CORRESPONDENCE_2012-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Incoming Material — Feedstock Processing Area The feedstock (green material and food scraps) is delivered to the site, off-loaded and run though the grinder before being placed into windrows to begin the composting process. All material containing food scraps will arrive in covered vehicles. All loads will be inspected for non-compostable materials and either rejected if levels are too high, or accepted and material removed. All contaminants will be placed in covered dumpsters, divided and labeled by types of material (treated wood, non-compostable trash, other non-compostable recyclables), and removed when full or once a week whichever comes first. It will be taken to the Forward Landfill in San Joaquin County. The compostable material containing food scraps is mixed and covered with additional green material, other high carbon material (e.g., wood chips, curing compost) as soon as it is off-loaded. If this material arrives with objectionable odor it will be evaluated for odor level and if it is possible to eliminate off-site odor, covered with additional green material or other high carbon material (e.g., wood chips, curing compost) with a thickness over six (6) inches , or a tarp. If the odor cannot be contained on site, it will be rejected or disposed of at the Forward Landfill. If the material remains on site it will then processed and incorporated as soon as possible. The composting pad area is sloped toward a retention pond, and surface soil has sufficient permeability so that no standing water occurs on site between the windrows and on the access, in periods of heavier rain. If any ponding does occur, finished compost or wood chips will be added to absorb the water and then placed into the windrows to be composted. All materials containing commingled food and green materials will arrive at the site in covered vehicles, inspected upon arrival for levels of contamination. The misting system is available at the processing (grinding) area so that a light mist can be applied if any objectionable odor occurs during the grinding process. The feedstock piles will be maintained according to fire code regulations at a maximum of: 25' in height, 150' in width, and 250' in length. The piles will be maintained at 15 feet high or under during normal operations. If an objectionable odor is detected, the piles will be diminished in size and material incorporated into the windrows as soon as possible. All incoming feedstock will be processed and incorporated into windrows as soon as possible, usually within the same day. All material will be incorporated within 72 hours. Windrow Composting The windrow composting process itself diminishes odors as the material heats up during the natural process. Maintaining the piles at the proper moisture and frequently turning the piles accelerates this process. When the material is incorporated into the windrows, the operator will ensure that it is turned so that every particle receives adequate moisture. The watering regimen required by the air district provides further insurance that the moisture level is maintained at an adequate level. During pathogen reduction (15 days or longer), temperature readings are taken daily. The materials are turned at leave five times within the 15 days period ensuring that temps in the windrows are maintained at or above 131 degrees Fahrenheit. For IH