Foster Environmental conducts projects in animal by-product (ABP) regulatory compliance, prepares research reports on waste topics, and provides professional training and certification services to local authorities, private waste facilities and trade bodies.
NEW PROCESSING STANDARDS
We prepared an application from the European Compost Network (ECN) to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for two new ABP processing standards for composting plants across Europe. The new standards will allow most composting plants across Europe to comply with the EU Fertiliser Regulations and sell compost abroad.
COMPOST & DIGESTATE RESEARCH REPORT
We worked with Dr Munoo Prasad to prepare a research report on proposed compost and digestate quality standards in Ireland. This involved gathering data in Ireland, liaising with other bodies in Europe and conducting a literature review. The project was funded by the Irish government through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ABP APPROVAL PERMITS
Foster Environmental has successfully ensured that over seven composting and biogas plants got Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) approval to operate under the Animal By-product Regulations. This involved preparing applications and operating procedures, coordinating the validation of plants and liaising with DAFM.
We also successfully ensured that two plants closed down by DAFM were reopened.
EVAULATOR OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY FUNDS
Foster Environmental is an independent evaluator for a state organisation that assesses applications for suitability to receive funding to develop circular economy projects, which look at preventing, reusing and recycling waste in Ireland.
COMPOST SITE DEVELOPMENT IN UAE
We worked with a client in the United Arab Emirates to redevelop a composting plant. The work entailed sourcing feedstocks, implementing a HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control point) system and SOPs (standard operating procedures), training staff and then developing markets for the compost.
TRADE BODY MANAGEMENT
As Chief Executive Officer since 2006, Percy coordinates and manages the activities of Cré, the Composting and Anaerobic Digestion Association of Ireland, representing the composting and anaerobic digestion industry at government and European levels. We
CERTIFICATION OF COMPOSTABLES
Foster Environmental worked with the composting industry in Ireland to design and implement a certification scheme for compostable products in Ireland. This involved designing, piloting and implementing the scheme and establishing a team to manage it.
TREATMENT OF CONTAMINATED SOIL
Foster Environmental worked with a client to establish a new division for the treatment of contaminated soils. This involved ensuring that the transport and treatment of the soils was legally compliant (Transfrontier Shipment Regulations, Marine and ADR Regulations). We worked with building developers to find potential sources of contaminated soils and manage client accounts.
PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVE
Foster Environmental managed and coordinated a compliance scheme for waste tyres. This involved liaising with tyre retailers and collectors and working with local authorities.