O2Compost SOQ Comprehensive

BAKERSFIELD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SOLID WASTE DIVISION NICK FIDLER KEVIN BARNES DIRECTOR + CITY ENGINEER SOLID WASTE DIRECTOR October 5, 2015 Re: O2 Compost Consultants It is my pleasure to recommend Mr. Peter Moon of the O02 Compost as a valuable resource in the composting field. His thorough knowledge and his ability to design and adapt composting systems were a key part of a very important and successful team project. This project, which a diverse team of industry professionals collaborated for in 2012 through the Association of Compost Producers, was to test and document the air pollution control benefits of an aerated static pile system. Information on the project can be found on the San Joaquin Valley Air District’s website under the Technology Advancement Program, or on the Association of Compost Producers website. Peter’s role was crucial in designing the largest practical pile size for testing on a production scale, and for managing the dynamics of the compost process as the project progressed. With a reliable compost system provided by Peter, the team was able to focus on other aspects of the project, which include odor and vector control, elimination of diesel equipment, space savings for compost facilities, and conservation of water used in the process. In addition to those benefits sought by the project, we have found another immense advantage of using aerated static pile composting in place of windrows, with respect to the new state regulations on physical contaminants in compost. This is because windrow turners tend to break up plastic and glass typically found in urban green and food waste, while aerated static piles do not. The result is improved product screening, since undesirable debris is left intact in larger pieces for the screen machines to effectively sort. As a result of this and the original purpose, the project has helped shape the future of composting in California. As the one who originated the project and recruited the team, I am grateful that Peter was able to participate. Sincerely, ae Kevin Barnes Solid Waste Director 4101 TRUXTUN AVENUE OFFICE (661) 326-3114 BAKERSFIELD CA 93309 www, bakersfieldcity.us FAX (661) 852-2121