Agenda - Council - 09/25/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I The applicant has indicated that they would use unspecified controls as necessary, but that there would be odors. The Planning & Zoning Commission on a split rate recommended approval for a facility receiving 23,200 tons annually of yard waste exclusive of the amount of material present on the site. The Council may wish to consider this along with P&Z findings and the draft conditions in the CUP which also may involve a lesser permitted capacity if the Council finds the proposal suitable for a CUP. It is our understanding that the applicant is considering reducing the requested capacity to 20,000 tons annually. During the public hearing the applicant indicated that they would be using low level technology in a composting methodology developed by Rutgers University. We have since received the Rutger's Manual and have reviewed and compared the applicant's proposal to the Rutger's methodology. We have found that a number of inconsistencies appear. First and foremost is a large discrepancy in the applicant's requested capacity of 23,200 tons annually versus the standard for the low level technology of approximately 3,000 cubic yards of leaves per acre for composting. Based on the applicant's proposed 14.5 acre compost area, this would provide a capacity of approximately 43,000 CY (8,600 tons) or less than half of the capacity being requested. This becomes extremely important since the Rutger's report states "The major cause of odor production at leaf composting sites is making the window too large, especially when first assembled." Further discrepancies relate to the proposed size of windrows. Applicant's description of turning, and methods of supplying water to assure adequate moisture content. Another concern is that grass clippings will be co-composted with leaves. The applicant stated at the September 10, 1990 City Council meeting that from a practical standpoint, generators mix grass and leaves and they would have little control. Again, the Rutger's manual indicates that "optimal means of a co-composting leaves and grass clippings are not yet fully developed". In our conversations with Hennepin- and Anoka County staff, personnel at their compost sites confirm that grass clippings have to be handled properly since odor problems increase significantly with grass clippings. It should also be noted that the applicant is currently permitted to landspread yard waste on 40 acres near the proposed compost facility. The County license conditions allow up to 375 tons per acre to be applied four times per year for a total landspreading disposal capacity of 60,000 tons or approximately three times the estimated yard waste generated in Anoka County each year.