Compost put on hold

The Rancho Las Virgenes Composting Facility has suspended its community compost program until November due to facility maintenance and upgrades, water district officials said. The Calabasas plant produces rich soil amendment, or compost, which is available free to the public.

The plant has been in operation for 12 years and is jointly owned and operated by the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) and Triunfo Sanitation District.

""Like any operating facility, there's the need for proactive maintenance and occasional updates. The only way to complete these activities is to suspend production." LVMWD General Manager John Mundy said.

The facility transforms biosolids recovered from wastewater treatment into a beneficial soil amendment for gardens and lanscapes. The production of compost is more desireable than disposing of the waste in landfills or sending it by truck to other areas, Mundy said.

During the production shut down, the remaining compost at the facility will be available for free pickup Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. while supplies last.

For updates on the availability of compost, call the district office at (818) 251-2100 or visit www.lvmwd.com.

-Stephanie Bertholdo