GPT Waste Management Logo
ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 Accredited
t   01928 571 349
f   01928 571 335
e  

You need Flash Player to show this content, please take a moment to download it.

Get Adobe Flash player

EA Statement on Composting & Bioaerosols

Date: 16 July 2010. Posted in Industry News

The Environment Agency have outlined their approach to composting applications and the need for site specific bioaerosol risk assessments in a revised position statement.

In a draft position statement issued (w/c 28 th June 2010), the Agency notes the importance of composting as a process to divert biodegradable wastes from landfill but goes on to say that an aspect of composting which needs to be controlled is the release of "potentially harmful bioaerosols".

What is a bioaerosol?

Bioaerosols are complex mixtures of airborne micro-organisms and their products and are found everywhere, especially in rural environments. The EA says that commercial scale composting tends to generate large amounts and these are likely to contain human allergens and pathogens and have potential effects on respiratory health and may cause headaches, nausea and fatigue.

E A Position

  • Bioaerosol risk assessments should continue to take place if the proposed site is within 250 metres of dwellings or workplaces.
  • Businesses who compost do not have to submit their site specific bioaerosol risk assessments to the EA when they apply for planning permission.
  • But, businesses who compost must submit a site specific bioaerosol risk assessment to the EA when registering an exempt activity, or applying for a licence or permit.

Further information and guidance can be viewed at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/library/position/41211.aspx

For more information phone 01928 571 349 or

Copyright 2009, GPT Waste Managment. Runcorn Web Design by eantics