The Compost Quality Alliance Peer Review Audit Process

Transcription

1 The Compost Quality Alliance Peer Review Audit Process ALLAN YEE, CD, M.SC., P.ENG. 1 MARCH 2018

2 Outline CQA Program Overview CQA Peer Review Audit Logistics Key CQA Peer Review Audit Components: Facility ID General Operations and Documentation Receiving, Mixing, Curing, Warehousing Areas and Sales General State of Housekeeping Sampling and Analytical Rigour Regulatory Approval and Compliance Audit Close Out Discussion of Preliminary Results with Facility Management

3 Compost Quality Alliance Program Overview The CQA program was initiated because of perceived need to move above and beyond regulatory limits for compost quality based on public health, safety and environmental protection. The CQA program is an industry led initiative through the Compost Council of Canada to shift the product focus more onto agronomic values and proper use of compost. Concentration on: Proper product sampling and analysis through certified laboratories; and Properly managed and operated production facilities.

4 Composting Industry Parallels to the Professions The CQA Program is a step forward towards professionalism for the industry. The recognized Professions include doctors, lawyers, engineers. Characteristic attributes of professions: Specialized knowledge and skill; Corporateness (identity); and Self regulation and governance. The Canadian composting industry currently has some, but not all of the above attributes.

5 Aspirations on Consumer Acceptance

6 CQA Peer Review Audit Logistics Currently a voluntary activity promoted amongst CQA members CQA audit as a third party aid to operational excellence, similar to original intent of ISO certification audits, but not nearly as onerous. Logistical arrangements made by facility through CCC offices in Toronto. Experienced and qualified third party peer review auditors. Out-of-pocket costs to be borne by facility, savings where possible by CCC. Prior documentation (approvals, analyses, regulatory reports, etc.) would aid the process.

7 Key CQA Audit Components

8 Facility Identification Name of Facility Location Manager Name of Peer Review Auditor(s) Date of Audit

9 General Observations and Documentation Technology Identification: windrow, ASP, In-vessel, etc. Site Security Measures? Operations Plan? Odour Monitoring and Control? Run-off and Leachate Control Plan? Environmental Monitoring Plan? Vector Management? Complaint Response Plan Safety Plan? Staff Training?

10 Feedstock Receiving Area Types of feedstocks accepted? Receipt of feedstocks policies and procedures? Segregated storage areas? Storage of carbon sources? Handling of rejects?

11 Feedstock Preparation and Mixing Area Provisions for feedstock conditioning: screening, segregation of contaminants, grinding, etc. Equipment and procedures for weighing feedstocks? Feedstock mix formulas? Methodology and equipment for mixing? Checks for initial porosity and moisture content? Operational procedures and process monitoring?

12 Curing Area Location and size of curing area? Transporting of materials? Curing procedures and process monitoring? Curing cycle times? Sampling and analysis of final product characteristics?

13 Product Storage Area and Sales Final products produced? Annual production, tonnes or m 3? Annual sales, tonnes or m 3? CFIA compliant labels for bulk and bagged products? Sales of bulk and bagged products?

14 General Housekeeping Observations General observations on cleanliness and housekeeping in various working areas: Receiving and feedstock storage areas; Feedstock preparation and mixing areas; Activing composting area; Cure site; Product storage and sales area. Overall state of site housekeeping? Concerns re: potential for cross contamination?

15 Sampling and Analytical Rigour Number of product samples taken/year? Where are samples taken in the production cycle? Written sampling procedures? Who takes samples? Parameters analyzed on site? Parameters sent to 3 rd party analytical laboratory? Name and location of certified/accredited analytical lab?

16 Regulatory Compliance Government certification/approval for facility? Certification/approval current? Any past/current violations? Any current ministerial orders? Regulatory reporting?

17 Audit Close Out Preliminary audit results tallied. Close out meeting on preliminary results and recommendations w/ facility management prior to leaving site. Feedback on audit process and preliminary results and recommendations. Final audit write up forwarded through Compost Council.