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RULE 4566 ORGANIC MATERIAL COMPOSTING OPERATIONS (Adopted August 18, 

2011) 

1.0 Purpose 

The purpose of this rule is to limit emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) 

from composting operations. 

2.0 Applicability 

The provisions of this rule apply to composting facilities that compost and/or stockpile 

organic material. 

3.0 Definitions 

3.1 Active Phase: the phase of the composting process that begins when organic 

materials are mixed or piled together for composting and ends when any of the 

following conditions is met: 

3.1.1 The organic material has been composted for a period of 22 

consecutive days; 

3.1.2 The organic material respiration rate is no more than 20 milligrams of 

oxygen consumed per gram of volatile solids per day as measured by 

direct respirometry using the TMECC Method 05-08-A – Specific 

Oxygen Uptake Rate (April 7, 2002); 

3.1.3 The organic material emits no more than seven (7) mg carbon dioxide 

per gram of organic material (CO2-C) per day, as measured using the 

TMECC Method 05-08-B – Carbon Dioxide Evolution Rate (April 7, 

2002); or 

3.1.4 The organic material has a Solvita® Maturity Index of five (5) or 

greater as measured using the TMECC Method 05-08-E – Solvita® 

Maturity Test (April 7, 2002). 

3.2 Agricultural Composting: composting of agricultural materials at an agricultural 

operation site, which were generated on site and will be used on site. 

3.3 Agricultural Material: vegetative materials that are produced wholly from 

agricultural operations; the operation or maintenance of a system for the 

delivery of water in agricultural operations; or material not produced wholly 

from agricultural operations, but that are essential to agricultural operations. 
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3.4 Agricultural Operations: operations primarily involved with the growing, 

harvesting, and packing of crops; the raising of fowl or animals for the primary 

purpose of earning a living; or conducting agricultural research or instruction by 

an educational institution. 

3.5 Air Pollution Control Officer (APCO): the Air Pollution Control Officer of the 

San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District. 

3.6 Alternative Mitigation Measure: a mitigation measure proposed by an operator, 

as a means of complying with the rule requirements, that is determined by the 

APCO to achieve VOC reductions that are equal to or greater than the VOC 

reductions that would be achieved by other mitigation measures listed in this 

rule. 

3.7 Animal Manure: non-human animal excretions and waste, including, but not 

limited to, solids and urine from cows, cattle, or swine. 

3.8 Biosolids: organic material resulting from the treatment of sewage sludge or 

wastewater. 

3.9 Community Composting: composting conducted by a residential neighborhood 

association using feedstock generated within the residential neighborhood to 

produce compost for the neighborhood’s use. 

3.10 Compost: a product resulting from the biological decomposition of organic 

material. 

3.11 Compostable Material: organic material that is capable of undergoing the 

composting process. 

3.12 Composting: a process in which solid organic waste materials are decomposed 

in the presence of oxygen through the action of bacteria and other 

microorganisms. 

3.13 Composting Facility: a facility that is required to obtain a District permit for 

composting operations in accordance with Rule 2010 (Permits Required) which 

are not specifically exempt pursuant to Rule 2020 (Exemptions) or a 

Compostable Materials Handling Facility Permit in accordance with Title 14, 

California Code of Regulations, Division 7, Chapter 3.1, Article 2, Section 

17857.1. 

3.14 Composting Operation: composting, screening, chipping and grinding, and 

storage activities related to the production of compost from organic materials or 

chipped and ground organic materials at a composting facility. 
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3.15 Contiguous or Adjacent Property: a property consisting of two or more parcels 

of land with a common point or boundary, or separated solely by a public 

roadway or other public right-of-way. 

3.16 Curing Phase: the phase of the composting process that begins immediately 

after the active phase and ends when any of the following conditions is met: 

3.16.1 The organic material has been composted for a period of 40 

consecutive days after the active phase; 

3.16.2 The organic material respiration rate is no more than 10 milligrams of 

oxygen consumed per gram of volatile solids per day as measured by 

direct respirometry using the TMECC Method 05-08-A – SOUR: 

Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate (April 7, 2002); 

3.16.3 The organic material emits no more than four (4) mg CO2-C per gram 

of organic material per day, as measured using the TMECC Method 

05-08-B – Carbon Dioxide Evolution Rate (April 7, 2002); or 

3.16.4 The organic material has a Solvita® Maturity Index of seven (7) or 

greater, as measured using the TMECC Method 05-08-E – Solvita® 

Maturity Test (April 7, 2002). 

3.17 Day: a continuous twenty-four hour period beginning at 12:00 A.M. 

3.18 District: the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District including 

Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare Counties, 

and the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin portion of Kern County. 

3.19 Facility: a portion of real property that is on one or more contiguous or adjacent 

properties all of which are under common ownership or control. 

3.20 Finished Compost: a humus-like material that has completed both the active 

phase and curing phase of composting. 

3.21 Finished Compost Cover: pre-screened finished compost, or a mixture of 

screened finished compost or overs, that is applied to a windrow or pile as a 

cover to reduce VOC emissions. 

3.22 Food Material: food scraps collected from the food processing industry, food 

service industry, grocery stores, or residential food scrap collection. Food 

material also includes food material that is chipped or ground. 
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3.23 Green Material: vegetative material generated from gardening, agriculture, or 

landscaping activities including, but not limited to, a mixture of grass clippings, 

leaves, tree and shrub trimmings, and plant remains. 

3.24 Household Composting: composting conducted by a household, including but 

not limited to, single family residences, duplexes or apartment buildings, using 

organic materials that are generated on site to produce compost that will be used 

on site. 

3.25 Independent Watering System: a system connected to a water source that 

uniformly applies water by means of nozzles operated under pressure and may 

include, but is not limited to, portable sprinkler system, non-portable sprinkler 

system, or water truck. 

3.26 Integrated Watering System: a system connected to a water source that 

uniformly applies water by means of nozzles operated under pressure which are 

installed in front of or simultaneously with the mechanical turner blades. 

3.27 Mitigation Measure: an activity, work practice, or technology that reduces VOC 

air pollutants emitted by or associated with the processing of organic material. 

3.28 Nursery Composting: composting conducted at a plant nursery using materials 

generated on site to produce compost for on-site use. 

3.29 Operator: a person who owns, leases, supervises, or operates a composting 

facility that conducts a composting operation on site. 

3.30 Organic Material: food material, green material, or a mixture thereof, and may 

include wood material and a total of less than 100 wet tons per year of biosolids, 

animal manure, or poultry litter. 

3.31 Overs: the oversized woody materials that have been through pathogen 

reduction, do not decompose in a typical composting cycle, and are screened out 

of finished product at the end of composting. 

3.32 Pathogen Reduction: a process conducted entirely or in part to reduce the 

number of disease-causing organisms present in organic material in accordance 

with Title 14 Chapter 3.1 Division 7 Section 17868 of the California Code of 

Regulations. 

3.33 Peak: the highest point along the ridge of the windrow. 

3.34 Pile: compostable material that is heaped together.
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3.35 Poultry Litter: poultry excretions and waste, including, but not limited to, dried 

solids and urine from chickens, turkeys, geese, or ducks. 

3.36 Process: the conversion of the organic material into a beneficial material or use. 

3.37 Rain Event: for the purpose of this rule, precipitation at a composting facility. 

3.38 Recreational Facilities Composting: composting conducted at parks, arboretums 

and other recreational facilities using feedstock generated on site to produce 

compost for on-site use. 

3.39 Ridge: the narrow upper section of a windrow with sloping sides. 

3.40 Solvita® Maturity Index: an index that defines the stage where compost exhibits 

resistance to further decomposition, in accordance with the TMECC Method 05-

08-E – Solvita® Maturity Test (April 7, 2002). 

3.41 Stockpile: organic material, which may or may not be chipped or ground, that is 

temporarily stored in a pile for further processing. 

3.42 Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost (TMECC): test 

methods for the examination of composting and compost by the US Composting 

Council Research and Education Foundation. 

3.43 Throughput: the weight of organic material to be processed, as it is received or 

generated at a facility, prior to dewatering or treatment at the receiving location. 

Throughput includes the weight of moisture present in the organic material at 

the time it is received at the facility. 

3.44 US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): the United States Environmental 

Protection Agency or any person authorized to act on its behalf. 

3.45 Vertical Midpoint: the point that divides the peak of the windrow from the 

bottom of the windrow. 

3.46 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC): as defined in Rule 1020 (Definitions). 

3.47 Windrow: organic material that is placed in an elongated pile for composting. 

3.48 Wood material: untreated lumber and the woody-material portion of mixeddemolition wastes and mixed-construction wastes. Wood material also includes 

overs, and the woody material portion of trees. Wood material or wood 

material chips to which other organic material has been added are not 

considered to be wood material. 
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3.49 Year: a continuous, 12-month period beginning on January 1 and ending on 

December 31. 

4.0 Exemptions 

4.1 Stockpiling of Organic Material 

4.1.1 Facilities that stockpile organic material on site and are not considered 

to be a composting facility are exempt from all requirements of this 

rule. 

4.1.2 Stockpiles used for composting operations that are subject to Rule 4565 

(Biosolids, Animal Manure, and Poultry Litter Operations) and have 

organic material and biosolids, animal manure, or poultry litter on site 

are exempt from all stockpile requirements of this rule for the materials 

associated with those operations. Stockpiles destined for composting 

operations not subject to Rule 4565 are not exempted under this 

section. 

4.1.3 The following materials are exempt from all requirements of this rule, 

provided that the material is not mixed with other types of organic 

materials and operators maintain records, as required by Section 6.3.1. 

For the purpose of this exemption, the throughput received or 

generated from any of the materials below shall not be added to or 

subtracted from the total throughput for composting operations. 

4.1.3.1 Wood material, including wood material that is separated 

from organic material prior to complying with the stockpile 

requirements in Section 5.1; 

4.1.3.2 Finished Compost; 

4.1.3.3 Overs; and 

4.1.3.4 Organic material that is specifically stockpiled on site for 

operations other than composting, provided that an operator 

is not intentionally conducting pathogen reduction on the 

organic material at the facility. Other operations include, 

but are not limited to, animal feed or nutritional products. 

4.2 Composting Operations 

4.2.1 The following composting operations are exempt from all requirements 

of this rule: 
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4.2.1.1 Composting operations that are subject to Rule 4565

(Biosolids, Animal Manure, and Poultry Litter Operations) 

are exempt from all requirements of this rule. Facilities 

with multiple types of composting operations are subject to 

the applicable requirements of Rule 4566 only for those 

composting operations not subject to Rule 4565 

requirements; 

4.2.1.2 Agricultural composting; 

4.2.1.3 Community composting; 

4.2.1.4 Household composting; 

4.2.1.5 Nursery composting; and 

4.2.1.6 Recreational facilities composting. 

4.3 The following facilities are exempt from all requirements of this rule: 

4.3.1 Facilities subject to Rule 4204 (Cotton Gins) and cotton ginning 

facilities that are specifically exempt from Rule 4204; 

4.3.2 Agricultural operations subject to Rule 4550 (Conservation 

Management Practices) and agricultural operations that are specifically 

exempt from Rule 4550; and 

4.3.3 Facilities subject to Rule 4570 (Confined Animal Facilities) and 

facilities that are specifically exempt from Rule 4570. 

5.0 Requirements 

5.1 Stockpile Requirements 

5.1.1 An operator of a composting operation with a total throughput of less 

than 100,000 wet tons per year of organic material shall comply with 

one of the following within ten (10) days of receipt of the organic 

material at the facility: 

5.1.1.1 Remove the organic material from the facility; 

5.1.1.2 Start the active phase of composting; 
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5.1.1.3 Cover the organic material with a waterproof cover that 

have at least a six-feet (6’) overlap of adjacent sheets and be 

securely anchored; or 

5.1.1.4 Implement an APCO approved alternative mitigation 

measure, not listed above. 

5.1.2 An operator of a composting operation with a total annual throughput 

of greater than or equal to 100,000 wet tons per year of organic 

material shall comply with one of the following within three (3) days of 

receipt of the organic material at the facility: 

5.1.2.1 Remove the organic material from the facility; 

5.1.2.2 Start the active phase of composting; 

5.1.2.3 Cover the organic material with a waterproof cover that 

have at least a six-feet (6’) overlap of adjacent sheets and be 

securely anchored; or 

5.1.2.4 Implement an APCO approved alternative mitigation 

measure, not listed above. 

5.2 Composting Requirements 

5.2.1 An operator of a composting operation with a total throughput of less 

than 200,000 wet tons per year of organic material shall comply with 

Section 5.2.1.1 or Section 5.2.1.2 during the active phase of 

composting. 

5.2.1.1 For windrow composting only, implement at least three 

turns during the active phase and one of the mitigation 

measures for the Watering Systems in Table 1. 

5.2.1.2 Implement an APCO and EPA approved alternative 

mitigation measure that demonstrates at least a 19%

reduction, by weight, in VOC emissions. 

5.2.2 An operator of a composting operation with a total throughput of 

greater than or equal to 200,000 wet tons per year and less than 

750,000 wet tons per year of organic material shall comply with 

Section 5.2.2.1 or Section 5.2.2.2 during the active phase of 

composting. 
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5.2.2.1 For windrow composting only, implement all of the 

following: 

5.2.2.1.1 At least three turns during the active phase; 

5.2.2.1.2 One of the mitigation measures for the 

Watering Systems in Table 1; and 

5.2.2.1.3 The Finished Compost Cover mitigation 

measure. 

5.2.2.2 Implement an APCO and EPA approved alternative 

mitigation measure that demonstrates at least 60% 

reduction, by weight, in VOC emissions. 

Table 1 – Composting Mitigation Measures 

Watering Systems 

1 Independent watering system 

a. Apply water to the surface area of each windrow prior to turning. Test each windrow within three 

hours before turning for adequate water by taking a sample of the compostable material from 

between the vertical midpoint and the peak of the windrow, at least three inches below the outer 

surface. For the ball test, form the material into a ball using hand pressure. There should be at 

least enough water to form a ball when compressed by hand, but the ball may break when tapped. 

b. If the ball crumbles during the hand pressure test, apply additional water to the windrow prior to 

turning until the material passes the ball test, as described in Section 1.a. 

2 Integrated watering system 

a. For windrows that will be turned on the same day and will require the same water volume, 

mechanically turn the first windrow while operating the integrated watering system. Within three 

hours after turning the first windrow, take a sample of the compostable material from between the 

vertical midpoint and the peak of the windrow, at least three inches below the outer surface. For 

the ball test, form the material into a ball using hand pressure. There should be at least enough 

water form a ball when compressed by hand, but the ball may break when tapped. 

b. If the ball crumbles during the hand pressure test, apply additional water and mechanically turn the 

same windrow, then retest until the material passes the ball test. Subsequent windrows shall not be 

turned until the initial windrow passes the ball test. Utilize the established water volume for the 

remaining windrows to be turned with the same water volume on the same day. Repeat the 

methods in Section 2.a. for windrows that will be turned with a different water application rate. 

• For either the independent or integrated watering systems, if a rain event occurs prior to turning the

windrow, take a sample of the compostable material from between the vertical midpoint and the peak of 

the windrow within three hours before turning and at least three inches below the outer surface. Form

the material into a ball using hand pressure. There should be at least enough water to form a ball when 

compressed by hand, but the ball may break when tapped. 

• If the ball crumbles during the hand pressure test, apply additional water to the windrow prior to turning 

until the material passes the ball test. 

Continues on the next page 
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Table 1 – Composting Mitigation Measures (continued)

Finished Compost Cover 

An operator shall cover the surface area of at least the top third of each windrow with finished compost 

cover so that there is at least six inches in height of finished compost cover as measured at the peak of each 

windrow. An operator shall cover the surface area of each windrow as described within three hours of 

initial windrow formation and within three hours after each turning of the windrow for at least three turns 

of each windrow. For any windrows that are mechanically turned after 2:00 pm, an exception to the three 

hour limit can be made, which allows the operator to cover the surface area of at least the top third of 

each windrow with finished compost cover by 12:00 pm the following day. 

5.2.3 An operator of a composting operation with a total throughput of 

greater than or equal to 750,000 wet tons per year of organic material 

shall implement an APCO and EPA approved mitigation measure that 

demonstrates at least 80% reduction, by weight, in VOC emissions for 

organic material during the active phase. 

6.0 Administrative Requirements 

6.1 Facility Emission Mitigation Plan 

An operator shall submit a Facility Emission Mitigation Plan (FEMP) along 

with an Authority-to-Construct application, in accordance with Rule 2010 

(Permits Required), to incorporate the approved mitigation measures from the 

facility’s FEMP as applicable permit conditions. The FEMP shall contain the 

following information: 

6.1.1 The name, business address, and phone number of an operator(s) 

responsible for the preparation and the implementation of the 

mitigation measures listed in the mitigation plan; 

6.1.2 The signature of an operator(s) attesting to the accuracy of the 

information provided and adherence to implementing the activities 

specified in the mitigation plan at all times and the date that the 

application was signed; 

6.1.3 A list of the mitigation measures chosen from the applicable portions of 

Section 5.0 to comply with Rule 4566 requirements. In lieu of 

implementing the listed mitigation measures in Section 5.0, an operator 

may demonstrate that reductions from composting operations subject to 

this rule are equal to that which the compliance with those sections 

would have achieved; and 

6.1.4 The total throughput, in wet tons per year, of organic material 

stockpiled and composted. 
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6.2 Alternative Mitigation Measures Compliance Plan 

6.2.1 A compliance plan for alternative mitigation measures shall contain the 

following elements: 

6.2.1.1 The name(s), address(es) and telephone number(s) of

person(s) responsible for the preparation, submittal, and 

implementation of the compliance plan; 

6.2.1.2 The name, address, and telephone number(s) of the facility 

for which the compliance plan is being prepared; 

6.2.1.3 A description and process diagram of the operation;

6.2.1.4 A complete description of the control method(s) that will be 

used in place of a listed mitigation method; 

6.2.1.5 All data, calculations methodology, calculations, records, 

manufacturer specifications, and all other information 

necessary to determine that proposed mitigation measure 

will achieve the required emission reductions; 

6.2.1.6 Methodology and calculations establishing the daily and 

annual VOC emissions or projected VOC emissions. An 

operator may use the District’s established baseline emission 

factors or establish operation-specific baseline emission 

factors. The baseline emission factors used shall be part of 

the compliance plan submittal. An operator shall 

demonstrate that the operation-specific baseline emission 

factors are representative of uncontrolled operations; and 

6.2.1.7 An identification of all equipment needing District permits 

to construct and operate. 

6.2.2 In evaluating the compliance plan, the APCO may require tests and 

sampling, as necessary, to determine the adequacy of the compliance 

plan and the likelihood of compliance with the emission reduction 

requirements. 

6.2.3 The APCO may approve operation-specific baseline emissions factors 

provided the baseline emissions factors are substantiated with source 

test data that is approved by the APCO and the material and mixtures 

of material is representative of normal operations.
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6.2.4 The APCO shall provide interim approval of the compliance plan 

provided an operator submits all of the information required under 

Section 6.2.1 and the APCO verifies that, by design, the compliance 

plan will reduce emissions similar to or greater than listed mitigation 

measures and requirements. 

6.2.5 Following the interim approval of the compliance plan, the APCO shall 

approve the compliance plan provided an operator submits, no later 

than 180 days after the effective date of compliance, a certification of 

the compliance report that includes all source test data, and the APCO 

verifies that the emissions from the mitigation measure and 

requirements meets the emission reduction limits. 

6.2.6 The APCO may impose conditions necessary to ensure that the 

operation complies with the compliance plan and all applicable District 

rules. 

6.2.7 The APCO may require an operator to maintain records consistent with 

the compliance plan necessary to demonstrate compliance with the 

compliance plan. 

6.2.8 Compliance with the provision of the approved proposal does not 

exempt an operator from complying with the requirements of the 

California Health and Safety Code or other District rules. 

6.3 Recordkeeping Requirements 

6.3.1 Records for Exempt Organic Materials 

An operator claiming exemption pursuant to Section 4.1.3 shall record 

all of the following information on a quarterly basis: 

6.3.1.1 The amount (in wet tons) and type of organic material 

received on site; and 

6.3.1.2 Other information necessary to determine compliance with 

the requirements. 

6.3.2 Throughput Records 

An operator of a composting facility subject to this rule shall maintain 

an operations log. In the operations log, an operator shall record all of 

the following information on a daily basis: 
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6.3.2.1 The date the organic material arrives on site; 

6.3.2.2 The type of organic material received on site; and 

6.3.2.3 The weight (in wet tons) of each type of organic material 

received on site. 

6.3.3 Stockpile Operations 

An operator of a composting facility subject to the stockpile 

requirements shall maintain an operations log. In the operations log, 

an operator shall record all of the following information on a daily 

basis: 

6.3.3.1 The date of which each stockpile was initially formed; 

6.3.3.2 The date and action taken on each stockpile to satisfy the 

stockpile requirements; and 

6.3.3.3 Other information necessary to determine compliance with 

the requirements. 

6.3.4 Composting Operations 

An operator of a composting facility subject to the composting 

requirements shall maintain an operations log. In the operations log, 

an operator shall comply with all of the following applicable 

recordkeeping requirements. 

6.3.4.1 Watering Systems 

6.3.4.1.1 Record the date and time the organic material 

from the windrow was tested for compliance. 

6.3.4.1.2 Indicate whether the windrow passes the ball 

test and, if applicable, all corrective actions 

taken. 

6.3.4.1.3 Record the date and time the windrow was 

turned. 

6.3.4.1.4 Record other information necessary to 

determine compliance with the requirements. 
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6.3.4.2 Finished Compost Cover 

6.3.4.2.1 Record the date and time each windrow was 

initially formed for the active phase and the 

time when finished compost cover, which 

satisfied the minimum six inches finished 

compost cover requirement, was applied to 

each windrow. 

6.3.4.2.2 Record the date and time each windrow was 

turned during the active phase and the time 

when finished compost cover, which satisfied 

the minimum six inches finished compost cover 

requirement, was applied to each windrow. 

6.3.4.2.3 Record other information necessary to 

determine compliance with the requirements. 

6.3.4.3 Alternative Mitigation Measure Records 

For operators using an approved alternative mitigation 

measure, an operator shall keep records needed to 

demonstrate compliance with the specific alternative 

mitigation measure each day the alternative mitigation 

measure is performed. 

6.3.5 Records Retention 

An operator shall retain all applicable records, as specified in this 

Recordkeeping Requirements section, on site for a period of five (5) 

years and the records shall be made available to the APCO upon 

request. 

6.4 Test Methods 

6.4.1 Compost Maturity/Stability 

An operator shall use one of the following test methods, as provided by 

the Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost 

(TMECC), to test compost maturity and stability: 

6.4.1.1 TMECC Method 05-08-A – Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate 

(April 7, 2002); 
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6.4.1.2 TMECC Method 05-08-B – Carbon Dioxide Evolution Rate 

(April 7, 2002); or 

6.4.1.3 TMECC Method 05-08-E – Solvita® Maturity Test (April 7, 

2002). 

6.4.2 Alternative Test Methods 

An operator may use an alternative test method to satisfy rule 

requirements for which a written approval from the APCO and EPA 

have been obtained. 

6.4.3 Multiple Test Methods 

When more than one test method or set of test methods is specified for 

testing, a violation of a requirement of this rule established by one of 

the specified test methods or set of test methods shall constitute a 

violation of this rule. 

7.0 Compliance Schedule 

7.1 Operators of a composting facility subject to the composting operation 

requirements of this rule shall submit a complete Facility Emission Mitigation 

Plan and Authority-to-Construct application that complies with all applicable 

requirements of this rule by the following dates: 

Table 2: Compliance Schedule for Facility Emission Mitigation Plan 

(FEMP) and Authority-to-Construct (ATC) Application

Composting Requirements Compliance Schedule 

Watering system requirements or an APCO 

approved alternative mitigation measure that 

demonstrates at least 19% reduction, by 

weight, in VOC emissions. 

February 18, 2012 

Finished compost cover requirements, along 

with the watering system requirements. In lieu 

of complying with both of the finished compost 

cover and watering system requirements, 

implement an APCO approved alternative 

mitigation measure that demonstrates at least 

60% reduction, by weight, in VOC emissions. 

August 18, 2015 

APCO approved mitigation measure that 

demonstrates at least 80% reduction, by 

weight, in VOC emissions for organic material 

during the active phase. 

August 18, 2015 
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7.2 Stockpile Requirements 

On and after August 18, 2012, operators of a composting operation subject to 

the stockpile requirements shall be in full compliance with all stockpile 

requirements. 

7.3 Composting Requirements 

7.3.1 On and after August 18, 2012, an operator of a composting operation 

with a total throughput of less than 200,000 wet tons per year of 

organic material shall be in full compliance with the applicable 

Watering Systems requirements or implement an APCO approved 

alternative mitigation measure that demonstrates at least 19% 

reduction, by weight, in VOC emissions. 

7.3.2 An operator of a composting operation with a total throughput of 

greater than or equal to 200,000 wet tons per year and less than 

750,000 wet tons per year of organic material shall be in compliance 

with all of the following schedule and composting requirements: 

7.3.2.1 On and after August 18, 2012, comply with the applicable 

Watering Systems requirements or implement an APCO 

approved alternative mitigation measure that demonstrates at 

least 19% reduction, by weight, in VOC emissions. 

 

7.3.2.2 On and after August 18, 2016, comply with the Finished 

Compost Cover requirements in addition to the Watering 

System requirements. In lieu of complying with both of the 

finished compost cover and watering system requirements, 

implement an APCO approved alternative mitigation 

measure that demonstrates at least 60% reduction, by 

weight, in VOC emissions. 

7.3.3 On and after August 18, 2016, an operator of a composting operation 

with a total throughput of greater than or equal to 750,000 wet tons per 

year of organic material shall be in full compliance with an APCO 

approved mitigation measure that demonstrates at least 80% reduction, 

by weight, in VOC emissions for organic material during the active 

phase.