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III. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING,IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES B. AIR QUALrrY Though offensive odors from stationary rysources rarely cause any physical harm they still remain unpleasant and can lead to public distress generating citizen complaints to local governments. The occurrence and severity of odor impacts depend on the nature,frequency,and intensity of the source; wind speed and direction; and the sensitivity of receptors. Odor impacts should be considered for any proposed new odor sources locating near existing receptors,as well as any new sensitive receptors located near existing odor sources. Generally, increasing the distance between a receptor and the source to an acceptable level will mitigate odor impacts. The SJVUAPCD recommends use of screening distances to assess the potential for odor impacts. For transfer stations,the SJVUAPCD-recommended buffer zone(distance between receptor and source) is one mile. Residential land uses are well within a one-mile radius of the site. The closest residences to the site are located across Temple Drive. These residences are located roughly 50 feet from the western boundary of the site,the location of the existing container storage yard. Odors associated with the container storage yard would not increase substantially from present levels. Generally,the container storage yard is free of odors that could migrate off- site. Primary sources of odors at the site would include greenwaste materials and refuse brought to the site. If the stormwater that collects in the detention pond is contaminated with organic materials, it too could be a source of odors. The closest of these potential odor sources to nearby residences would be the proposed stormwater collection pond, which is located roughly 450 feet from the residences across Temple Street. The Trinity Community Church is located closer to odor generating activities. For projects that include odor sources locating near existing receptors (such as the proposed project),the SJVUAPCD recommends that the determination of significance be based on the distance and frequency at which odor complaints from the public have occurred in the vicinity of similar facilities.The District also suggests that meteorological data should be considered in assessing the potential for odor impacts. Prevailing winds during summer months originate at the north end of the SJV and flow in a south-southeasterly direction. During winter months, winds tend to originate in the south and flow in a northwesterly direction. Winds are strongest in the afternoons and the average annual wind speed in Stockton is roughly eight miles per hour(National Weather Service, 1999;ARB, 1989). This suggests that during winter months winds could blow odors towards athe residences west of the site. Conversely,during summer months when odors may be more prevalent due to increases in temperatures, winds would blow odors away from residences. Because of the predominant wind direction during winter months and the distance of sensitive receptors to the project site, odor impacts related to the proposed project are considered to be potentially significant. Mitigation Measures Proposed as Part of the Project None. Stockton Srovenger Transfer Station Erpansion III.B.16 ESA/990190