Laserfiche WebLink
Operating Procedures to minimize odors <br /> The Valley Organics Composting will continue to operate as a windrow composting facility. <br /> Design and operational parameters are already in place to address odor issues. Since the <br /> facility is adding commingled food and additional green materials, additional protocols are put <br /> in place and articulated in this Plan. The site historically does not have any odor issues. The <br /> additional protocols will ensure that this track record continues. <br /> The Valley Organics composting facility is designed to maintain optimal operations to minimize <br /> odors. All on-site personnel are trained to implement this Plan and report any discrepancies to <br /> the site operator to take corrective action. <br /> In the event of equipment failure, substitute equipment will be brought in and the LEA and <br /> other appropriate agencies will be notified. Valley organic operates with well water to maintain <br /> proper moisture during the process. If there are long interruptions in utility service preventing <br /> access to this source, additional water will be brought to the site if required for odor control. <br /> The site will be operated with accepted composting practices to minimize odors. These include <br /> maintaining the appropriate C:N ratio (approximately 30:1), maintaining appropriate moisture <br /> content (required by the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District and CalRecyle), conducting <br /> turning to supply aeration to the piles), maintaining pile geometry to ensure no odor, and <br /> implement modification (reduce size) if objectionable odor is identified in feedstock and curing <br /> piles. The site is maintained by keeping the area around the windrows, and elsewhere on the <br /> site, clear of material and ponding water, maintaining C:N ratio within feedstock piles and <br /> incorporation into windrows within a maximum of 36 hours. <br /> All equipment will be maintained on a regular basis to ensure proper working order. Emphasis <br /> will be placed on the equipment required to reduce odor: grinder, windrow turner, watering <br /> system, including the addition of a water truck to the site. <br /> Incoming Material—Feedstock Processing Area <br /> The feedstock (green material and commingled green with food scraps) is delivered to the site, <br /> off-loaded and run though the grinder before being placed into windrows to begin the <br /> composting process. All food scraps will enter the site commingled with green material, and <br /> arrive in covered vehicles. All loads will be inspected for non-compostable materials and either <br /> rejected if levels are too high, or accepted and material removed. All contaminants will be <br /> placed in a covered dumpster, and removed when full or once a week whichever comes first. <br /> The compostable commingled material will be mixed and with additional green material as <br /> soon as it is off-loaded. If this material arrives with objectionable odor it will be covered with <br /> additional green material or other high carbon material (e.g., wood chips, curing compost) over <br /> 6 inches , or a tarp. It will then be processed and incorporated as soon as possible. <br /> A misting system is set up to add moisture during the grinding process if objectionable odor is <br /> detected. The composting pad area is sloped toward a retention pond, and surface soil has <br /> sufficient permeability so that no standing water occurs on site between the windrows and on <br /> the access, in periods of heavier rain. If any ponding does occur, finished compost or wood <br /> 3 <br />