ENVR06055 2013 Compost Facility Operations
Full Title
Compost Facility Operations
Transcript Title
Compost Facility Operations
Code
ENVR06055
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
ENVR - Environmental Science
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
06 - Level 6
Credit
10 - 10 Credits
Duration
Stage
Fee
€
Start Term
2013 - Full Academic Year 2013-14
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Noel Connaughton, Billy Fitzgerald
Programme Membership
SG_SCOMP_S06 201200 Certificate in Composting Facility Operation
SG_SENVI_C06 201300 Higher Certificate in Science in Environmental Management
SG_SCOMP_S06 202400 Certificate in Composting Facility Operation
Description
This module is designed for compost operators, regulators of facilities and anyone interested in starting a composting facility with the theoretical and practical knowledge on how to compost properly, how to produce a high quality compost product and how to be compliant with legal obligations.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Know how to compost properly.
2.
Understand the Composting Process.
3.
Describe the different Composting Technologies.
4.
Monitor and control the Composting Process.
5.
Mitigate Environmental Impacts and to comply with the requirements of their Environment Management System.
6.
Understand and comply with the Regulatory Framework (waste licenses, waste permits, and animal by-product regulation).
7.
Understand and comply with health and safety regulations.
8.
Maintain a compost facility.
9.
Understand market requirements for compost and identify additional market opportunities.
10.
Develop good Community Relations.
Module Assessment Strategies
Reports (flow diagrams) of site visits to four composting sites including at least one green waste and one brown waste (ABP approved) facility as well as a report on a hazard and risk assessment of one composting site. Each report is worth a maximun of 10 marks amounting to a total of 50 marks for the continuous assessment component of the course.
A final written examination accounts for a maximum of 50 marks.
Indicative Syllabus
Definitions and Biology of Composting: What is composting and compost. Understanding the basic biology of the composting process
Composting Process: Tipping and receiving. Waste Acceptance procedure. Suitable feedstocks. Feedstock preparation. Initial composting phase. Stabilisation and curing. Screening. Product testing & interpretation of results. Blending, storage and packaging
Composting Technologies. Vermicomposting. Windrowing. Aerated static pile composting. In-vessel composting technologies
Process Control: Techniques and technology. Moisture, oxygen and temperature. Quality assurance and quality control. HACCP for composting facilities. Compost testing parameters: field tests and laboratory testing. Troubleshooting issues and problems. Monitoring and reporting
Potential Environmental Impacts & Environment Management Systems: Odour. Dust and bioaerosols. Leachate. Surface water. Pests and vectors. Noise. Weather monitoring and record keeping. Compliance record keeping, monitoring and reporting
Compliance with Regulatory Framework. Permitting and Licensing. Animal By-Product Regulations
Health and Safety: Regulatory issues. Plans. Implementation and staff training. H & S inspections. Monitoring and reporting
Facility Maintenance: Site: landscaping, utilities, hard standing. Compost system. Ancillary equipment. Environmental management systems
Compost Uses and Marketing: Types of products and potential uses (varying grades of compost and mulches). Value added products and uses (potting soils, topsoils, fertilizers). Competitive alternatives (peat, bark, manures etc.). Who are the users/buyers?. Understanding the needs of potential users within the local area. Add on services (delivery and application). Pricing . Marketing and sales techniques for composting facilities. Use of compost on agricultural land
Community Relations: Being a good neighbour. Working with the neighbours. Receiving and handling complaints. Communications. Tours, open houses, compost give-aways. Working with the media to get positive coverage. Documentation.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
100 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reports and flow diagrams of composting sites. Workplace assignment. | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 50 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Written Report Tutor/participant interactions by way of question and answers. | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN % | End of Term | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 |
Part Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Not Specified | Lecture | 48 | Weekly | 48.00 |
Total Part Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 48.00 Hours
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
Self-learning manuals corresponding to each item in the indicative syllabus.
National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste (Apr. 2006) Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Hitting the Targets for Biodegradable Municipal Waste, Ten Options for Change (Jan. 2008). Environmental Protection Agency.
European Union (Household Food Waste and Bio-waste) Regulations, 2013 (S.I. 710f 2013)
Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations, 2009
A Resource Opportunity - Waste Management Policy in Ireland, July 2012, Department of Environment
Other Resources
None
Additional Information
None