Big Brother is Watching

By: Scott Thompson, Vice President Sales&Marketing

Beyond quality products and cost effective coloring systems, the biggest value Amerimulch brings to each customer is the sharing of information that is happening in all regions of the country. One of the leading topics that has hit the radar with increased frequency is site-level regulation. Regulation covers an array of topics from permitting equipment, to controlling inventory runoff, to meeting the height restrictions on mulch inventory. The added challenge is the rules vary greatly state by state and constantly change. Our objective is to continue to provide information to enable you to make better decisions.

One of the challenges from the mulch colorant perspective is there is no specific testing or standard to meet. The Mulch and Soil Council (MSC) is the biggest single voice supporting our industry. They recently released both requirements and recommendations for companies supplying mulch colorants. Amerimulch meets all the requirements listed and has taken action on meeting the suggested recommendations. The MSC colorant committee could not reach agreement on the “best” testing method since one does not exist specifically for mulch colorants. They did recommend the six-pack toxicology test which we have underway.

While utilizing safe colorants satisfies one concern, the increased interest is in site-specific issues. Many of which can be addressed by an effective site design and proper product handling training. Bulletins are available at Amerimulch.com on key issues such as spring wash, tote cleanout and spill containment. Keep in mind, all large inventories of freshly produced color-enriched mulch will have colorant leachate, regardless of the colorant being used. Proper site design and controlling the runoff from waste water streams is critical. In addition, when empty totes are cleaned out, they should be discharged into current inventory of the same product. Tote cleanout should not be discharged carelessly in an open area and certainly not in a waste water stream.

Focusing on colorant-specific issues only scratches the surface of the mounting regulations each producer faces. Amerimulch will expand our information to include safety training and proper safety labeling in 2009. We are committed to providing additional information resources to ensure, not only safe products, but a safe workplace and a healthy work environment.