environmental impact statement kilmainhamwood compost facility ...

5361- Kilmainhamwood Compost Facility Extension- EIS
9.3 AEROSOLS
9.3.1 Potential Impacts
The production of bioaerosols, such as actinomycetes, bacteria, fungi, antropods, and protozoa, from
biowaste composting facilities has generated some concern. Several studies have been carried out
both in Europe and the United States investigating the generation and effect of bioaerosols on workers
and the neighbouring population at a range of composting facilities.
One such study was undertaken by a group of international experts on bioaerosols, risk assessment
and composting who investigated the impact of bioaerosols on workers at composting facilities. The
study found that although some types of bioaerosols (mainly Aspergilus fumigatus) are present in the
air at composting facilities, available epidemiological evidence does not support the suggestions of
allergic, asthmatic, or acute or chronic respiratory diseases in the general public at or around the
several open air and one enclosed composting facility.
Their overall conclusion that ‘composting facilities do not pose any unique endangerment to the health
and welfare of the general public’ is based on the fact that on-site workers at composting facilities were
regarded as the most exposed part of the community, and where workers health was studied, for
periods of up to 10 years on a composting site, no significant adverse health effects were found. A
separate study showed that microbial and endotoxin emissions from an enclosed composting facility
fitted with a biofilter are generally low and similar to background concentrations found in ambient air.
Most bioaerosols generated during the composting process occur during the mechanical treatment of
biowaste and the first stage of composting. These processes will be fully enclosed. All process steps in
the facility will be equipped with air extraction and biofilter treatment of process air. It is therefore
envisaged that no significant emissions of bioaerosols will occur from the Kilmainhamwood Compost
facility and that no impacts are expected.
9.3.2 Mitigation Measures
For inspection purposes only.
Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
Since it is envisaged that aerosol emissions are not significant and no potential impacts are expected,
no specific mitigation measures have been identified. During the mechanical treatment of the compost,
workers will wear respiratory protective equipment, i.e. facemasks. All mechanical equipment such as
front-end loader will be fitted with air filters and the machine cabins will have a positive pressure
environment.
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EPA Export 01-06-2010:03:55:59