Composting Under a ClearSpan Fabric Structure

November 15, 2017   

Composting is a responsible and recyclable practice for dealing with organic waste, but heavy rain and an exposed compost pile are major challenges that can compromise the environmental friendliness of a given operation. Compost storage buildings can effectively improve efficiency by providing a controlled facility that eliminates many of the environmental risks that accompany composting. Heavy rain, strong wind and freezing temperatures can all compromise the process of composting and the quality of the final product, and these challenges have prompted a move of composting companies into fabric structures.

Adding a ClearSpan structure to a composting facility can help businesses avoid common problems associated with outdoor compost operations. Not only does heavy rain compromise the quality of the product, it also causes dangerous leaching and run off that can negatively affect the local water source. Compost is a great material for farmers to use in order to improve the nutritional value of their fields. Unfortunately, heavy rains can cause nutrients to wash away, leaving a sub-par finished product to be sold to customers.

Heavy rain is not the only challenge that composting facilities face. Odor control is a major problem surrounding compost piles, and companies often need to minimize the impact an operation has on the surrounding community. Generally speaking, a major composting operation does not go unnoticed. Offensive fumes and odors can travel miles with an uncovered pile, which can become bothersome to local residents. But local residents are not the only people who are affected by assaulting odors, employees working in a facility can be overwhelmed by the pungent smells that surround them at work. For this reason, fabric structures are an ideal building solution, because they can be outfitted with passive and mechanical ventilation options that can contain the majority of the odor, while still promoting a healthy airflow for workers. The flexible ventilation options of ClearSpan structures are also desirable, because a fully enclosed facility can face moisture build up and corrosion of metal equipment.

Not only does a well-ventilated fabric structure improve the quality of the final product, but fabric structures also help compost companies provide a more suitable working environment and achieve noticeable benefits within their facilities. Adding a fabric structure helps to improve efficiency in an operation by creating a more controlled environment for processing waste. No matter how bad the weather gets, business doesn’t need to slow down and employees find their workspace to be consistent and protected. Working efficiently in a protected environment allows companies to maximize profits by increasing production and improving production quality. Furthermore, ClearSpan structures are a cheaper option over traditional buildings, and this is just the beginning of the possible savings when choosing a fabric structure.

Many industries utilize fabric structures, because they are a more cost-effective building option, and savings can be found in a few areas. Fabric structures are generally much more affordable than traditional building constructed with expensive building materials that require seasonal maintenance and repairs. In addition to the savings on building materials, many indoor facilities require expensive indoor lighting. With ClearSpan’s fabric structures, natural light is able to penetrate the cover, which helps to minimize or eliminate the need for supplemental lighting, which can be very costly to an operation.

In addition to the fabric cover design, the spacious interior of a fabric structure provides tremendous flexibility for workers. With no internal support posts and high clearance, these buildings comfortably accommodate large vehicles and machinery. Skid steers, conveyors, pay loaders and windrow turning equipment can easily maneuver around the building from pile to pile, maximizing the efficiency of turning compost piles.

On top of these benefits, these structures are completely customizable. Customized solutions mean that ClearSpan Fabric Structures provides ideal composting conditions that are designed to meet the needs of any operation. These structures encourage high nutrient retention and protect against the extremes of the sun, wind and rain, which can all adversely affect the balance of manure piles. With maximum ventilation, ClearSpan structures can improve air quality and create the perfect manure decomposition and handling environment. 

With all of these benefits to both production and the environment, adding a fabric structure to a composting operation is an easy decision. Contact a ClearSpan Truss Arch Specialist to find out more about ClearSpan buildings and customizable accessories that can help any operation run optimally. Or to get your project started Request a Quote