1. (a) Operators shall verify that compost meets the maximum acceptable metal concentration limits specified in section 17868.2 and pathogen reduction requirements specified in section 17868.3. Verification of maximum acceptable metal concentrations and pathogen reduction requirements shall occur prior to the point where compost is removed from the site or beneficially used on-site. Test results of samples must be received by the operator prior to removing compost from the composting operation or facility where it was produced. This verification shall be performed by taking and analyzing at least one composite sample of compost, following the requirements of this section as follows:

   1. (1) An operator who composts agricultural material, green material, food material, vegetative food material, or mixed material shall take and analyze one composite sample for every 5,000 cubic-yards of compost produced. If the composting operation or facility produces less than 5,000 cubic-yards of compost in a 12 month period, the operator shall analyze at least one composite sample of compost produced every 12 month period.

   2. (2) An operator who composts biosolids shall meet the sampling schedule described in Table 2 below.

      1. (A) The amount of biosolids compost feedstock shall be calculated in dry weight metric tons.

      Table 2 -- Frequencies of Compost Sampling for Biosolids Composting Facilities

      Amount of Biosolids Compost Feedstock (metric tons per 365 day period)

      Frequency

      Greater than zero but fewer than 290

      annually

      Equal to or greater than 290 but fewer than 1,500

      quarterly

      Equal to or greater than 1,500 but fewer than 15,000

      bimonthly

      Equal to or greater than 15,000

      monthly

   3. (3) Composite sample analysis of the environmental health standards of Article 7 of this chapter shall be conducted using a laboratory accredited by the State of California.

2. (b) A composite sample shall be representative and random, and may be obtained by taking twelve (12) mixed samples as described below.

   1. (1) The twelve samples shall be of equal volume.

   2. (2) The twelve samples shall be extracted from within the compost pile as follows:

      1. (A) Four samples from one-half the width of the pile, each at a different cross-section;
      2. (B) Four samples from one-fourth the width of the pile, each at a different cross-section; and,
      3. (C) Four samples from one-eighth the width of the pile, each at a different cross-section.
3. (c) The EA may approve alternative methods of sampling that ensure the maximum metal concentration requirements of section 17868.2 and the pathogen reduction requirements of section 17868.3 are met.

All composting operations that sell or give away greater than 1,000 cubic yards of compost annually, and all composting facilities shall meet the following requirements:

Note: Authority cited: Sections 40502, 43020 and 43021, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 43020 and 43021, Public Resources Code.

History

1. New article 7 and section filed 6-30-95; operative 7-30-95 (Register 95, No. 26).

2. Amendment of subsection (a) and Table 1 filed 4-7-97 as an emergency; operative 4-7-97 (Register 97, No. 15). A Certificate of Compliance must be transmitted to OAL by 8-5-97 or emergency language will be repealed by operation of law on the following day.

3. Amendment of subsection (a) and Table 1 refiled 4-7-97 as an emergency; operative 4-7-97 (Register 97, No. 31). A Certificate of Compliance must be transmitted to OAL by 12-1-97 or emergency language will be repealed by operation of law on the following day.

4. Certificate of Compliance as to 4-7-97 order, including further amendment of subsection (a), transmitted to OAL 11-25-97 and filed 1-9-98 (Register 98, No. 2).

5. Amendment filed 4-4-2003; operative 4-4-2003 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4 (Register 2003, No. 14).

6. Change without regulatory effect amending subsections (a) and (a)(3) filed 8-23-2005 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2005, No. 34).

7. Amendment filed 11-10-2015; operative 1-1-2016 (Register 2015, No. 46).

8. Amendment of subsection (a)(3) filed 3-4-2026; operative 3-4-2026 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2026, No. 10).