Executive Summary

This project was one of the large-scale integrated projects undertaken in the Environmentally Sustainable Conversion Options for Large Volume Organic Wastes in Ireland, forming part of the Environmental RTDI programme of the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

It was undertaken by a consortium of public organisations and private businesses with 50% co-funding from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Environment and Local Government.

The project examined a potential solution to some aspects of the problem of slurry disposal from large-scale intensive pig units and consisted of three distinct phases:

(i) Mechanical separation of pig slurry solids

(ii) Composting pig solids with other biodegradable wastes, and

(iii) Granulation of compost/mineral fertiliser mixtures to produce organo–mineral fertilisers.

It was co-ordinated by Mr. T.A. Stewart, Agricultural Consultant with Philip Farrelly & Co., Navan, Co. Meath, acting as the Lead Partner. Project deliverables included:

• The production of up to 50 tonnes of separated pig slurry solids for composting with other locally available biodegradable wastes
• Composting eight batches of separated pig slurry solids with varying combinations of other wastes, each batch consisting of 4–10 tonnes
• Producing up to eight granulated fertiliser batches from the composts made
• Undertaking a market evaluation of the fertiliser products produced
• Carrying out a range of physical, chemical and biological tests on the composts and fertilisers produced, and
• Assessing the economic viability of the treatment process examined and its potential environmental impact.

Full executive summary in report.