Industrial Composting Environmental Engineering and Facilities Management

Preface
Acknowledgment
The Author

A Prospective
Introduction
History
Advantages and Disadvantages of Composting
The Technology of Composting
Potentially Associated Risks with Composting or Compost Use
Conclusion
References

Basic Concepts of Composting
Introduction
Temperature
Carbon and Nitrogen (C:N)
Moisture
Oxygen and Aeration
Microorganisms in Composting
Stability, Maturity, and Phytotoxicity
Conclusion
References

The Composting Process
Introduction
The Composting Process
Conclusion
References

Design and Material, Energy, and Water Balances
Introduction
Approaches to Design
Material, Energy, and Water Balances
Conclusion
References

Facilities Planning
Introduction
Facility Ownership and Management
Community Involvement
Permit and Ancillary Requirements
Regulations
Site Existing Conditions
System and Technology Selection
Conclusion
References

Composting Technologies and Systems
Introduction
Generic Classification of Composting Technologies
Criteria for System Selection
Conclusion
References

Facility Design
Introduction
Process Flow Determination
Site Design and Improvements
Equipment
Basic Design Information
Conclusion
References

Economics
Introduction
Economics
Economics of Product Marketing and Sales
Conclusion
References

Odor Management Basic Concepts
Introduction
Assessing and Evaluating Odors
Production of Odors as Related to Technology
Odors and Receptors
Conclusion
References

Operational Control of Odors
Introduction
Principles of Operational Control
Managerial Aspects of Odor Management
Covers
Chemical Odor Neutralizers and Additives
Conclusion
References

Odor Control Systems
Introduction
Biofiltration
Biofilters
Design Criteria and Operational Considerations of a Biofilter
Media
Biofilter Design
Managing Biofilters
Other Biological Control Systems
Covers
Conclusion
References

Pathogens
Introduction
Pathogen Concentrations as Related to Feedstocks
Types of Pathogens
Public and Worker Concerns and Issues
Conclusion
References

Bioaerosols
Introduction
Bioaerosols Associated with Composting and Their Potential
Diseases
Predominant Bioaerosols Related to Composting and Their
Presence in the Environment
Bioaerosols and Composting
Bioaerosols and Human Health as Related to Composting
Managing Bioaerosols
Conclusion
References

Site Management
Introduction
Health and Safety
Site Management
Sampling, Analyzing, and Testing
Conclusion
References

Public Relations, Communication, and Regulations
Introduction
Public Relations and Communication
Regulations
Public Relations, Participation, and Communication
Regulations
Odor Regulations
Conclusion
References

Product Utilization and Marketing
Introduction
Properties of Compost
Utilization of Compost
Compost Marketing
Conclusion
References
Index

Biography

Dr. Eliot Epstein is an internationally known expert in composting of waste material. He specializes in composting and biosolids management, solid waste, land application, and waste disposal. He is a soil physicist-agronomist by training.

Dr. Epstein spent 16 years as Research and Station Leader for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Service at the University of Maine in Orono, Maine. In 1972, Dr. Epstein transferred to the USDA Research Center at Beltsville, Maryland, where he was the principal scientist on the project that resulted in the development of the "Beltsville" Forced Aeration Composting System for sewage sludge. Dr. Epstein has directed a variety of waste management projects for both government and industry.

"Any reference by Dr. Epstein is a valuable tool for the composting professional … It also includes perhaps the most comprehensive list of reference materials, which should be very helpful if the reader desires more information on a particular topic."
—John T. Bouey, P.E., President, Managed Organic Recycling, Inc., Oakland, California