S.C. Code Regs. § 61-43.300.50 - Exceptional Quality Compost

A. When the Department determines that the composting of solid animal manure and other animal by-products is performed in such a manner that the odor and vector attraction potential is reduced and the controlled microbial degradation of the organic manure and other animal by-products has been accomplished, this material may be considered Exceptional Quality Compost. Exceptional Quality Compost may be sold or distributed without regulation by the Department, if it meets the requirements of this part and the standards established by Penn State University. The Department shall review and approve the composter design and proposal for operation and distribution of the composted product. Composting systems shall be designed by a professional engineer or an engineer with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

B. Composting can be subject to nuisance problems such as odors, dusts, and vector attraction. Therefore, the composting facility shall incorporate measures to control such conditions. An Odor and Vector Abatement Plan shall be developed for a composting facility.

C. Compost Product Quality Standards.

1. Product Standards are necessary to protect public and environmental health and to ensure a measure of commercial acceptability.

a. Based on EPA standards for pathogen reduction, the time/temperature conditions required are equivalent to an average of 128 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) (53 degrees Celsius (°C)) for five (5) consecutive days, 131°F (55°C) for 2.6 consecutive days, or 158°F (70°C) for thirty (30) minutes.

b. The composted product shall meet or exceed the minimum standard of mature or very mature compost as set forth in the USDA Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost (TMECC) Section 05.02-G CQCC Maturity Index. A maturity rating shall be given based upon the Maturity Assessment Matrix given in this method.

c. When land applied, the compost shall adhere to requirements for constituent concentrations and loading rates as outlined in Part 100.100, Part 200.100, or Part 400.60.

2. Compost products which meet these standards and also comply with pathogen quality and vector attraction standards are considered to be of Exceptional Quality and can be used without regulatory oversight, other than the compliance of agronomic application rates based on product analysis.

3. If the Department determines that the composting system is not being operated properly or that the composted product is not of an Exceptional Quality, the composted product shall be handled in accordance with the land application requirements of Part 100, 200, or 400 (as applicable) of this regulation.

4. An operable thermometer capable of measuring temperatures within a compost pile shall be kept at the composting facility for monitoring the temperature of each compost pile or batch. A written log of the daily temperature reading should be kept for each batch of compost. Temperatures shall not be allowed to rise above 180°F (82°C), which may cause combustion in the compost pile and start a fire.

5. The composted product shall be analyzed by Clemson University or another Department approved laboratory. The composted product content information along with recommended application rates shall be distributed with the product. The consumer shall be advised that the composted product shall be applied at an agronomic rate.

Notes

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-43.300.50

Replaced and amended by State Register Volume 45, Issue No. 05, eff. 5/28/2021.