KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
It looks like the city of Kodiak’s compost test bed project was successful in its first summer of operation. Public Works Director Mark Kozak says the compost pile near the sewage treatment plant kept about 30-tons of sludge out of the borough’s land-fill. And even though that sounds like a lot, it’s just a drop in the honey bucket compared to what the compost project might be able to use. Thirty-tons is not quite a week’s worth of bio-solids, which is left over from sewer treatment.
Kozak says samples have been sent to the state for analysis, which will confirm the compost pile’s effectiveness. He said the pile did reach the required 140-degrees for three days each time it was turned:
— (Compost 1 26 sec "We don’t have results … things of that nature.")
There were a few initial reports of odor from the compost pile, which is on Spruce Cape Road, but Kozak said it quickly dissipated.
— (Compost 2 40 sec "During the mixing process … well for us that way.")
Kozak said once the samples have been confirmed not to have any fecal coli form or other pathogens left in it, the compost can be given out to the public.
— (Compost 3 29 sec "Because this is a trial … their yards or wherever.")
Since the compost bed has been covered for the winter, any distribution will have to take place in the spring, after the wood chip additions – called "amendments" – are screened out. The compost needs more than just the bio-solids from the treatment plant to function properly. Kozak said cardboard could be used, but it’d have to be shredded or cut into small pieces first.
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