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• Department EnvHealth ironmental Me -1-11-10 To: Andy Ashoo, Deputy County Counsel From: Robert McClellon, Program Coordinator CC: Donna Heran, Director Date: June 16, 2009 Re: Olivera Foods Egg Ranch (944 Bowman Road, French Camp) This is some correspondence between attorneys that represent a civil action regarding an egg production facility that the Environmental Health Department (EHD) regulates. The civil suit centers on an allegation that Mr. Olivera's egg operation is releasing ammonia above the threshold for regulation. The Board of Supervisors Member, Carlos Viliapudua asked the EHD to attend a Community Meeting in French Camp. During the meeting the attendees had concerns regarding the odor's and flies associated with the facility. I informed them that the odors from the facility did appear to be more intense than a different egg ranch that used a manure pond for manure management. I told them that I would look into it for them. I reviewed some information on manure lagoons and spoke with U.C. Riverside Veterinarian Dr, Doug Kuney regarding the pond sizing and water chemistry. There were chemical two factors that could affect pond heath as it pertains to excessive odors (pH and Electric Conductivity EC). The EC measurement was high according to published information but the pH was consistent with published information. The pond size appeared to be a contributing factor. I spoke with Mr. Olivera and he was argumentative at first, be stated he was willing to do some site work. He stated that he wanted to dredge the pond so that he would have more freeboard during the rainy season. He stated he was gathering bids and was planning to do the work this summer. He stated that he could push that up and try and get it done sooner. 1 explained that I though he should reduce the load on the pond by taking the manure generated in House 14 out of the pond and dry padding that material. On June 02, 2009, Mr. Olives contracted with an excavating company to start the excavation process. I was onsite to see how the manure would be handled and or deposited. I had concerns regarding fly breeding and odors. I directed Mr. Olivera to spray the piles for flies and monitor for fly breeding. I visited the site on June 2, 3, 5, 8 and 12 to monitor the site activities. During the site visit fly larva was found and the operator was directed to spray. The correspondence and this memo is an FYI. I am not sure at this point if the EHD will be drawn into the suit. Please review and comment. 1