California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)

Organic Materials Management

Use of Compost Products on Fire-Damaged Land

Each year thousands of acres in California are devastated by fires which destroy homes, and often result in erosion and sediment problems from burned areas. Many of the fires occur on slopes where vegetation is essential for controlling erosion during rainfall events.

Types of compost products, what they do, and how they can be applied

There are several different types of compost products, which can be applied in several ways:

  • Compost blankets are mulches applied to the soil surface to protect and preserve it. Typically applied using blowers or by hand, compost is applied in a 1- to 2-inch layer. Blankets may or may not be vegetated. Vegetated blankets are usually seeded.
  • Compost can be incorporated with a tiller into the subsoil, and then seeded. This is an established practice in effective long-term erosion control.
  • Filter berms and socks are permeable barriers that effectively filter sediments.

Compost blankets and amendments control erosion by:

  • Intercepting and absorbing falling rain reducing runoff and associated sediment losses.
  • Providing an environment where seeds can germinate and grow to hold soils in place.
  • Increasing water penetration into heavy soils.

To put it simply, even freshly applied unvegetated compost blankets can dramatically reduce erosion. Whether the compost is incorporated or applied as a blanket, soils treated with compost will also be richer in slow-release nutrients and will see improved water infiltration and retention, creating an environment where plants can thrive. Allowing the plants to develop a healthy, extensive, and deep root structure further improves soil structure to minimize or even prevent land erosion.

Filter berms and socks control erosion by:

  • Slowing the movement of water so that sediments can settle out.
  • Filtering water to remove pollutants.
  • Acting as barriers against the development of erosion rills and gullies.

Warning: To ensure that the product used supports erosion control and does not increase sediment, follow these guidelines:

  • Do not apply raw, uncomposted, green waste (i.e., grass clippings, leaf litter, etc.).
  • Do not use plastic sheeting.
  • Ensure that compost meets appropriate quality specifications.

Cutting costs when purchasing or supplying compost

It is typically much more cost-effective to purchase compost in bulk rather than bagged. Also, there are potential tax incentives for donating compost. However, in order to ensure the effectiveness of the compost for erosion control and environmental enhancement, it is important to verify that all compost meets appropriate quality specifications.

Additional Resources

Compost Producers

Fire-Specific Information

Erosion Control Information

Compost References

CalRecycle Contacts

2008 Freeway Complex Fires and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana Region

In November 2008, the Freeway Complex Fires damaged land across California's Santa Ana Region. At its November 21, 2008, meeting, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana Region adopted an emergency resolution (PDF, 102 KB)temporarily waiving the requirement of submitting a report of waste discharge when applying compost products. The intent of this action is to provide another option to help control erosion from exposed burned slope areas in your communities.

If you are going to apply compost to land damaged in the Freeway Complex Fires, you must:

  • Follow the compost use guidelines outlined by the California Regional Water Control Board, Santa Ana Region.
  • Complete a Notice of Intent (Word, 277 KB) before application.
  • Upon completion of the project, you must provide a Notice of Termination (Word, 242 KB) to the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana Region.
Last updated: May 18, 2011
Organic Materials Management http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Organics/
Contacts: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Organics/Contacts.htm