**********************It's Recyclables Day!
33.3 degrees and some evidence of either a
very heavy frost or something else!
33.3 degrees and some evidence of either a
very heavy frost or something else!
Widespread sunshine will start the day Wednesday, but a few fair weather clouds will pop up through the late morning and afternoon. At best, we should reach the upper 40s. We should remain dry. On Thursday, a mix of sun and clouds will again develop. Temperatures will get a boost, as we see highs in the mid to upper 50s.
Just one little patch of a huge area of white trillium on the hillside next to Dugway Road between the bridge and Route 12B.
Redbuds are blooming. The ones that I always look for are in the vacant area next to the new Home Shoppe. They were planted there - just twigs stuck into the ground - by the late Al Rand about 30 years ago.
*********************************
*********************************
Thank You
MR. JAMES MARTIN
MR. JAMES MARTIN
(Click!)********************
I did go back to the Sewage Treatment Plant - more properly called the Wastewater Treatment Facility - to learn how mulch gets made and WHY!
It's called "Composting" - a biological process of decomposition - and I erred, yesterday, when I said that it was a month-long process: it takes longer - exactly 51 days. During that time the temperature of the compost is closely monitored and the mixture is "stirred" on a regular schedule.
It all begins inside one building at the "Presser" - where liquid "sludge" is created.
The sludge is automatically conveyed to another building where it is dumped into a huge mixer - one part sludge to two parts woodchips. That's Aaron Barnes in the Bobcat.
Important note: there is NO odor!
Once mixed for a specific length of time, Aaron moves the sludge/chips mix over to one of the 33-foot-long bays on top of a perforated pipe which allows air to circulate. Plant Operator Louis Langone (above) explained that the compost will stay in that aerated static pile under a 6" - 12" blanket of wood chips for twenty-one days. A temperature probe controls an air blower: when the temperature of the pile reaches 57 degrees C. the blower comes on and cools the mix to 55 degrees C.
Are you beginning to see that this isn't a random process?
The timing and temperature control are all-important!
After twenty-one days inside, the compost is moved to the curing pile - outdoors - where it will be turned or broken down once every 5 to 7 days to allow more oxygen to get to the remaining bacteria. Curing takes 30 days, with no exceptions.
After that period, the compost is screened or sifted for two reasons: the first being to meet Class I compost standards and the second to recycle reusable woodchips.
(That's DPW Superintendent Jamie Bechy adding
a scoop of cured compost to the screener.)
After that's done, it's ready to go! It's free! Village residents have priority, and when there's a sufficient supply others are also welcome to bring containers and load up.
Why would they do that?
The timing and temperature control are all-important!
After twenty-one days inside, the compost is moved to the curing pile - outdoors - where it will be turned or broken down once every 5 to 7 days to allow more oxygen to get to the remaining bacteria. Curing takes 30 days, with no exceptions.
After that period, the compost is screened or sifted for two reasons: the first being to meet Class I compost standards and the second to recycle reusable woodchips.
(That's DPW Superintendent Jamie Bechy adding
a scoop of cured compost to the screener.)
After that's done, it's ready to go! It's free! Village residents have priority, and when there's a sufficient supply others are also welcome to bring containers and load up.
Why would they do that?
Well -- just look at the pictures in Lou's office of the Garden Club's magnificent summer "Tubs," villagers' full flowerbeds and even lush, green lawns.
And another good reason:
It's GREEN!
It completely recycles wastewater and
green waste/woodchips
AND
it saves taxpayers
the $21 per ton dumping fee!
(That means more green, too!)
***********
From The Waterville Times; October 11, 1962.
And another good reason:
It's GREEN!
It completely recycles wastewater and
green waste/woodchips
AND
it saves taxpayers
the $21 per ton dumping fee!
(That means more green, too!)
***********
Several local groups and high school classes have already toured the six- or seven-year old facility and Mr. Langone is more than happy to show visitors around the plant. Just drop in or make an appointment for your organization by phoning 841-4445.
******
When I arrived home, I found a phone message from a reporter at the Boston Globe who wanted to clarify a "factoid about Waterville." He is writing a story about high school yearbooks and had a question. Here's the answer.
From The Waterville Times; October 11, 1962.
The "Academic Union" was formed when two academic societies of the old Union Academy which published the "Evergreen" and "The Star" united. These earlier publications dated back as far as 1848 making the Academic Union the oldest public school yearbook in the country."
Have a Good Day!
