ATHENS, Ohio, February 17, 2009 (ENS) - Ohio University's new composting unit on the Athens campus is the largest in-vessel composting system at any college or university in the nation, capable of processing up to 28 tons of organic waste at a time.
On Thursday, Ohio University President Roderick McDavis and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Sean Logan ceremoniously fed a paper ribbon into the giant composter to mark the school's new move towards a low-waste future.
"This is the beginning of our future in terms of sustainability - making major strides forward for Ohio University to be a leader in sustainability, not only in Athens County but also in our state and in our nation," McDavis said. "We are doing it not because it is trendy, but because it is the right and smart thing to do."
Designed and built by Wright Environmental Management Inc. of Ontario, Canada, the composting vessel is a double-walled steel tunnel insulated to control the heat and odors produced when organic materials decompose.
Temperature and moisture levels inside the vessel's seven air zones are monitored constantly, and air flow is independently controlled in three composting zones and two mixing zones to assure optimum composting conditions. Temperature, oxygen and moisture are controlled by computer.
Full story: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/feb2009/2009-02-17-094.asp
