Department of Sanitation New York Explores Upgrading Composting Program
LOCATION
The Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island was open from 1948 - 2001. The Staten Island Compost Project was established in 1987 as a pilot program providing valuable insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of large-scale food waste diversion. The project expanded gradually, with more households and businesses participating in the program over the years. The finished compost produced from the diverted organic waste was used for landscaping, erosion control, and soil enrichment throughout NYC. The Fresh Kills Landfill and Compost Project was closed down in 2001, although the Compost Facility reopened in 2014 with an open windrow turning operation.
The Staten Island Compost Facility processed yard waste for the Department of Sanitation New York (DSNY), operated under contract by Denali Water Solutions LLC (formerly WeCare Organics). As part of NYC’s food waste composting program, the facility is being upgraded from an open windrow turning operation to a 16-heap SG BUNKER® System with GORE® Covers to process food waste in a more environmentally responsible manner.
PROJECT DETAILS
Ownership: | Department of Sanitation New York (DSNY) |
Location: | Fresh Kills, Staten Island, NY |
Construction: | Phase 1 Complete / Phase 2 Complete |
Product: | SG BUNKER® System with GORE® Cover |
Input quantity: | 60,000 TPY |
No. of Heaps: | 16 Bunkers, 16 covered, 164 ft. x 27 ft. x 12 ft. each |
Treatment Time: | 8 weeks in 3 phases |
Aeration: | In-Floor |
Control Parameters: | Oxygen Control Mode |
Input material: | Source Separated Organics (Residential and Commercial Food Waste), Wood Chips, Grass/Straw, & Yard Waste |
Equipment: |
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End Product: | High-quality finished Compost marketed as Big Apple Compost® |
THE SG SOLUTION
Meeting Requirements While Producing High-Quality Compost
During 2014-2015, DSNY and its consultant performed a composting technology evaluation to determine the best technology to use for the facility retrofit at the existing Staten Island Compost Facility located at the Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island.
Of significant importance to the Staten Island Compost project team was the GORE® Cover capability to comply with the state and local regulatory requirements for:
Meeting strict air quality standards for odors and VOC emission reduction
Complete separation of process water (leachate) from stormwater
Production of high-quality finished compost
Sustainable Generation’s SG BUNKER® System with GORE® Covers was chosen for the project. Since then, SG has worked with GHD Engineers and WeCare/Denali on the system's design.
PROJECT GALLERY
The SG BUNKER® System at the Staten Island Compost Facility
RESULTS DELIVERED
A Sustainable Solution with True Scale
Phase 1: COMPLETE - focused on the site work portion of the project. Since the site location is on a closed landfill, there were special considerations given to the geotechnical aspect of the project requiring multiple phases of construction.
[UPDATE 12/2022] Phase 2: Construction Complete! The originally anticipated completion was set for Q1 2023, but the construction of the 16 SG BUNKER® System with GORE® Covers was done efficiently and was completed weeks earlier than originally anticipated. DSNY now has a fully operational SG Advanced CompostingTM System ready to accept a larger amount of feedstock from the region.
[UPDATE 7/2023] Phase 3: Launch - DSNY, DENALI, and Sustainable Generation will be officially launching the new SG/GORE® System in 2023. As a part of our ongoing commitment to support our partners, SG will fully train all on-site operators and assist with remote monitoring for a period after the official start when feedstock is accepted into the new SG/GORE® System.
FAQ's
What are the specific environmental benefits associated with upgrading to the SG BUNKER® System with GORE® Covers compared to the previous composting method, particularly in terms of emissions reduction and sustainability metrics? The environmental benefits of upgrading to the SG BUNKER® System with GORE® Covers compared to the previous composting method entail significant improvements in emissions reduction and overall sustainability metrics. This upgrade allows for better compliance with strict air quality standards, effectively reducing odors and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Additionally, the system ensures complete separation of process water (leachate) from stormwater, thereby preventing contamination and improving environmental stewardship. Furthermore, the production of high-quality finished compost contributes to soil health and promotes sustainable waste management practices.
What challenges and obstacles were encountered during the construction and implementation phases of the upgraded composting system, especially considering the geotechnical aspects of the project due to the site's location on a closed landfill? How were these challenges addressed, and what collaborative efforts were involved in overcoming them? Despite the successful completion of the construction and implementation phases of the upgraded composting system, several challenges and obstacles were encountered along the way. Special considerations were given to the geotechnical aspect of the project due to the site's location on a closed landfill. These considerations necessitated multiple phases of construction to address soil conditions and ensure the system's stability. However, through collaborative efforts between DSNY, DENALI Water Solutions, and Sustainable Generation, these challenges were effectively addressed, resulting in the timely completion of the project.
How does the transition to the SG BUNKER® System with GORE® Covers represent a long-term investment in environmental sustainability and economic viability for DSNY? Can you elaborate on the upfront costs associated with infrastructure upgrades and technology implementation, as well as the long-term benefits, such as the production of high-quality finished compost and cost savings from regulatory compliance? The transition to the SG BUNKER® System with GORE® Covers represents a long-term investment in both environmental sustainability and economic viability. While upfront costs associated with infrastructure upgrades and technology implementation may be significant, the system's enhanced efficiency and performance yield substantial long-term benefits. By producing high-quality finished compost suitable for various applications, including landscaping and soil enrichment, the upgraded system generates value from organic waste streams. Additionally, the system's ability to meet regulatory requirements for emissions reduction and environmental protection contributes to cost savings by mitigating potential fines or penalties associated with non-compliance. Overall, the transition to this advanced composting technology aligns with DSNY's commitment to sustainable waste management practices and offers a promising pathway toward a more resilient and environmentally responsible future.