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Using STACertified Compost – Manufacturer Requirements: Frequent Testing
Testing compost often is key to staying on top of understanding a product that is constantly evolving. Manufacturers who produce: Over 17,501 wet tons / year must test monthly 17,500 to 6,201 wet tons / year must test every two months Under 6,200 wet tons / year must test every three months
Read MoreUsing STA Certified Compost – Program Foundation: Permits
Compost manufacturers participating in the STA Certified Compost program are required to be in compliance with all local, state and national regulations for manufacturing compost. Composting is a business, and is regulated by both State, Local (county, township, city) officials for many impacts, including environmental impact (leachate, air emissions); neighbor issues (odor, traffic) and operational…
Read MoreUsing STA Certified Compost Program Foundations: Testing Methods
The Test Method for the Examination of Composting and Compost (TMECC) Provides detailed protocols for the composting industry to verify the physical, chemical, and biological condition of composting feedstocks, material in process and compost products at the point of sale. Material testing is needed to verify product safety and market claims. TMECC provides protocols to sample, monitor, and…
Read MoreUsing STA Certified Compost – Manufacturer Requirements: Lab Oversight
Using STA Certified Compost – Manufacturer Requirements: Compost Characteristics
Compost – Characteristics and Why it Matters Each batch of compost can be differentiated based on key measurable attributes. The levels of each of these characteristics impacts whether the batch is high quality compost. The relative levels determine the best use for that batch (i.e. turf growth, vegetables, etc). When using a batch of compost…
Read MoreUsing STA Certified Compost – Manufacturer Requirements: Certified Labs
Certified Labs Representative test results come from accurate compost sampling methods and from quality labs. STA Certified Compost participants must use TMECC technical sampling methods, and labs that undergo the Compost Analysis Program (CAP) quality oversight. STA Compost-Certified Laboratories provide analytical services for STA Certified Compost participants (Compost Manufacturers) and use TMECC protocols. These labs are tested three times…
Read MoreUsing STA Certified Compost – Program Foundation: Defining Compost
Definition of Compost Knowing what compost is (and what it’s not) is an important first step in ensuring that you use compost in the best way possible. Below is the official definition for what can be considered compost. Compost – is the product manufactured through the controlled aerobic, biological decomposition of biodegradable materials. The product has…
Read MoreHow to Buy and Use Compost
Using compost is a good first step, but using high-quality compost is even better. Finding compost suppliers and making sure that the compost you purchase has the qualities you need for your purpose are important in ensuring the success of your project. Here we’ll help you find compost manufacturers, identify that the compost is STA Certified Compost,…
Read MoreCompost – Erosion Control Benefits
Among other things, compost is a great tool to prevent soil erosion. This is due to its ability to slow down and infiltrate water and bind soil together, thereby reducing the effects of stormwater. This benefit can help protect your project – whether it’s a multi-acre highway drainage ditch or a small garden patch. Here…
Read MoreBioretention
Bioretention consists of a filter bed in a low lying area which has a mixture of sand, soil, and organic material as the filtering media with a surface mulch layer. This helps filter stormwater runoff using the techniques of the forest. BMP-Spec-No-9_BIORETENTION_v1-9_03012011
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