Category: General
ECS does not own or operate compost facilities, our clients do: Compost Facilities. It’s the Client doing the day to day operations once we start up our equipment and train their staff. After start-up it’s typical that we hear from the facility staff for about three months, and then their questions and comments taper off dramatically as their learning curve flattens out and they gain comfort with composting.
Occasionally I’ll call up or write to our Client’s to check in on things. I ask how their system is performing and if an Annual Inspection is warranted and such. I did this the other day with Ron Edwards at the Big Sky County Water & Sewage District. Big Sky Newsletter
Here is his response:
Hi Steve.
Good to hear from you. Yeah everything has been working pretty well down at the compost building. We've been doing it for about five years now and have developed a pretty good routine in making our compost. We've been selling it for $15 a yard and have had no trouble selling all of our compost each year. In fact we've got a few retail landscape owners that would buy all of it if we would let them also have it. We have one fellow that does mine reclamation work that loves this stuff and would also buy all of it if we would sell it to him. The best part is that we really have not advertised much at all but we are definitely on the map now for our compost.
I don’t think we need a site visit (annual inspection) at this point unless you are looking for an excuse to come see us to ski.
Take care,
Ron
You can visit Ron and the WWTP at his website here.
Steve Diddy
email me
Occasionally I’ll call up or write to our Client’s to check in on things. I ask how their system is performing and if an Annual Inspection is warranted and such. I did this the other day with Ron Edwards at the Big Sky County Water & Sewage District. Big Sky Newsletter
Here is his response:
Hi Steve.
Good to hear from you. Yeah everything has been working pretty well down at the compost building. We've been doing it for about five years now and have developed a pretty good routine in making our compost. We've been selling it for $15 a yard and have had no trouble selling all of our compost each year. In fact we've got a few retail landscape owners that would buy all of it if we would let them also have it. We have one fellow that does mine reclamation work that loves this stuff and would also buy all of it if we would sell it to him. The best part is that we really have not advertised much at all but we are definitely on the map now for our compost.
I don’t think we need a site visit (annual inspection) at this point unless you are looking for an excuse to come see us to ski.
Take care,
Ron
You can visit Ron and the WWTP at his website here.
Steve Diddy
email me
Category: General
Spring is absolutely exploding here in Western Washington (although it’s still quite cold). I’ve put compost from Silver Springs Organic, one of our Client Facilities, on our garden, around the base of the fruit trees & bushes, and on back lawn.
This morning, while I was walking to my office, it occurred to me that the color green was probably invented right here in Western Washington—and that led me to thinking about Earth Day.
I’ve always done something special for Earth Day since the “first” one in 1970. This year I intentionally planted two pear trees and discovered a volunteer Bing cherry tree growing in the center of my lawn (so I surrounded it with rocks and welcomed it to the family). My community has its own way of celebrating Earth Day. Its educational and a lot of fun: www.procession.org
When I called the office Eric (project engineer) answered the phone and we talked a bit about Earth Day and what it meant. We both agreed it was a time for reflection about the Earth. He said he rode his bike to work that day (he does most days). And that he is trying to save the world one compost facility at a time. I guess we all are…
Now it’s International Compost Awareness Week (May 2-9). Check out this great poster announcing the event:
This weekend, to celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, I’ll fill my wheelbarrow full of Silver Springs Compost (several times) and walk around dropping it off at my neighbors. It’s a good way to say hello, inspire compost conversations and is always greatly appreciated. It makes a great hostess gift too.
Steve
email me
This morning, while I was walking to my office, it occurred to me that the color green was probably invented right here in Western Washington—and that led me to thinking about Earth Day.
I’ve always done something special for Earth Day since the “first” one in 1970. This year I intentionally planted two pear trees and discovered a volunteer Bing cherry tree growing in the center of my lawn (so I surrounded it with rocks and welcomed it to the family). My community has its own way of celebrating Earth Day. Its educational and a lot of fun: www.procession.org
When I called the office Eric (project engineer) answered the phone and we talked a bit about Earth Day and what it meant. We both agreed it was a time for reflection about the Earth. He said he rode his bike to work that day (he does most days). And that he is trying to save the world one compost facility at a time. I guess we all are…
Now it’s International Compost Awareness Week (May 2-9). Check out this great poster announcing the event:
This weekend, to celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, I’ll fill my wheelbarrow full of Silver Springs Compost (several times) and walk around dropping it off at my neighbors. It’s a good way to say hello, inspire compost conversations and is always greatly appreciated. It makes a great hostess gift too.
Steve
email me
12/01: Careers in Compost
Category: General
I recently sent out a nation-wide call looking for qualified Compost Facility Operators that have years of experience--and that were interested in relocating to different parts of the US for employment opportunities. I received an underwhelming response. I assume the reasons were two-fold:
1)the part about relocation; and,
2)that there is a dearth of experienced compost facility operators/managers.
The Washington State Organics Recycling Council (WORC) recently conducted their 2009 Operator Training Course and provided excellent training to over 35 students. About half of those students were municipal employees & consulting engineers; and, the balance were already working for compost related businesses.
From my viewpoint, it appears that Municipalities and Regulators are becoming students of composting (as well they should); and that compost businesses are finding it easier to educate their existing staff as opposed to looking for outside talent (that at present seems almost non-existent).
The jobs I was looking to fill had salary ranges from $60-80k with benefits and incentives. It is good work to find in these trying times.
I suggest that individuals looking for career opportunities in Composting, and that have the skills and drive for management positions, would do well to attend one of the several Compost Facility Operator Training Courses offered around the country, and explore a career in Compost Facility Management.
I further suggest that if anyone is interested in pursuing a career in the Composting Industry, then the best money they could spend in 2010 would be to attend either the US Compost Council Annual Convention, this year held in Orlando, FL. January 24-27, 2010; or the BioCycle West Coast Conference in San Diego, CA April 12-15, 2010.
You can find more information here :
US Compost Council Annual Convention
and here: 25th Annual BioCycle West Coast Conference 2010
There are one-day courses held before the conference on various topics such as compost basics, marketing etc; followed by a few days of presentations, vendor exhibitions and equipment demonstrations.
After a few days at the conference you should know if the compost industry is a good fit for you and if it is worth investing more of your time and effort. If it is, I look forward to meeting you…
Steve Diddy
email me
1)the part about relocation; and,
2)that there is a dearth of experienced compost facility operators/managers.
The Washington State Organics Recycling Council (WORC) recently conducted their 2009 Operator Training Course and provided excellent training to over 35 students. About half of those students were municipal employees & consulting engineers; and, the balance were already working for compost related businesses.
From my viewpoint, it appears that Municipalities and Regulators are becoming students of composting (as well they should); and that compost businesses are finding it easier to educate their existing staff as opposed to looking for outside talent (that at present seems almost non-existent).
The jobs I was looking to fill had salary ranges from $60-80k with benefits and incentives. It is good work to find in these trying times.
I suggest that individuals looking for career opportunities in Composting, and that have the skills and drive for management positions, would do well to attend one of the several Compost Facility Operator Training Courses offered around the country, and explore a career in Compost Facility Management.
I further suggest that if anyone is interested in pursuing a career in the Composting Industry, then the best money they could spend in 2010 would be to attend either the US Compost Council Annual Convention, this year held in Orlando, FL. January 24-27, 2010; or the BioCycle West Coast Conference in San Diego, CA April 12-15, 2010.
You can find more information here :
US Compost Council Annual Convention
and here: 25th Annual BioCycle West Coast Conference 2010
There are one-day courses held before the conference on various topics such as compost basics, marketing etc; followed by a few days of presentations, vendor exhibitions and equipment demonstrations.
After a few days at the conference you should know if the compost industry is a good fit for you and if it is worth investing more of your time and effort. If it is, I look forward to meeting you…
Steve Diddy
email me
Category: General
During the twenty odd years that I’ve worked in this industry I’ve fielded questions from thousands of people interested in composting. And, curiously, most of my answers to their questions begin with: “Well, that depends…”
Today, for example, I was contacted by a person looking for information for developing a decision-making matrix that would guide US rural towns with choosing appropriate composting technology for composting Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).
Their first question was easy: “How much tonnage can your system(s) process?” “No upper limit to tonnage”, I replied confidently. It was the second question that made my eyes roll back…it was, “how long does it take to make compost using your technology?” My answer, of course, was, “Well, that depends…”
For those of you that are not familiar with commercial/industrial scale composting it is an innocent enough question. However getting to that answer is not always an easy task; and, frequently requires trained professionals. Here is what I mean.
Composting is a biological process that takes a certain amount of time. At a minimum, making “stable” compost will take anywhere from 40-180 days, depending on your process. And making “mature” compost takes a little longer. The answer to the “how long does it take?” question depends on many inputs such as the feedstocks, climate, availability of labor, budget and process technology.
The answer also depends on the intended markets. There are markets for immature compost (primarily agriculture), for stable compost (road side and reclaiming projects), and for mature compost (retail and bagged markets).
Applying process technology can make reductions in the process time, for example if you use mechanical aeration you should be able to produce stable/mature compost faster than if using passive (non-mechanical) aeration.
Here is an excellent paper on definitions for stable and mature compost
So, how fast can you make compost? Well that depends…
(And, don’t believe anyone who tells you they can make mature compost in 7-14 days…that’s silly.)
Steve Diddy
email me
Today, for example, I was contacted by a person looking for information for developing a decision-making matrix that would guide US rural towns with choosing appropriate composting technology for composting Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).
Their first question was easy: “How much tonnage can your system(s) process?” “No upper limit to tonnage”, I replied confidently. It was the second question that made my eyes roll back…it was, “how long does it take to make compost using your technology?” My answer, of course, was, “Well, that depends…”
For those of you that are not familiar with commercial/industrial scale composting it is an innocent enough question. However getting to that answer is not always an easy task; and, frequently requires trained professionals. Here is what I mean.
Composting is a biological process that takes a certain amount of time. At a minimum, making “stable” compost will take anywhere from 40-180 days, depending on your process. And making “mature” compost takes a little longer. The answer to the “how long does it take?” question depends on many inputs such as the feedstocks, climate, availability of labor, budget and process technology.
The answer also depends on the intended markets. There are markets for immature compost (primarily agriculture), for stable compost (road side and reclaiming projects), and for mature compost (retail and bagged markets).
Applying process technology can make reductions in the process time, for example if you use mechanical aeration you should be able to produce stable/mature compost faster than if using passive (non-mechanical) aeration.
Here is an excellent paper on definitions for stable and mature compost
So, how fast can you make compost? Well that depends…
(And, don’t believe anyone who tells you they can make mature compost in 7-14 days…that’s silly.)
Steve Diddy
email me
Category: In-Vessel Systems
The USEPA 40 CFR Part 503 developed time and temperature protocols for killing pathogens and controlling vectors by composting biosolids in windrows, ASP and in-vessel systems. The methods were developed in Beltsville MD and are often referred to as the Beltsville methods or Beltsville protocol.
ECS has always understood that following the spirit of these regulations required ASP piles to be insulated with “blankets” of clean compost or wood waste; and that in-vessel systems would have insulated walls and ceiling. That is why we call our AC Composter a covered ASP system (instead of an in-vessel system); and why we offer true in-vessel systems (CV Composter™ and SV Composter™) with insulated walls, ceiling and doors. See images below...
ECS AC Composter™ and CompDog™ - Tenino, WA
Covered Aerated Static Pile (ASP)
Not considered an in-vessel system
ECS CV Composter™ - Okotoks, AB WWTP
Containerized in-vessel system, insulated modular vessels
ECS SV Composter™ - Granby, CO WWTP
Stationary in-vessel system
Insulated above grade “tunnels” made to almost any size
Recently the Washington State Department of Ecology has made a similar distinction…
The Department of Ecology (Ecology) wishes to explain how such (covered ASP) systems are viewed in Washington. (The information below applies only to biosolids composting in Washington. Biosolids composters outside of Washington should contact their biosolids regulatory officials with any questions.)
Under the Washington State biosolids regulatory program, biosolids composting operations using a fabric-like cover system are not considered to be in-vessel systems. Such operations must be managed either as aerated static pile systems or as windrow systems.
Currently in Washington if a biosolids composter uses a fabric-like cover in an aerated static pile system, Ecology requires the addition of an approximately 12-inch blanket of finished compost or similar type of material to be placed atop the pile as insulation in order to provide assurance that all particles meet the time and temperature requirements.
You can find the entire article by clicking here.
Steve Diddy
email me
ECS has always understood that following the spirit of these regulations required ASP piles to be insulated with “blankets” of clean compost or wood waste; and that in-vessel systems would have insulated walls and ceiling. That is why we call our AC Composter a covered ASP system (instead of an in-vessel system); and why we offer true in-vessel systems (CV Composter™ and SV Composter™) with insulated walls, ceiling and doors. See images below...
ECS AC Composter™ and CompDog™ - Tenino, WA Covered Aerated Static Pile (ASP)
Not considered an in-vessel system
ECS CV Composter™ - Okotoks, AB WWTP Containerized in-vessel system, insulated modular vessels
ECS SV Composter™ - Granby, CO WWTP Stationary in-vessel system
Insulated above grade “tunnels” made to almost any size
Recently the Washington State Department of Ecology has made a similar distinction…
The Department of Ecology (Ecology) wishes to explain how such (covered ASP) systems are viewed in Washington. (The information below applies only to biosolids composting in Washington. Biosolids composters outside of Washington should contact their biosolids regulatory officials with any questions.)
Under the Washington State biosolids regulatory program, biosolids composting operations using a fabric-like cover system are not considered to be in-vessel systems. Such operations must be managed either as aerated static pile systems or as windrow systems.
Currently in Washington if a biosolids composter uses a fabric-like cover in an aerated static pile system, Ecology requires the addition of an approximately 12-inch blanket of finished compost or similar type of material to be placed atop the pile as insulation in order to provide assurance that all particles meet the time and temperature requirements.
You can find the entire article by clicking here.
Steve Diddy
email me
Category: Training
The US Compost Council (USCC) is offering their 40-hour Compost Operator Training Course, February 22-26, 2010, in Davis, CA. This is an excellent opportunity to train your employees, learn the latest trends in the industry, and improve your composting operation.
What you will learn?
• Biology and Process Control,
• Site Design,
• Air and Water Management,
• Product Quality and Marketing,
• Operations and Regulations
For more information Click Here: Compost Operations Training Course
Or you can contact:
Cary Oshins, (484)547-1521
Email Cary Oshins
Presented by:
US Composting Council
1 Comac Loop, Suite 14B1
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
www.compostingcouncil.org
Steve Diddy
Email Me
What you will learn?
• Biology and Process Control,
• Site Design,
• Air and Water Management,
• Product Quality and Marketing,
• Operations and Regulations
For more information Click Here: Compost Operations Training Course
Or you can contact:
Cary Oshins, (484)547-1521
Email Cary Oshins
Presented by:
US Composting Council
1 Comac Loop, Suite 14B1
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
www.compostingcouncil.org
Steve Diddy
Email Me
Category: General
In 1999, Tim O’Neill saw an opportunity to combine his years of engineering and project management expertise with his love of the planet and formed Engineered Compost Systems (ECS). By 2001 it was a small company with a few successful in-vessel and ASP systems, and a handful of dedicated and happy clients.
That same year, Tim hired Chris Hibbard, mechanical engineer, & Jeff Gorom, a broadly talented technician, and me (Steve Diddy). I had been working for BFI Organics and met Tim while looking for an in vessel system to compost food waste in Santa Barbara. The four of us huddled and mapped out a business plan to change the landscape of the compost industry through new technologies and processes.
First, we wanted to expand & improve Tim’s original in-vessel system line. So we upgraded the container based systems (CV Composter™) and developed the technology for large stationary in-vessel systems (SV Composter™). Second, we set our sights on applying aeration and control technologies to large scale ASP systems. Third, we re-committed to refining our proprietary designs like the in-slab low friction aeration floor, and improving our products, such as the RF TeleProbe™. Continuous improvement has turned into a core value at ECS; most of our designs and products are now in their 4th, 5th or 6th generation.
Late in 2001, we moved, with our sister company Measurement Technology NW, from our overgrown office and shop in Wallingford to our current 8,500 ft2 facility in Magnolia (both Seattle neighborhoods) that includes offices, assembly space, machine shop, thermal testing chambers, and a UL Panel Shop.
ECS and their sister company, MTNW-USA
In 2006 we introduced the AC Composter™ (covered ASP); the CompDog™ (pipe-less floor aeration); and hired Charlie Krauter, another multi-talented engineer.
It’s now 2009. This year we brought aboard Jesse Collin & Eric Hake, mechanical engineers, and I remain the only individual in the company without a technical background. (And...that seems to work OK.)
2009 has been one of our most successful years. It feels like we have “hit our stride” and achieved the goals we set out to reach eight years back. We have helped communities and organizations decrease their footprint on the planet, we have introduced new technologies which make composting easier, less expensive and more durable; and we’ve had some fun in the process…
Composting is our life’s work. It is challenging, rewarding, and it’s not over yet.
Come help us write the next chapter…
Steve Diddy
email me
That same year, Tim hired Chris Hibbard, mechanical engineer, & Jeff Gorom, a broadly talented technician, and me (Steve Diddy). I had been working for BFI Organics and met Tim while looking for an in vessel system to compost food waste in Santa Barbara. The four of us huddled and mapped out a business plan to change the landscape of the compost industry through new technologies and processes.
First, we wanted to expand & improve Tim’s original in-vessel system line. So we upgraded the container based systems (CV Composter™) and developed the technology for large stationary in-vessel systems (SV Composter™). Second, we set our sights on applying aeration and control technologies to large scale ASP systems. Third, we re-committed to refining our proprietary designs like the in-slab low friction aeration floor, and improving our products, such as the RF TeleProbe™. Continuous improvement has turned into a core value at ECS; most of our designs and products are now in their 4th, 5th or 6th generation.
Late in 2001, we moved, with our sister company Measurement Technology NW, from our overgrown office and shop in Wallingford to our current 8,500 ft2 facility in Magnolia (both Seattle neighborhoods) that includes offices, assembly space, machine shop, thermal testing chambers, and a UL Panel Shop.
ECS and their sister company, MTNW-USA
In 2006 we introduced the AC Composter™ (covered ASP); the CompDog™ (pipe-less floor aeration); and hired Charlie Krauter, another multi-talented engineer.
It’s now 2009. This year we brought aboard Jesse Collin & Eric Hake, mechanical engineers, and I remain the only individual in the company without a technical background. (And...that seems to work OK.)
2009 has been one of our most successful years. It feels like we have “hit our stride” and achieved the goals we set out to reach eight years back. We have helped communities and organizations decrease their footprint on the planet, we have introduced new technologies which make composting easier, less expensive and more durable; and we’ve had some fun in the process…
Composting is our life’s work. It is challenging, rewarding, and it’s not over yet.
Come help us write the next chapter…
Steve Diddy
email me