James River Correctional Center Department of Agribusiness and Enterprises

1. James River Correctional CenterDepartment of Agribusiness and Enterprises S.V. Pruett, Warden

2. Grade A Dairy 305 Day Milk: 30,872 pounds

5. Milk Processing Plant: 12,600 Gallons Processed per Week

6. Commercial cow-calf operation & sire proving program: 1300 cross bred brood cow herd

15. In Vessel ComposterJRCC State Farm, Virginia

18. Beef Pastures • Once cattle is taken off field, manure is spread across the fields with a pasture “drag” • This incorporates the manure into the field for fertilization • This procedure disturbs breeding sites of flies

19. Why Recycle Food Waste?

21. Why Compost Food Waste? • Environmentally friendly – food waste does not go into landfills • Cost to remove waste from JRCC, JRWC, DMCC and PCC over $200,000 per year • DOC pays by the pound to remove waste from facilities • Food waste is the largest contributor to the dumpster – from kitchen waste and inmate plate waste

23. History of Composter • Canadian technology – Wright Environmental Management, Inc. • 4 years for development, budgeting and construction phases • JRCC is pilot program for DOC • All DOC institutions will eventually have a composter on site

24. In Vessel composters can be found in New York DOC facilities • 55 composters are located in Canada, the United Kingdom and USA • The largest composter to date is located at Walt Disney world in Florida

25. Costs • Equipment cost was $175,000 • DOC total cost was $600,000 due to additional DEQ regulations and requirements • Anticipated cost of next unit: $300,000

26. Construction • Concrete pad with four drains • DEQ required a total containment system • There are no written regulations for In- Vessel composting – additional precautions taken, which raised costs • Environmental engineer hired on contract to address certain aspects of construction

28. Wood Chips • Made from dried crushed wood pallets • Chips should be free of water, and kept dry at all times • Size of chip is important – too fine of a chip will clog conveyor

29. Why Wood Chips? • Wood gives off carbon – energy source • Microorganisms require 1 part nitrogen to 30 parts carbon for growth and activity • Oxygen: 12% for aerobic conditions • Final products of decomposition: CO2, H2O, NH3, nitrates and cell biomass • Keep the system aerobic: faster decomposition, less smell, more heat

31. Requirements of “Bugs”“FAT TOM” • F: Food (Nutrients) • A: Acidity (pH neutral at 6-8) • T: Temperature (131 degrees F. ) • T: Time (Minimum 72 hours) • O: Oxygen (Aeration) • M: Moisture (40%-70%)

32. Operation of Composter • One operator – 2 inmates • 5 days per week • Unit is made of stainless steel • Two cycles: 14 or 28 days • Unit holds 2000-4000 pounds of waste/day

33. Procedure • Food waste is saved in 62 gallon containers • Food waste is mixed 60 wood/40 food, 55% - 65% moisture by weight • Mixture is dumped into hopper

40. Challenges to Composting • Water in waste containers must be limited to 60% or less • Food waste bins vary in composition of food types and water • Excess water in food clogs the conveyor unit • Non food trash placed into bins • Training of food staff

41. Wood chips: if too fine or wet can clog conveyor system. Chips often contain too much water, or are the wrong size • Once clogged – operator must climb into composter to unclog • Shaker unit clogs – chips hard to separate out • Unit can freeze in winter • Slight smell

44. Aeration and Water Addition • Water from the food is drained into the bottom of the unit, then pumped back up onto the food daily • 7 days into cycle mixture is at center of unit. Spinners aerate mixture and add fresh water • Water is also used to decrease temperatures if mixture gets too hot