The information also is used for state and national nutrient management programs to protect the environment by reducing non-point source pollution of water sources from leaching or runoff of excess nutrients. In February 1995, the section promulgated regulations for the sale and distribution of commercial compost. These regulations define three classes of compost products and associated chemical properties for the purpose of protecting the environment and public health. The regulations also established a certification program. All commercial composting facilities must be operated by an operator certified by the section.
Certification is obtained by passing a written examination and review of individual qualifications.
In 1998, sixteen people took the Commercial Certified Compost Facility Operators Examinations. The Compost Facility Certified Operator Examination and Certification program is, to the best of our knowledge, the only one in the nation. Operators from Delaware and Florida have been, or are in the process of becoming, certified in Maryland. During April of 1998, members of the State Chemist Section staff and members of the Solid Waste Section staff of the Department of the Environment participated in a 3-day training session on inspection and sampling of compost sites. Site inspections have been made at three compost facilities.