ARCHIVED REPORTS_2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

III. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES G. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY Impact G.3: Workers at the e proposed transfer station may be exposed to excessive noise levels. (Significant) Refuse handling and processing operations are inherently noisy. The use of heavy equipment within bare non-sound absorbing walls for prolonged periods of time can create an additive effect on noise levels. Noise levels at the proposed transfer station could exceed the 85 dBA OSHA standard,potentially endangering workers' hearing. Of particular concern is the potential for worker exposure to noise in relation to the proposed green waste grinding operations. Engineering controls and compliance with Cal/OSHA regulations would reduce the potential noise exposure. Mitigation Measures Proposed as Part of the Project Mitigation Measure G.3a: All collection vehicles and equipment used at the site would be properly muffled. All unloading,processing and transfer operations would occur within partially enclosed buildings. Workers would be provided with ear protection as necessary. Mitigation Measures Identified in This Report Mitigation Measure G.3b: All workers working on the tipping floor or with heavy machinery shall be offered the use of earplugs or similar protective devices. Mitigation Measure G.3c: Noise control measures should be incorporated into the design of the facility. Once the facility is operational,a certified industrial hygienist or other qualified individual should measure the noise levels to which workers are exposed. If the OSHA 8-hour time weighted average exposure for any worker exceed the 85 dBA threshold, a hearing conservation program must be initiated and appropriate administrative and engineering controls must be put in place to reduce the noise to OSHA accepted levels. Significance After Mitigation: Less than Significant. Impact GA: Expansion of the transfer station would have the potential to encourage or provide habitat or food for vectors such as rodents,birds and insects. (Less Than Significant) Expansion of the transfer station operations could increase the potential for problems with birds and vectors such as rodents and insects. However,the transfer station would be subject to the requirements of CCR Title 14 designed to protect public health and safety, as discussed under Operating Standards, above. Requirements include Section 17410.4, which directs waste facility operators to take adequate steps to control or prevent the propagation,harborage or attraction of flies,rodents or other vectors,and animals, and to minimize bird attraction health and safety; Section 17407.2, which requires all operations and facilities and their equipment to be cleaned daily or at a frequency approved by the enforcement agency; and Section 17410.1, which requires removal of all solid wastes at established frequencies(or at an alternate frequency approved by the enforcement agency)to prevent the propagation or attraction of flies, rodents or other vectors. Proper management, including station controls itemized in the facility's 1996 Storkton Sravenger Transfer Station Expansion III.G.6 ESA/990190