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Tunnel Composting at Ipswich
Author(s) -
Barnes L. M.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
water and environment journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1747-6593
pISSN - 1747-6585
DOI - 10.1111/j.1747-6593.1998.tb00160.x
Subject(s) - compost , waste management , engineering , sewage sludge , borough , environmental science , sewage , environmental engineering , environmental planning , business , political science , public administration
The composting of sewage sludge, either in isolation or in admixture with other biodegradable wastes, is widely practised in the USA and mainland Europe. However, until recently, it has not found favour in the UK. This paper describes the background of a project which led to the construction of the first Gicom tunnel co‐composting system in this country, and the formation of the company ‘Compost Development Venture’(CDV) Ltd – a jointly owned subsidiary of Anglian Water and Ipswich Borough Council. The rationale for choosing tunnel composting above other technologies is outlined, and a brief description of the biology of the composting process is included. The tunnel‐composting method is explained, and operating experience over the first six months is followed by brief accounts of the role of the regulator, operating costs, and future developments for the plant.