Page 21 - Poultry Mortality Composting

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Actual construction of a composter can take many different forms, all producing good results. Some features to consider are location, type of structure, construction materials and ingredient storage.

Location/Access

Location of a composter should follow the criteria in Section 2 subsection (4)(d) (ii) of the Destruction and Disposal of Dead Animals Regulation of the Animal Health Act. It states that the compost pile must be:

• At least 100 m (328 ft) from wells or other domestic water intakes, streams, creeks, ponds, springs and high water marks of lakes and at least 25 m (82 ft) from the edge of a coulee, major cut or embankment. • At least 100 m (328 ft) from any residences.

• At least 100 m (328 ft) from any livestock facilities, including pastures, situated on land owned or leased by another person.

The location should also take into account any impact it may have on the farm residence and neighbouring residences. While offensive odours are not usually generated in the composting process, the handling of dead birds, manure and litter may not be aesthetically pleasing. When locating a composter, consideration should be given to traffic patterns required for moving dead birds, the required ingredientsand removing the finished compost from the composter. The composter site should be well-drained and provide all-weather access roads and work areas.

Foundation/Floor

Composting should have an impervious, weight-bearing foundation for all composting areas. This feature ensures all-weather operation, helps secure the composter against rodent access and generally minimizes the potential for contamination of the surrounding area. Consideration should also be given to providing a concrete floor in traffic areas and work alleys. Experience has shown that with the frequent loading and unloading activities associated with composting, dirt or even gravel areas tend to become rutted and potholed.

Construction Materials

Any portion of the compost structure such as poles and sidewalls that will be in contact with dirt or composting material should be constructed with pressure treated lumber or other rot-resistant materials.

Temporary bins can also be constructed with bales of low-quality hay or straw. This type of construction is less expensive and provides flexibility such as the number of bins and their location that a permanent structure would not.

planning considerations