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Overall, the product storage is graded to drain toward Potter Cree0st-southeast of the site. <br /> Photographs 6 through I 1 show the product storage area. The product storage area contains materials <br /> such as tree bark, sawdust, paper waste, rice hulls, and grape pumice. The facility also stores steer manure <br /> and fly ash for amending their soil products. <br /> South of the product storage area is the composting operation. This operation is conducted on <br /> approximately 22 acres of the 88 acre facility. Raw material (green waste) is brought into the receiving <br /> area and loaded into a tub-grinder (Photograph 12). The ground material is then placed in windrows for <br /> composting. Water is applied to the windrows using a water truck. The windrows are periodically turned <br /> using specially designed equipment as shown in Photograph 13. The composting operation and windrows <br /> appeared to be well maintained. The area was well graded and appeared to be well drained with the <br /> exception of the western composting pad. This area contained standing water that appeared to be high in <br /> organics. This condition is similar to conditions observed at other compost facilities in the region. <br /> Photographs 14 through 17 show the standing water. Scott's personnel indicated the water was entering <br /> their property from the adjacent property to the west. Staff found no observable evidence that would lead <br /> to that conclusion. Staff expressed concern over the standing water and will ask Scott's personnel to <br /> collect water samples. <br /> Staff observations of the storm water BMPs were made south and east of the composting area. The BMPs <br /> outlined in the SWPPP and observed in the field included natural vegetation buffer zones, minor berming, <br /> and silt fences. The SWPPP outlines a minimum of 50-foot setback from property boundary,which <br /> appeared to work well. Staff did not observe any erosional features such as channeling or rilling of the <br /> lower slopes. Staff did not observe any stored products or compost storm related discharges off-site. The <br /> setback BMP appeared to be working well as shown in Photographs 18 through 20. <br /> Overall the facility appeared to be well organized, well run, and they pay attention to storm water <br /> regulations. However, staff is concerned about the standing water associated with the western compost <br /> pad, including the ponded water near the southern property boundary. The water was discolored and <br /> appeared to be high in organics as observed at other composting facilities. Staff should request that <br /> Scott's collect a water sample from the ponded water and submit the results. The facility is an open-air <br /> operation and is subject to variable weather conditions, including heavy rains. Run-off at times must be <br /> significant depending on the strength of the storm event, and discharge off-site would be emanate without <br /> an engineered containment system. Storm water analytical results indicate discharge off-site exceeds the <br /> Sacramento-San Joaquin Rivers Basin Plan water quality objectives. <br /> Approved: <br />