ARCHIVED REPORTS_2013_1 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Report of Composting;Site Information Tracy Material Recovery Facility and Transfer Station 30703 S.MacArthur Drive, Tracy, Ca. 95377 ® some Californians during the siting and operation of compost facilities. The staff of the California Integrated Waste Management Board in cooperation with the California Department of Health Services, and Cal/EPA's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment prepared a technical bulletin during 1993, and released the summary of findings in LEA Advisory No. 6 dated December 16, 1993. A properly operated compost facility should not present a health risk from Aspergillus fumigatus. Sound management practices include maintaining moisture, temperature and pH levels, aerating, turning and mixing. Reducing the dispersal of dust and spores best controls exposure. The uses of water sprays or mists while turning piles, and refraining from turning on windy days will help accomplish this. TMR/TS & CF plans to follow the best management practices (BMP's) outlined in LEA Advisory No 6. These include: • Maintaining the windrows in an aerobic condition through regular aeration and mixing. • Maintaining windrow moisture content between 45 and 60 percent. • Maintaining adequate windrow temperatures (above 55 C) throughout the pathogen reduction period (as mandated by 14 CCR §17868.3). • Controlling dust through regular application of water • Issuing personal protection equipment such as dust masks to personnel in close contact with composting materials. Fire Control: The primary focus is on fire prevention. The maintenance of proper moisture and temperature control of materials will minimize the potential for fire. An emergency water supply system is in place in the event of an electrical outage capable of providing 150,000 gallons of water at 1,200 gallons per minute. The green material windrows will have a perimeter road of at least 12 feet. Windrows will be maintained at a sufficiently high moisture content to minimize the potential for spontaneous combustion of the composting materials. The windrows will be turned or sprayed with water at a frequency sufficient to avoid elevated internal temperatures and attendant risk of auto-combustion. Fire lanes of a minimum of 12 feet in width will be established to allow emergency access to all operations areas. All feedstock storage piles will have a minimum of 12-foot buffer around them for easy access. E. DESCRIPTION OF EMERGENCY PROVISIONS FOR EQUIPMENT BREAKDOWN OR POWER FAILURE Minor equipment breakdowns will be managed by on-site mechanics and typically is corrected within two days. In the event of severe mechanical failure, similar processing equipment can be rented from nearby facilities. The facility maintains good relationships with nearby equipment vendors who can provide back up and temporary equipment on very short notice. The Tracy MRF/TS, and Administration/Maintenance buildings are 24