G. Waste Management, Bio-renewables, and Bioprocessing G.7.1 Definition

Practice Areas G. Waste Management, Bio-Renewables, and Bioprocessing

G.7.1 Definition

The practice of providing services and advice: usingscientificprinciples, knowledge, andexpertisetoinform theecientandsustainablestorageandprocessingofwastesandfeedstocksforhumanusesrespectfulof thepublicinterest.

G.7.2 Rationale

If stored and processed properly, agricultural and agri-food operations often produce rich waste and by-products in valuable nutrients, which, if managed properly, can serve many uses. If not properly handled, however, this value is forfeited. These wastes and by-products can also become a source of contaminants with disease implications for humans, livestock, and wildlife, a contaminant to the soil, water, and air resources, and a source of unmitigated greenhouse gases contributing to climate change.

Facilities to manage these wastes and by-products can be found on both private and public property. They are typically contained in or on engineered structures to prevent leakage to the natural environment while in process and ensure optimal processing conditions. Besides agricultural wastes, Agrologists have expertise in handling other industrial, commercial, and municipal wastes. These potentially include solid (landfill) and sludge (sewage) wastes from municipalities and by-products from forestry (unless the wastes are within the jurisdiction of the reserved practice of forestry), commercial, and industrial operations. Agrologists provide expertise in process control and management, monitoring and quality assurance of both inputs and the resulting products, and selecting sites used for waste and by-product storage and handling facilities. Optimizing the processing, storage, and handling of wastes and by-products to maximize the value of these resources while mitigating risks is challenging. Agrologists, working in association with other professionals, provide expertise to address these challenges to serve the public good. To engage in the activities under this practice area, Agrologists possess a combination of knowledge and expertise in ● Agricultural waste management; ● Waste treatment processing;