Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Policy on Temporary permits for Specified Risk Material (SRM) composting

Individuals submitting applications to CFIA for temporary permits will have to meet the following minimum requirements. In the submitted action plan the items on the mass compost checklist not meeting the prescribed requirements should be clearly indicated with an X in the un-acceptable column.

To obtain a temporary permit a person may apply to CFIA by enclosing the following documented information:

1. The completed mass composting checklist

The items shown underneath corresponding to the mass composting checklist are mandatory; however any other items which can not be addressed at this time should have an action plan.

The action plan needs to be completed in the stipulated period as mentioned in the enclosing letter addressed to the CFIA. If the action plan is not completed by the due date the facility / composting site will not be in a position to receive the SRM under the new enhanced feed ban regulations. After the expiration date of the temporary permit the composting site should not be receiving SRM.

Please refer to the CFIA website for the required checklist:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/man/bseesb/4e.shtml#m4.8

1.1) A physical barrier of some sort (e.g. fence and locked gate) which prevents entry of people and domestic ruminant livestock. Signage indicating contact info and hours of operation must be posted.

1.2) The base - It must be of limited porosity (1 x 10(-7) cm / sec or less). The base can be natural material e.g. clay or man-made e.g. concrete or liner / tarp as long as it's integrity will not be compromised (e.g. the tarp won't be ripped) by normal operating procedures at the site. If natural material is not clearly visible there would have to be evidence demonstrating its composition e.g. demonstrate that it is clay. The base in combination with the addition of a sufficient carbon source can be used to control leachate (leachate collection system).

1.3) Some form of barrier / or alternate approach is required to prevent scavenging and precipitation hitting the compost e.g. roof or cover (tarp) covering the entire compost pile. Adequate run off of precipitation can be ensured by placing compost pile on a slight hill (not a valley) or mounding the compost so that all precipitation will run off the sides of the cover.

2. The filled in application with target dates for those items which can not be completed now. The completion dates should also be mentioned in the comments column of the checklists.

3. An enclosing letter suggesting the possible shortcomings and the target dates for completion.

For further information, please contact:

Dr Bachir Djillali
Senior Staff Veterinarian
Disease Control
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
59 Camelot Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0Y9
Telephone: 613-221-4211
Email: Bachir.Djillali@inspection.gc.ca

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