The planned 50,000 tonnes per year capacity plant will process waste comprised of biodegradable wastes from agriculture and horticulture, household collections of garden waste, plus wood, paper and cardboard, and similar wastes from commercial/ industrial processes.
The consultation was launched on 7th August 2023 and expires on 5th September 2023.
A spokesperson for Biffa said: “The use of peat for domestic gardening use will be banned in the UK from 2024. With this in mind, we are currently investing in a PAS100 certified, peat-free compost product which is produced from the treatment of municipal garden waste. We hope to be able to offer authorities in the region an open windrow composting site solution for their garden waste treatment requirements and have the ability to donate this product to local, sustainable landscaping and horticultural projects.”
Facility
Biffa explained that the site has been an area of mineral extraction, backfilling and restoration since the 1960s.
Biffa Waste Services Ltd (Biffa) commenced landfilling operations in in 1982 at parts of the site, which are now “restored and returned to agriculture”.
Currently, Biffa undertakes “various waste management operations at the site” including landfill disposal in the southern extension area, generation of electricity from landfill gas, treatment of leachate by Miscanthus Beds, waste transfer and recycling. The site was hit by a fire back in June, with firefighters remaining on site overnight.
Biffa has also developed and fully manages a Wildlife Corridor beside the Cat’s Water Drain (watercourse) along the eastern boundary. It also manages the Clear Water Lagoon and other water features in the centre of the Site.
Today is #WorldWildlifeDay which celebrates the protection of insects and large creatures on Earth. Our restored 'Eye Landfill' site in #Cambridgeshire is full of rare wonderful plants, animals and insects. Some include water voles, adonis ladybirds, beetles, butterflies and more pic.twitter.com/RFiozVe9tD
— Biffa (@Biffa) March 3, 2023
Biffa said the proposed facility will consist of a newly constructed, securely enclosed, and reinforced concrete platform measuring 200 meters in length and 128.5 meters in width. The pad will feature gradual slopes and curbs designed to effectively manage surface water, which will be directed towards two newly established lagoons positioned at the northeast and southwest ends of the platform.
Biffa added “that the organic matter, or green waste, within the windrows undergoes natural aerobic decomposition, leading to temperatures ranging from 65°C to 80°C during the sanitization phase. This temperature range effectively eliminates weed seeds, as well as reduces potential human and animal pathogens.”
Process
Each batch of compost requires a minimum composting period of five weeks, divided into two distinct phases. The first phase spans two weeks and involves sanitisation, followed by a subsequent stabilisation phase that lasts for a minimum of three weeks.
The organic matter, or green waste, within the windrows will undergo natural aerobic decomposition, leading to temperatures ranging from 65°C to 80°C during the sanitisation phase. This temperature range effectively eliminates weed seeds, as well as reduces potential human and animal pathogens. Following the initial two weeks, efforts are directed towards maintaining temperatures above 45°C for a minimum of an additional three weeks. This is achieved by carefully managing moisture levels in the windrow.
To ensure proper progress, the temperature and moisture content of the windrow are assessed and documented weekly. This involves using a probe inserted into the windrow to gather accurate data.
Subscribe for free