Compost & Biosolids Screen - Microbiology Components
Used to evaluate the safety of compost or bio-solids for use as agricultural or gardening soil supplements.
SUGGESTED MAXIMUM LIMITS
| Total Staph | coag+ve Staph | lactose fermentors | fecal coliforms | Enterococci (fecal Strep) | Salmonella | Pseudomonas spp Total | P.aerogenosa | TPC* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| n/a | 50/gm | n/a | 20/gm | 5/gm | 0/gm | n/a | 10/gm | n/a |
Notes: Agriculture Canada (FP&I) is concerned with potential spread of plant pathogens and pests (eg. gypsy moth). For material that is considered high risk, tests for specific pathogens can be conducted or a bio-assay (eg radish & watercress) for toxicity and pathogens can be conducted.
A further suggestion (from EPA) was a concern with potential parasites. This remains a concern for a product known as "Zoodoo" which is quite popular in Washington State. It is unclear if the Hartland compost (or backyard compost) would present a significant risk of spreading parasites. Individual circumstance may warrant investigation on a need to know basis.