" 3/27/2008 4:06 PM >>> Greetings to all, In doing a presentation to our local urban forestry group, I was told that they never recommend putting compost into the backfill hole when planting a tree. This is because they feel that roots will not search outside of the root ball area if there is "food" placed there. I talked to them about trenching and augering as a way of putting food into other zones, but they were steadfast about no compost in the planting hole. All of the planting guides that I have seen and used from the soil perspective show a compost soil-blend at planting. I would love to hear from professionals out there about their experiences, and advice. Please check with your urban forestry folks to see if no compost is a common recommendation, or just a local practice here in San Jose. Conflicted in San Jose Turn Over an Old Leaf - Compost! Michele Young City of San Jose Environmental Services Department 200 E. Santa Clara St. Tower 10 San Jose, CA 95113 Phone: (408) 975-2519 FAX: (408) 292-6212 _______________________________________ Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX. The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry. Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 ______________________________________________________________________________ Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost _______________________________________ This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors. Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their posting privileges suspended. 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 unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org From sreil at safelawns.net Fri Mar 28 11:27:27 2008 From: sreil at safelawns.net (Scott Reil) Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:27:27 -0400 Subject: [USCC] Compost and tree planting In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <003501c890f0$9ce9d4e0$d6bd7ea0$@net> Hi Michele, Kind of conflicted on this myself, but the current thinking in arboriculture is by adding any amendment to the soil being back-filled into a hole, you are creating another soil interface (differential between soils in the hole and in the surrounding profile have been shown to create a subsidence or "reluctance" of roots to leave the soil they have been in. This can lead to circling roots and eventual girdling, not to mention as compost breaks down, it causes the root ball to sink in the hole, leaving the tree below grade. More detriments than benefits; that's why these guys are adamant about no amendments... I think you can have the best of both worlds by backfilling with the soil that came out of the hole and watering in with compost tea. This will give the biological benefits of compost to all the surrounding soils; by mulching with compost you could start to introduce humus without creating an additional soil interface. One man's solution, anyway... Scott Reil Safe Lawns and Landscapes LLC 70 Highland Park Drive Bloomfield CT 06002 860-243-8733 -----Original Message----- From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com [mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Young, Michele Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2008 4:06 PM To: 'Compost Discussion List' Subject: [USCC] Compost and tree planting Greetings to all, In doing a presentation to our local urban forestry group, I was told that they never recommend putting compost into the backfill hole when planting a tree. This is because they feel that roots will not search outside of the root ball area if there is "food" placed there. I talked to them about trenching and augering as a way of putting food into other zones, but they were steadfast about no compost in the planting hole. All of the planting guides that I have seen and used from the soil perspective show a compost soil-blend at planting. I would love to hear from professionals out there about their experiences, and advice. Please check with your urban forestry folks to see if no compost is a common recommendation, or just a local practice here in San Jose. Conflicted in San Jose Turn Over an Old Leaf - Compost! Michele Young City of San Jose Environmental Services Department 200 E. Santa Clara St. Tower 10 San Jose, CA 95113 Phone: (408) 975-2519 FAX: (408) 292-6212 _______________________________________ Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX. The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry. Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 ____________________________________________________________________________ __ Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost _______________________________________ This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors. Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their posting privileges suspended. 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 unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org From alexassoc at earthlink.net Fri Mar 28 19:00:26 2008 From: alexassoc at earthlink.net (alexassoc@earthlink.net) Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:00:26 -0400 Subject: [USCC] Compost and tree planting In-Reply-To: <47ED31D3.6070402@compostlab.com> Message-ID: Michelle, I agree with Frank on this. You can screw up if you use poor quality compost, but the benefits probably outway the risks. I dug into the research on this application when I wrote 'The Field Guide to Compost Use' - and the results of the research vary - both bad and good. However, success 'in the field' has been great. I would say, however, that I would rather see a few trees planting in a vicinity, so that entire area can be amended, rather than a planting a bunch of individual trees. Hope this helps, Ron Ron Alexander R. Alexander Associates, Inc. 1212 Eastham Drive Apex, NC 27502 USA 919-367-8350 919-367-8351 fax alexassoc at earthlink.net www.alexassoc.net -----Original Message----- From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com [mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com]On Behalf Of frank Sent: Friday, March 28, 2008 1:59 PM To: Compost Discussion List Subject: Re: [USCC] Compost and tree planting Hi Michele, Putting compost in a backfill hole is a high risk use - but I would still do it. To do it the mix of compost with native soil must be perfect because there is no exit plan for the plant. No place for the roots to go in time if the salts are too high (too much nutrients). There is no chance to leach or make changes when you see symptoms. I suggest digging the hole and mix in compost to the receiving soil until the EC meter give the appropriate reading. Can be done on site. Then back fill the hole with plant in it. This will give the plant a good start and once the nutrients are used up the healthy roots will look for more in other places. Frank Young, Michele wrote: >Greetings to all, > >In doing a presentation to our local urban forestry group, I was told that >they never recommend putting compost into the backfill hole when planting a >tree. This is because they feel that roots will not search outside of the >root ball area if there is "food" placed there. I talked to them about >trenching and augering as a way of putting food into other zones, but they >were steadfast about no compost in the planting hole. > >All of the planting guides that I have seen and used from the soil >perspective show a compost soil-blend at planting. I would love to hear >from professionals out there about their experiences, and advice. Please >check with your urban forestry folks to see if no compost is a common >recommendation, or just a local practice here in San Jose. > >Conflicted in San Jose > >Turn Over an Old Leaf - Compost! > >Michele Young >City of San Jose >Environmental Services Department >200 E. Santa Clara St. Tower 10 >San Jose, CA 95113 >Phone: (408) 975-2519 >FAX: (408) 292-6212 > >_______________________________________ >Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show >January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX. >The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry. >Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 >___________________________________________________________________________ ___ >Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com >http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost >_______________________________________ >This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). >(c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved > >Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors. > >Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm > >Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their posting privileges suspended. 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 unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org > > > > -- 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 _______________________________________ Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX. The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry. Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 ____________________________________________________________________________ __ Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost _______________________________________ This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors. Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their posting privileges suspended. 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 unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org From cary at compostingcouncil.org Sun Mar 30 10:30:31 2008 From: cary at compostingcouncil.org (Cary Oshins) Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2008 11:30:31 -0400 Subject: [USCC] Compost and tree planting In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <005201c8927b$046d16f0$0d4744d0$@org> Hi Michele et al, While my natural prejudice is to include compost in the backfill, which I always did for my trees to no obvious detriment (they are all thriving) the way I would actually answer this question is to look at it "from the tree's perspective". If you think about organic matter and a forest soil profile, all the OM is at the top, with very little down deep. A tree's roots must have evolved to be adapted to that condition. So the best thing to do is probably to backfill with the native soil until about a foot from the top, then gradually start adding the compost, ending with a inch or two of straight compost on the surface. Cary ____________________________________ Cary Oshins Assistant Director of Programs US Composting Council 1010 North 13th St. Allentown, PA 18102 phone: 484-547-1521 fax: 484-274-6779 cary at compostingcouncil.org USCC Main Office: 1 Comac Loop, Suite 14B1 Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 phone: 631-737-4931 fax: 631-737-4939 ? Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, May 4, 2008 to May 10, 2008 "The Possibilities are Endless ... Compost!" Get details at www.compostingcouncil.org Help support your industry. Become a member today!!! -----Original Message----- From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com [mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Young, Michele Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2008 4:06 PM To: 'Compost Discussion List' Subject: [USCC] Compost and tree planting Greetings to all, In doing a presentation to our local urban forestry group, I was told that they never recommend putting compost into the backfill hole when planting a tree. This is because they feel that roots will not search outside of the root ball area if there is "food" placed there. I talked to them about trenching and augering as a way of putting food into other zones, but they were steadfast about no compost in the planting hole. All of the planting guides that I have seen and used from the soil perspective show a compost soil-blend at planting. I would love to hear from professionals out there about their experiences, and advice. Please check with your urban forestry folks to see if no compost is a common recommendation, or just a local practice here in San Jose. Conflicted in San Jose Turn Over an Old Leaf - Compost! Michele Young City of San Jose Environmental Services Department 200 E. Santa Clara St. Tower 10 San Jose, CA 95113 Phone: (408) 975-2519 FAX: (408) 292-6212 _______________________________________ Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX. The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry. Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 ____________________________________________________________________________ __ Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost _______________________________________ This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors. Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their posting privileges suspended. 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 unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.1/1347 - Release Date: 3/27/2008 7:15 PM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.1/1348 - Release Date: 3/28/2008 10:58 AM From heidehermary at pacificcoast.net Fri Mar 28 14:12:03 2008 From: heidehermary at pacificcoast.net (Heide Hermary) Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:12:03 -0700 Subject: [USCC] Compost and tree planting In-Reply-To: <47ECD851.B618.00F1.0@mda.state.md.us> References: <47ECD851.B618.00F1.0@mda.state.md.us> Message-ID: <492BE5B0-2514-465B-B639-817975E0F881@pacificcoast.net> Those planting recommendations are endorsed by the International Society of Arboriculture. http://www.isa-arbor.com/home.aspx Tree roots extend far beyond the perimeter of the crown, sometimes as wide as the tree is high. If the tree is not adapted to the local soil conditions no amount of compost in the planting hole will help. Better to use the compost as mulch, and then never remove the fallen leaves, as they will naturally mulch / decay in place. Nothing at all is gained by stressing the tree with chemical fertilizers or unfinished compost high in salts and other potential toxins. Cheers, Heide Heide Hermary Gaia College http://www.gaiacollege.ca On 28-Mar-08, at 8:36 AM, Donald Lewis wrote: > I remember reading a bulletin from one of the extension services > that had references to studies showing that if the soil in the hole > is appreciably better than the surrounding soil the plant doesn't > send roots out beyond the original hole. The original work may have > been done @ Cornell > > Don Lewis > >>>> "Young, Michele" 3/27/2008 4:06 PM >>>> >>> > Greetings to all, > > In doing a presentation to our local urban forestry group, I was > told that > they never recommend putting compost into the backfill hole when > planting a > tree. This is because they feel that roots will not search outside > of the > root ball area if there is "food" placed there. I talked to them > about > trenching and augering as a way of putting food into other zones, > but they > were steadfast about no compost in the planting hole. > > All of the planting guides that I have seen and used from the soil > perspective show a compost soil-blend at planting. I would love to > hear > from professionals out there about their experiences, and advice. > Please > check with your urban forestry folks to see if no compost is a common > recommendation, or just a local practice here in San Jose. > > Conflicted in San Jose > > Turn Over an Old Leaf - Compost! > > Michele Young > City of San Jose > Environmental Services Department > 200 E. Santa Clara St. Tower 10 > San Jose, CA 95113 > Phone: (408) 975-2519 > FAX: (408) 292-6212 > > _______________________________________ > Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & > Trade Show > January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX. > The National forum for those involved in the development and > expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry. > Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information > and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: > www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 > ______________________________________________________________________ > ________ > Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com > http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost > _______________________________________ > This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). > (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights > reserved > > Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the > Foundation, or the Board of Directors. > > Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its > website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm > > Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have > their posting privileges suspended. 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 unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, > send a message to the List Manager at > compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org > > _______________________________________ > Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & > Trade Show > January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX. > The National forum for those involved in the development and > expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry. > Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information > and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: > www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 > ______________________________________________________________________ > ________ > Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com > http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost > _______________________________________ > This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). > (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights > reserved > > Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the > Foundation, or the Board of Directors. > > Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its > website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm > > Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have > their posting privileges suspended. 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 unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, > send a message to the List Manager at > compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org From mikepnevin at yahoo.ca Fri Mar 28 21:20:47 2008 From: mikepnevin at yahoo.ca (Michael Nevin) Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:20:47 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [USCC] Compost and tree planting In-Reply-To: <47ECD851.B618.00F1.0@mda.state.md.us> Message-ID: <102074.40284.qm@web34405.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Hi - just intuitively, what happens when the finite supply of organics in the original compost runs out? Then, would not the tree roots have to go searching? The initial compost is a "get the tree off to a good start" feeding. Unless the SoilFoodWeb approach would see the added soil organics as a self-generating and regenerating never-run-out organics maker. In which case, there would be enough nutients.What I've read from tree-planting screeds say, "add compost to the hole" to give the tree -already stressed from being moved - a bit of healthy kick-start nutrition. Cheers, Mike in Toronto Donald Lewis wrote: I remember reading a bulletin from one of the extension services that had references to studies showing that if the soil in the hole is appreciably better than the surrounding soil the plant doesn't send roots out beyond the original hole. The original work may have been done @ Cornell Don Lewis >>> "Young, Michele" 3/27/2008 4:06 PM >>> Greetings to all, In doing a presentation to our local urban forestry group, I was told that they never recommend putting compost into the backfill hole when planting a tree. This is because they feel that roots will not search outside of the root ball area if there is "food" placed there. I talked to them about trenching and augering as a way of putting food into other zones, but they were steadfast about no compost in the planting hole. All of the planting guides that I have seen and used from the soil perspective show a compost soil-blend at planting. I would love to hear from professionals out there about their experiences, and advice. Please check with your urban forestry folks to see if no compost is a common recommendation, or just a local practice here in San Jose. Conflicted in San Jose Turn Over an Old Leaf - Compost! Michele Young City of San Jose Environmental Services Department 200 E. Santa Clara St. Tower 10 San Jose, CA 95113 Phone: (408) 975-2519 FAX: (408) 292-6212 _______________________________________ Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX. The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry. Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 ______________________________________________________________________________ Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost _______________________________________ This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors. Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their posting privileges suspended. 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 unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org _______________________________________ Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX. The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry. Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 ______________________________________________________________________________ Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost _______________________________________ This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors. Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their posting privileges suspended. 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 unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org --------------------------------- Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Yahoo! Answers. From oecos at earthlink.net Fri Mar 28 22:22:51 2008 From: oecos at earthlink.net (Jeffrey Creque) Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:22:51 -0700 Subject: [USCC] Compost and tree planting Message-ID: <380-22008362932251562@earthlink.net> The "no amendment" approach to tree planting is extremely common, for the reasons you report. My own experience with compost and planting thousands of trees over the past 30 years is that amending the planting hole with a mature compost is almost invariably helpful in tree establishment. The amount of compost will vary with soil conditions and tree species, but 50% seems to be a reasonable maximum. A surface dressing of compost following planting is also recommended. Jeff Creque West Marin Compost Coalition > [Original Message] > From: Young, Michele > To: Compost Discussion List > Date: 3/28/2008 7:25:08 AM > Subject: [USCC] Compost and tree planting > > Greetings to all, > > In doing a presentation to our local urban forestry group, I was told that > they never recommend putting compost into the backfill hole when planting a > tree. This is because they feel that roots will not search outside of the > root ball area if there is "food" placed there. I talked to them about > trenching and augering as a way of putting food into other zones, but they > were steadfast about no compost in the planting hole. > > All of the planting guides that I have seen and used from the soil > perspective show a compost soil-blend at planting. I would love to hear > from professionals out there about their experiences, and advice. Please > check with your urban forestry folks to see if no compost is a common > recommendation, or just a local practice here in San Jose. > > Conflicted in San Jose > > Turn Over an Old Leaf - Compost! > > Michele Young > City of San Jose > Environmental Services Department > 200 E. Santa Clara St. Tower 10 > San Jose, CA 95113 > Phone: (408) 975-2519 > FAX: (408) 292-6212 > > _______________________________________ > Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show > January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX. > The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry. > Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 > ____________________________________________________________________________ __ > Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com > http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost > _______________________________________ > This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). > (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved > > Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors. > > Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm > > Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their posting privileges suspended. 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 unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org