USCC responds to article about maturity testing
Dear Editor:
The Market Development Committee of the U.S. Composting Council (USCC), which oversees the activity of the Seal of Testing Assurance Program (STA), thanks Dr. (Will) Brinton for his recent comments and interest in the STA program ("Maturity tests give conflicting results," Composting News, June 2005).
The USCC is always open to valid critiques of its programs in its mission to develop and promote the U.S. composting industry.  As part of our ongoing commitment to ensure the use of the most accurate, effective and practical testing methods, a review of current compost maturity test methods will be conducted and modifications to the STA methodology made if warranted. 
 However, we feel that several points raised by Dr. Brinton require further clarification. In particular, he makes the claim that "There is a problem when the STA test for maturity is giving incorrect results at least half the time," yet the article provides only one anecdotal test result as evidence. This is clearly broad speculation on Dr. Brinton's part, and appears to hinge on his choice of definition for compost maturity - an issue that is far from resolved in the scientific community.
For those interested, the USCC provides an easy way for members to become involved in the development and improvement of programs like the STA through committee participation. With regard to compost test methods, the USCC Standards and Practices (S&P) Committee, consisting of some of the best compost scientists in the U.S., can provide thoughtful review and submit recommendations for program modifications.
We will refer the concerns raised by Dr. Brinton regarding compost maturity testing to the S&P Committee for their evaluation.  However, any USCC member is welcome to raise similar issues directly with this committee, including Dr. Brinton (who is a long standing member of the S&P Committee).
We are very pleased with the interest and attention the STA program receives. It continues to be the most recognized and well respected compost testing and information disclosure program in the nation, with almost 4 million cubic yards of compost currently enrolled and growing on a monthly basis!  We welcome any and all opportunities for improvement of this successful program.
 Tom Kelley and Dr. Scott Subler, Co-Chairs, USCC Market Development Committee