Corrections_Today_May_June_2020_Vol.82_No.3

VADOC also developed a strong partnership with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). DEQ is the permitting agency for compost programs in Virginia and oversees the permit at the State Farm Cor- rectional Center. Virginia Waste Management regulations allow DEQ to offer educational compost permits. These permits allow experimental composting without obtaining a full permit. Requirements include record keeping and testing for stability and pathogens. Combined, the 12 successful sites are composting 35 tons of food waste per month and some are already starting to experience cost savings in tipping fees and dumpster rentals. Project results VADOC successfully developed and implemented 12 compost programs during the grant period. Of the initial 18 locations, six were unable to begin for vari- ous reasons including staffing issues, major construction projects and site design challenges. Staff members that completed the training as well as regional environmen- tal and safety compliance staff are prepared to begin composting when circumstances are favorable for a successful effort. Combined, the 12 successful sites are composting 35 tons of food waste per month and some are already starting to experience cost savings in tipping fees and dumpster rentals. A number of compost metrics are used to determine success. The properties and stability of the compost are of primary concern to ensure pathogens are not present in the finished product. At sites with finished material, com- post pH levels and stability metrics (ammonia and carbon dioxide) have tested well within the recommended levels. In addition, water infiltration rates were measured in

various soil applications to determine how well compost retains water compared to traditional soil. DEQ requires pathogen testing for their permits and staff will continue to collect results over the next twelve months. Once testing is complete, staff will add the com- post to agricultural soils. During the summer and fall of 2019, soil characteristics at participating prison farms were measured to collect baseline information before amending soils with compost. These measure- ments include in-situ soil infiltration rates and soil pH. Initial comparative analyses between amended and un- amended soils were conducted to evaluate the potential improvements to soil hydrological properties. These preliminary tests indicated a strong correlation between additions of organic matter and the capacity of the top- soil to facilitate water infiltration and retention. Thus, agricultural land with compost applications is more efficient in its use of water and nutrient resources; it also reduces the potential for soil erosion. Summary Long-term implications for a successful, agency-wide, composting program are exciting. The agency has shown its ability to manage a vast waste stream independently, resulting in cost savings and maintaining security. A compost program allows the agency to withstand signifi- cant challenges facing the waste management industry. In addition, the finished material is expected to provide a substantial soil amendment that contains beneficial prop- erties, requires less water, and will reduce agricultural runoff into Virginia’s waterways. Through vision and leadership, the VADOC is mov- ing toward environmentally responsible management of resources, improved agriculture, improved community relations, and fiscal responsibility.

Lois Fegan is the sustainability administrator for the Infrastructure & Environmental Management Unit of the Virginia Department of Corrections

Carolyn LeaMond is the founder of Onsite Compost Consulting.

Max Thoreson is a senior at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and will graduate this spring with a degree in crop and soil science.

Lois Fegan

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