15A NCAC 13B .1408. METHODS FOR TESTING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

(a)  The compost product from Type 2, 3, and 4 facilities shall be sampled and analyzed as follows:

(1)           A composite sample of the compost produced at each compost facility shall be analyzed at intervals of every 20,000 tons of compost produced or every six months, whichever comes first, for test parameters for each Type of facility as designated in Table 3 of this Rule.  Standard methods equivalent to those in Table 3 may be approved by the Division.

 

Table 3

 

Parameter	Unit	Facility	Test Method
Foreign Matter	%	all	see Subparagraph (d) of this Rule
Arsenic	mg/kg dry wt.	Type 4	See Appendix A
Cadmium	mg/kg dry wt.	all
Chromium	mg/kg dry wt.	Type 4
Copper	mg/kg dry wt.	all
Lead	mg/kg dry wt.	all
Mercury	mg/kg dry wt.	Type 4
Nickel	mg/kg dry wt.	all
Selenium	mg/kg dry wt.	Type 4
Zinc	mg/kg dry wt.	all
Pathogens	See Appendix B	all	See Appendix B
Total N	%	see *	Kjeldahl

 

*  Total N required for products containing sludge subject to 40 CFR 503. 

The parameters listed in Table 3 of this Rule may also be determined by methods accepted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.

(2)           Sample collection, preservation, and analysis shall assure valid and representative results pursuant to a Division‑approved quality assurance plan.  At least three individual samples (of equal volume) shall be taken from each batch produced in separate areas along the side of the batch.  Each sampling point shall be at a depth of two to six feet into the pile from the outside surface of the pile.  Samples that have been analyzed for metals shall be composited and accumulated over a six month period or at intervals of every 20,000 tons of product produced, whichever comes first.  Any sample collected for testing for pathogens and nutrients shall be a representative composit sample of the compost and shall be processed within a period of time required by the testing procedure.

(3)           Compost containing sewage sludge shall be tested in accordance with 40 CFR 503, Subpart B.

(4)           The Division may decrease or increase the parameters to be analyzed or the frequency of analysis based upon monitoring date, changes in the waste stream or processing, or information regarding  the potential for presence of toxic substances that are not on the list of monitoring parameters.

(5)           Foreign matter content shall be determined by passing a dried, weighed sample of the compost product through a one‑quarter inch screen.  EPA Method 160.3 shall be used to dry the sample. The material remaining on the screen shall be visually inspected, and the foreign matter that can be clearly identified shall be separated and weighed.  The weight of the separated foreign matter divided by the weight of the total sample shall be determined and multiplied by 100.  This shall be the percent dry weight of the foreign matter content.

(b)  Record Keeping:  All facility owners or operators shall record and maintain records for a minimum of five years.  Records shall be available for inspection by Division personnel during normal business hours and shall be sent to the Division upon request:

(1)           Daily operational records must be maintained, which include, at a minimum, temperature data (length of the composting period) and quantity of material processed;

(2)           Analytical results on compost testing;

(3)           The quantity, type and source of waste received;

(4)           The quantity and type of waste processed into compost;

(5)           The quantity and type of compost produced by product classification; and

(6)           The quantity and type of compost removed for use or disposal, by product classification, and the market or permitted disposal facility.

(c)  Annual Reporting:  An annual report for the period July 1 to June 30 shall be submitted by all facility owners or operators to the Division by August 1, 1996 and every August 1 thereafter and shall contain:

(1)           The facility name, address, and permit number;

(2)           The total quantity in tons, with sludge values expressed in dry weight, and type of waste received at the facility during the year covered by the report, including tons of waste received from local governments of origin;

(3)           The total quantity in tons, with sludge values expressed in dry weight, and type of waste processed into compost during the year covered by the report;

(4)           The total quantity in tons and type of compost produced at the facility, by product classification, during the year covered by the report;

(5)           The total quantity in tons and type of compost removed for use or disposal from the facility, by product classification, along with a general description of the market if for use during the year covered by the report;

(6)           Monthly temperature monitoring to support Rule .1406 of this Section; and

(7)           Results of tests required in Table 3 of this Rule.

(d)  Yearly totals of solid waste received and composted shall be reported back to the local government of origin for annual recycling reporting.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 130A-294; 130A-309.03; 130A‑309.11; 130A-309.29;

Eff. December 1, 1991;

RRC objection Eff. April 18, 1996 due to lack of statutory authority;

Amended Eff. June 1, 1996.