CORRESPONDENCE_2012-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Analysis Background On October 19, 2006, the Planning Commission approved Site Approval PA-0500726 for the processing of agricultural and landscape waste into compost. The City of Lathrop opposed PA-0500726. The addition of urban green waste changes the use type from Agricultural Wastes to Major Impact Services. This Use Type may be conditionally approved in the AG-40 zone with an approved Use Permit. Fire Safety The current project site has had at least two fires in the incoming material pile(feedstock). One fire burned for four days. The Community Development Department sent a referral to the Lathrop-Manteca Fire Protection District on January 27, 2012. The Fire District responded in a memo dated January 31, 2012. The memo stated several concerns with the project. The memo states that the composting operation must be in compliance with the California Fire Code. The District is asking the applicant to convert the existing access roads and separation area between piles to be"all-weather surfaces". The access roads must be a minimum of 20 feet wide. The applicants must remove or bring up to code the unused buildings. And the applicant must improve or replace the existing fuel dispensing tanks and add a containment area. The Fire District sent a new memo dated February 17, 2012, which lists these recommendations as conditions of approval. In addition, Cal Recycle limits the height of the feedstock to 25 feet and requires that the feedstock be turned into mulch within three days. These conditions will reduce the risk of fire and ensure a safe operation. The applicant has agreed to these conditions. Noise The Community Development Department has received several complaints regarding noise. The Community Development Department required a noise study to determine what mitigation, if any, would be required to meet the noise ordinance requirements. The project is not permitted to exceed the noise levels contained in Development Title Section 9-1025.9(b) Stationary Noise Sources and Table 9-1025.9 Maximum Allowable Noise Exposure. The maximum Daytime stationary noise level may not exceed an Hourly Equivalent Sound Level (Leq) of 50 dB. The maximum Daytime stationary noise level may not exceed a Maximum Sound Level (Lmax) of 70 dB. These levels are measured at the property line or the Outdoor Activity Area. The applicant submitted a noise study by j. c. brennan &associates dated February 29, 2012. The noise study analyzed the tractor, windrow turner, grinder, dump truck trammel screen, loaders, scale, and water truck. The data were collected around the grinder operation. On-site noise levels were collected on February 22, 2012. The study concluded that a 14-foot tall noise barrier should constructed to shield the south and east sides of the chop and grind area. The barrier will provide substantial acoustical shielding for both the grinder and front-end loader during grinder operations. Two conditions of approval are recommended that state: (1) A 14-foot tall noise barrier shall be constructed to the east and south side of the chip and grind area. (2) The barrier shall be of solid and durable material without any air gaps and shall break line of site from the chip and grind area to the nearest residential receptors to the east. Appropriate noise barrier material shall include concrete panels, concrete block, pre-fabricated acoustical barriers, or earthen berms. Other materials may be used if reviewed by a qualified noise control engineer San Joaquin County PA-1200011/Valley Organics Community Development Page 3