environmental impact statement kilmainhamwood compost facility ...

5361- Kilmainhamwood Compost Facility Extension- EIS
9.2.2.5 Odourous Compound Formation in Composting Plants
Material coming onto a site may already have developed a strong odour due to the nature of the
material itself or to the way it has been stored. For example:
Material Stored under Anaerobic Conditions: fresh organic material stored in plastic bags or
insufficiently ventilated containers. The potential for odour increases if the organic material has high
moisture content, has been kept in an anaerobic state for a number of days, and/or has been subjected
to high temperature and direct sunlight. (e.g. grass clippings, fresh plant material, wet leaves, food
waste, etc).
Material that has a Low C:N Ratio: this can be a particular problem if the material also has a high
moisture content. (e.g. sewage sludge or other high nitrogen sludge’s, fish processing or
slaughterhouse residuals, food waste, etc).
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES:
Feedstock with a low C:N ratio is often invaluable because of the nitrogen and moisture they provide to
the composting recipe. Proactive management strategies can help to capitalize on the benefits moist
low C:N ratio material offer while minimising the potential for offensive odour release, the following
strategy will be considered at minimum:
� Knowledge of delivery schedule or pattern: Knowing when a potentially odorous load is likely to
arrive facilitates readiness to deal with the material immediately, minimising the likelihood for
potential odours to escape off-site.
� An implementable plan in place for dealing with materials likely to be offensive. Such a plan will
include the following:
o Incorporate the material quickly. Have a stock of porous, high-carbon material on hand,
which can be mixed immediately with the incoming material. Examples, currently being
used with success, include wood chips, wood shavings, or sawdust, dry leaves and
straw. This helps to balance the C:N ratio, absorb the moisture in wet materials and add
porosity so that the mixture can remain aerobic.
o Handle loads of potentially offensive feedstock inside an enclosed work area ventilated
by an odour control system.
o If the material must be stored before blending/handling, add a blanket of saw dust or
overs to cover the material to minimise potential odourous emissions.
o Ensure the facility can process the organic material as soon as, or within a short time
frame (24 hrs), it enters the facility.
For inspection purposes only.
Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
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EPA Export 01-06-2010:03:55:57