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 water to reduce fire hazards and to control dust. Many incinerators are
designed to allow dump trucks to load the residue directly from the hoppers.
The residue from continuous-feed furnaces falls from the burning grate into
automated ash removal devices. The residue is also quenched in a bath for
dust and fire control. A drag or apron pan conveyor then carries the wet
residue to dump trucks. The quench water requirements will vary considerably
depending on the specific design and operational requirements of a given
incinerator. Ash after quenching is then disposed of according to federal,
state, and local regulations.
4.3.18
Composting. Composting is another resource conservation
method. It is the process whereby microorganisms are utilized to convert most
organic matter to humus. The resulting humus is generally used as an
agricultural soil conditioner or potting soil. Composting could
theoretically have a wide application to many military installations since
they are frequently located in wooded areas. Composting operations at
installations located in areas possessing an abundance of leaves can
significantly reduce the volume of wastes to be disposed of.
1.
Leaves can be bagged by residents and set out at the curb for pick-
up on specified days. Leaves from parade grounds and other
nonresidential areas can be raked into large piles and loaded
directly into dump trucks or other general purpose vehicles. All
leaves can then be hauled to a central composting point. An
excellent location for the composting point is the installation
sanitary landfill. The composting operation can be placed on a
completed and filled section in the landfill site. Once at the
composting site, leaves shall be arranged in rows and turned
frequently in order to promote rapid decomposition. The resulting
humus can be utilized on the installation as a soil conditioner or
potting soil.
2.
Pine straw is considered a forestry product and specific
regulations apply to its disposal. Pine straw is available in
large quantities at many military installations, particularly in
the southeastern United States. The pine straw may be composted,
but it can also be used as is without further processing. It has
excellent usage as the top cover in flower beds and in forming
"pine islands." Pine straw may also be given to civilian
communities for use in community beautification projects. Pine
straw with commercial value cannot be given away.
3.
Solid waste can also be composted. The waste is usually shredded,
and most of the nonorganic materials removed. The remaining
organic material is generally arranged in windrows and turned
frequently to promote decomposition by microorganisms. The
resulting humus can be utilized in the same manner as that
generated from leaves. This operation shows limited applications
to military installations. The Navy and the city of Key West
jointly constructed a 50-ton/day aerobic composting facility in Key
West, Florida. Solid waste is mechanically composted and windrowed
onsite (one turn every week for 90 days). The product is a soil
conditioner used on city parks and sold to the public.
4-114
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