HomeMy WebLinkAboutOROVILLE GOLD LLC ODOR IMPACT MINIMIZATION PLANOroville Gold LLC
Odor Impact Minimization Plan
Presented to:
Butte County Public Health
Environmental Health Division
202 Mira Loma Drive
Oroville, CA 95965
(530) 538-7281
Presented by:
SCS ENGINEERS
3843 Brickway Boulevard, Suite 208
Santa Rosa, CA
(707) 546-9461
May, 2009
File No. 01203196.01
Offices Nationwide
www.scsengineers.com
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
JUN. - 8 2009
202 MIRA LOMA DRIVE
OROVILLE, CA
1
0rov.iIIe Gold
1
Oroville Gold LLC
Odor Impact Minimization Plan
(0I.MP)
1 Presented fo'r• ,
Mr. S. Seidenglanz
Oroville Gold LLC
1 4801 Feather River Boulevard, Bldg. 29
Oroville, CA 95965
1Mr. M. Mileck
c/o Oroville Gold LLC
4801 Feather River -Boulevard, Bldg. 29
1 Oroville, CA 95965
' Presented by:
SCS ENGINEERS
1 3843 Brickway.Boulevard, Suite 208
Santa Rosa, CA
(707) 546-9461
May 2009
' File No. 01203196.01
1 .
Oroville Gold
1 LIMITATI�
ONS AND DISCLAIMER
' This Report has been prepared on behalf of Oroville Gold LLC with specific application to.the
proposed Oroville Gold LLC composting facility located in.Oroville, .California. Reports are
prepared in accordance with the care and skill generally exercised by reputable professionals,
' under. similar circumstances, in this or similar localities: No other warranty, either .expressed or
implied, is made as to the professional advice .presented herein.
Changes in Site use and conditions may occur due to variations in rainfall, temperature, water .
' usage, or other factors. Additional information that was not available to the consultant at the time
of this. report or changes that may have occurred on the Site or in the surrounding area may.result
in,modification to the Site that would.impact the summary presented.herein. This 'report is not a
1 legal opinion:
We look forward to continuing to work with you on this project and trust this report provides the
1 information you require at this time. If you have any questions or need additional information_,
please call Jane Gaskell at SCS on (707) 5.46-9461.
J
1
e G Date
1 oject ger
1 -
mda averner,.Project Director Date
Vice President
Oroville i OIMP
California
1
Oroville Gold,
Table of Contents
Section Page
Limitations and Disclaimer...............................:...............:..........:................:..................................................... i.
List of Attachments...:.......::....:..:.............:.............:......................:...:......::.:.:..::...........::....::.......:......................ii
1 Introduction ............................
2 Odor Monitoring Protocol ....:.......... ..............
1
Proximity ' f Odor Receptors ..:................................ .................................................................1
Method for Assessing Odor Impacts .............................................................
Meteorological Conditions.........................:...:.:.............:.............:...................................:.........2
Wind Velocity and Wind Direction......................:........:.........:.................:..............................2
Precipitation.........................:...:..............................:...:......:.........................................................:2
3 Complaint Response Protocol:..............:..............................................................................................
3
4 Design Considerations and Operating Procedures for Minimizing Odors ..............:...........:..:....
4
FacilityDesign...........:.......................................................:................................:....:....................4
Aeration... .....................................:..........:..:..............:..........:........................................... 5
Moisture Content of Materials...................:........................:......................................................5
Material Processing, Handling and Storage............:............................................:................5
Feedstocks......................................................:.....:............................................................
6
ProcessedMaterial.........................................:..................................................................
6
Handling.................... .................... ....................:...:...........................................................7
Personnel Training
ContingencyPlans..................:.................................................................................... ...8
5 Plan Revision.................................:.................................................:...................................................:...
8
6 Distribution ......................
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
Figure No.
1 General Site Location
Appendices
A California Code of Regulations
B Climatic Conditions for Oroville, California
C . Compost Odor Causes and Remedies
D Report of Composting Site Information
Oroville
California
OIMP
OrovilleSCS ENGINEERS
INTRODUCTION
California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) regulations (April 4, 2003) Title 14,
CCR Section 17863.4 require that all compostable material handling operations and facilities
prepare and maintain a site-specific Odor Impact Minimization Plan (ORAP). Oroville Gold
LLC, a proposed composting facility located in Oroville, California, developed this ODAP to
provide best -management practices (BMPs) for odor reduction to on-site personnel in regards to
the handling, storage and processing of compostable materials.
Facility Location: The site is located southeast of the City of Oroville, Butte County, California.
The facility is located in the•NE 1/4 of the Palermo 7.5' Quadrangle at the juncture of Sections 29,
30, 31, and 332, Township 19 North and Range 4 East, Mount Diablo Base and Meridian (Figure
1). The site is bound by Union Pacific and Southern Pacific railroad rights of way on the west,
north, and east, and by Ophir Road on the south. Access to the site is from the south via Ophir
Road and north on the interior property road.
An operational focal point of Oroville Gold LLC will be the reclamation of various types of
wood waste including sawdust, chips, bark, cleanings from the log decks, ash and cover
materials from, three waste management units (WMUs) located adjacent to the proposed
composting facility. This carbon -rich wood waste will be composted through the addition and
regulation of moisture and nitrogen -rich feedstocks. Wood ash will also be recovered from the
WMUs. The stockpiling of feedstocks and the composting process could possibly be a source of
odors detectable in the vicinity of the compost facility. By implementing this ODvIP, Oroville
Gold LLC will be able to minimize the environmental conditions favorable to the production of
these odors. The OIMP is to be used as a training tool for Oroville Gold LLC personnel, and as a
public relations document to address any concerns of community members.
The following provides specific information on compliance with § 17863.4 (b) -(d). The text
from Title 14 (Appendix A) is presented in italics followed by Oroville Gold LLC's proposed
method of compliance.
(b) Odor impact minimization plans shall provide guidance to on-site operation personnel by
describing, at a minimum, the following items. If the operator will not be. implementing any of
these procedures, the plan shall explain why it is not necessary.
' 2 ODOR MONITORING PROTOCOL
(1) An odor monitoring protocol which describes the proximity of possible odor receptors
' and a method for assessing odor impacts at the locations of the possible odor receptors;
Proximity of Odor Receptors
The former Louisiana Pacific Sawmill Class 3 landfill is located to the immediate north of the
composting operation; Southern Pacific. Railroad, then vacant and light industrial land to the east;
Oroville 1 OIMP
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Oroville Gold
Ophir Road and Norcal Metal Fabrication, a scrap yard, and other light industrial facilities to the ■
south Union Pacific Railroad, light industrial and Marysville-Baggett Road are located to the
west. The closest residences are approximately a half mile to the south, directly upwind of the '
prevailing SSE wind direction (Appendix B).
Method for Assessing Odor Impacts '
Odor impacts will be assessed qualitatively by facility personnel. Facility personnel will be the
first line of detection of nuisance odors, and will be the most heavily impacted. Through training
and experience, facility personnel should be able to identify the odor sources and remediate them
as needed. They will be familiar with the circumstances of the operation that potentially may
lead to the release of objectionable odors. If questionable or objectionable on-site odors are
detected by site personnel, the facility operator will implement the following.protoco1: '
1. Investigate and determine the likely source of the odor.
2. Assess the effectiveness of available on-site management practices to resolve the odor ,
event and immediately take steps to reduce the odor -generating capacity of on-site
material. (Possible on-site odor sources and BMPs for this site are shown in Appendix C.)
3. Determine if the odor traveled off-site by surveying the site perimeter and noting existing ,
wind patterns.
4. Determine whether or not the odor event (or potential odor event) is significant enough to
warrant contacting the neighbors and/or the local enforcement agency (LEA). '
5. Record the event and any corrective actions taken for further operational review.
Meteorological Conditions
(2) A description of meteorological conditions effecting migration of odors and/or 1
transport of odor -causing material off-site. Seasonal variations that effect wind velocity
and direction shall also be described;
Wind Velocity and Wind Direction '
The weather station at'the Oroville Airport, located approximately 3.5 miles from the Oroville
Gold LLC facility, showed the average prevailing wind direction to be from the south southeast '
for the period 1992 to 2002. This was the prevailing direction for every month except September
and October, where the wind was predominantly from the east. The average wind speed was 6.4
mph for the period 1996 to 2006 (Appendix B). This wind direction limits the exposure of odors '
to the closest residential area, approximately one half mile to the southeast (directly upwind). In,
the downwind direction, there are no residential sites within two miles, with several other
industrial sites. interspersed between them and the compost facility. '
Precipitation
The Oroville area receives an average of 26.8 inches of precipitation annually, the majority '
between November and April. January has the highest average monthly rainfall of 5.53 inches
(Appendix B). With the proper grading and drainage proposed for the site and compostable
Oroville 2 OIMP
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•roville Gold
' material management, this amount of rainfall should not lead to anaerobic, odor -causing
conditions.
3 COMPLAINT RESPONSE .PROTOCOL
' (3) A complaint response protocol; ;
' 1. Should the LEA receive+a complaint, they. will notify the facility operator as soon as
possible. During working hours, this will be the OroviIle Gold LLC operations office at
(530) 5.33-1221. After working hours,. this will be the Oroville Gold LLC operations
' office at (530) 518-8842.
2. Should the operator receive the complaint, they Will record in the Site Operations Log:
a. the nature of the complaint,
b.. the date the complaint was received;
' c. if available, the name, address, and telephone number of the person or persons
making the compliant, and
d. any actions taken to respond to the complaint.
' e. if an incident requires the implementation of emergency procedures, the LEA will
be notified by the operator within 24 hours
' 3. Along with a record of received complaints, the Site Operations Log will also record:
a. any special occurrences encountered during operation and methods used to •
' resolve problems arising from these events, including details of all incidents that
required implementing emergency procedures.
' b. the quantity and type of feedstock received and quantity of compost and chipped
and ground material produced. Agricultural compostable materials handling
operations shall maintain records only for compostable material accepted from
toff-site.
c. the number of load checks performed and loads rejected:
d. all test results generated by compliance with Article 7 of Chapter 3. 1, Title 14
' CCR, including but not limited to, metal concentrations, fecal coliform and
Salmonella sp. densities,. temperature measurements, and dates of windrow
turnings.
' e. pathogen reduction methods.
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California
1
Oroville Gold
ff, any serious injury to the public occurring on-site and any complaint of adverse
health effects to the public attributed to operations. Serious injury means any
injury that requires inpatient hospitalization for a period in excess of 24 hours or
in which a member of the public suffers a loss of any member of the body or
suffers any degree of permanent disfigurement.
g. training and instruction completed in accordance with section 17867.5, Article 7
of Chapter 3. 1, Title 14 CCR.
4. In addition, all records required by Chapter 3.1 shall be kept in one location and
accessible for five (5) years and shall be available for inspection by authorized
representatives of the board, EA, local health entity, and other duly authorized regulatory
and EAs during normal working hours.
4 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS AND OPERATING
PROCEDURES FOR MINIMIZING ODORS
(4) A description of design considerations and/or projected ranges of optimal operation
to be employed in minimizing odor, including method and degree of aeration, moisture
content of materials, feedstock characteristics; airborne emission production, process
water distribution, -pad and site drainage and permeability, equipment reliability,
personnel training, weather event impacts, utility service interruptions, and site specific
concerns; and,
(5) A description of operating procedures for minimizing odor, including aeration,
moisture management, feedstock quality, drainage controls, pad maintenance,
wastewater pond controls, storage practices (e.g., storage time and pile geometry),
contingency plans (e.g., equipment, water, power, and personnel), biofiltration, and
tarping.
Facility Design
The Oroville Gold LLC facility was designed as a combination of a traditional turned windrow
composting operation utilizing natural aeration and aerated static piles. Under a full solid waste
permit, the 63 -acre facility will contain a 25 -acre concrete pad for composting and storage.
However, the initial phase of the composting facility will consist of a 5.5 -acre composting site;
this will include a 3.0 acre concrete composting pad with 2.5 unpaved acres for finished compost
storage and sales. The concrete pad will be impermeable. Regarding the unpaved area, the
Thompson flat soils present at the site contain up to 50% clay a permeability of approximately
10"3 in its un -compacted state. The compacted value will need to be determined through a
geotechnical analysis. The pad will be designed by a licensed civil engineer and be sloped to
preclude ponding conditions. The sloped concrete pad will allow the windrows to,be managed
for odor reduction even in the winter months and leachate collection. The entire composting area
will be constructed on a 3% grade and designed to capture all runoff. Excess leachate will be
Oroville 4 OIMP
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Orovilie Gold
collected via a lined, engineered culvert and stored in a leachate, pond for reuse in maintaining
pile moisture.
Aeration
Maintaining aerobic conditions in the windrows is essential to odor management. Aerobic
conditions will be promoted by grinding feedstocks to consistent particle size, turning the
windrows as the composting process dictates, and controlling windrow size to a height of 6 to 9
feet., Variant particle size and turning promote adequate pile porosity. Coupled with windrows
that have the correct surface to volume ratio, air is able to exchange throughout the pile;
maintaining aerobic conditions (see Appendix C for specific parameters). Air will be forced
through the static piles to maintain aerobic conditions under a moisture -based control system.
The piles will be aerated continuously if the moisture content is above 60%, and intermittently
until the piles reach 40% moisture. Below 40% moisture, aeration will cease to avoid over -
drying the piles. :
Moisture Content of Materials
Water will be added to incoming feedstocks with available water spray equipment to achieve a
windrowed moisture content of 40 to 60%, and windrow moisture will be maintained within this
range. This will minimize dust and other airborne emissions, significantly reducing the transport ,
of odor molecules. During the winter, should precipitation raise the moisture content above.
60%0, the windrows will be turned to dry them to preclude anaerobic conditions. The table below .
illustrates the mixture of feedstocks needed to achieve an ideal starting moisture content (60%)
and carbon to nitrogen ratio (30:1).
Table 1- Moisture and Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio Calculation Spreadsheet
The.spreadsheet then calculates the mixture moisture content and C/N ratio.
Initial
Ingredient
% Moisture.
% C
% N
Mass (lbs.)
wood waste
39.0
57.7
0.1
4.18E+07'
cattle manure
81.0
45.6
2.4
3.00E+07
green waste
80.0
57.8
3.4
3.00E+07
poultry manure
37.0
37.8
2.7
3.79E+07
fruit waste
80.0
56.0
1.4
2.50E+07
Calculated mixture moisture content:
59.9%
Calculated mixture C/N ratio:
130.3
http://www.cals.comell.edu/depVcompost/
Material Processing, Handling and Storage
The majority of the composting feedstock will be excavated wood waste from two WMUs and
one ash WMU located adjacent to the proposed composting facility. The carbon-richwood
Oroville 5 OIMP
California
Oroville Gold
waste is relatively stable and not a significant source of odors. The ash will not be a source of
nuisance odors. Nitrogen -rich green materials such as poultry manure, dairy manure and
bedding, culled fruit, and green waste will be brought in to promote the composting process;
these materials are more susceptible to ammonia production and anaerobic conditions.
Therefore; the nitrogen -rich materials will be ground and incorporated into windrows with.a final
carbon to nitrogen ratio of 30:1 within 48 hours or immediately if the incoming material is
particularly noxious. Overs will be ground with the incoming green waste to reduce odors'.
An explanation of the operation's detailed processing, handling and storage practices is given in
the Report of Composting Site Information, a complete copy of which is included as Appendix
D. For ease of reference a summary of the main feedstocks is provided below.
Feedstocks
The timing of feedstock processing varies with the material. Many are incorporated into
the composting process immediately; others are stored on site for use over a prolonged
period.
Processed Material
Processed Feedstocks: The potential storage time .for different materials depends on their
function in the. composting process and the time of year when they arrive at the facility. As
stated above, seethe attached table for more details.
PR Windrows: The average windrow remains in place for approximately nine (9) to twelve
(12) days.
Aerated Static Piles: The ASPs are in a constant state of flux as material is both added and
removed on a daily basis. On average, material will remain in the ASP for approximately
90 ;days.
Curing Static Piles: The material is removed from the ASP and remains in an unaerated
pile for approximately 30 days before it is moved into the Curing Windrows.i. .
Curing Windrows: This final process takes an average of 10 days to 2 weeks until the
compost is finished.
t
Finished Compost: The sale of finished compost is seasonal, with the bulk of sales
occurring in the fall. In practice, compost is removed from the ASP and screened within
days of shipping.
1 Comprehensive Compost Odor Response Project, San Diego State University, contracted by Integrated Waste
Management Board, March 2007
Oroville b OIMP
California
0roviIIe.GoId
Handling
Poultry and Agricultural .Waste
Oroville Gold will receive a variety of Agricultural Wastes. Upon arrival, items
such as chicken carcasses have very little odor, but if left unprocessed for a couple
of days they can become quite putrid. In order to prevent that from occurring,
these materials will be incorporated into windrows the day of arrival..
Culled Fruit Waste
Culled fruit waste will usually arrive, at the site in a semi-liquid state. If that is the
case, it is dumped on a diked bed of bulking agent in order to contain the liquid,
and then incorporated into the windrows. Solid fruit will be incorporated directly
into the windrows. In either case the fi-uit will be incorporated into the windrows
the day of arrival or covered with.bulking material.
Other Liquid Wastes
Oroville Gold may receive a variety of liquid wastes such as wine lees, brewery
sludge, yeast, beer, and glycerin from the production of biodiesel. These liquids
will not be stored on site. They are hauled to the site by tank truck and then, using
the windrow turner,turned into the windrows thus reducing the potential of
objectionable odors.
Grape Pomace
Grape pomace will arrive at the facility with excessive moisture and an odor of
wine. Within hours of arrival it will be stacked and excess moisture will be
captured by the leachate containment system. Pomace is produced by the wineries .
for several months in the fall, which is also the time of year when unusual weather
conditions can potentially take the pomace odor to off. -site receptors.
In order to reduce the likelihood of pomace odors reaching off-site properties,.
Oroville Gold will keep the pomace covered, and piled up as tightly as possible. It
will be kept tarped when it is not in use. Ponding of the juice from the pomace is
also a possible source of off site. odors. Ponding will be eliminated by directing the
juice via the shortest path possible to the nearest drain.
General Mitigations
Good housekeeping will be practiced; unincorporated material between the
windrows, another possible odor source; will be collected and reincorporated into
newly formed windrows. Standing water will be absorbed with dry materials and
Oroville 7 GIMP
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Oroville Gold
incorporated into windrows. The concrete'pad will be. inspected and significant.
cracks will be repaired as needed to prevent material build up.
If windrowed compost becomes too moist due to rainfall, it will be turned
frequently until the moisture level drops to 60%. If the aerated static piles'
moisture level becomes greater than 60%, the aeration system will be operated
until the moisture level drops to 60% throughout the pile.
Personnel Training
Oroville Gold LLC will provide_ regular training to new and existing employees regarding
composting BMPs and, odor management. Training will be conducted on a monthly basis and
documented.
Contingency Plans
The facility will operate using common diesel powered material handling equipment (primarily
front-end loaders), which are easily replaced by.rental equipment in case of equipment failure.
Initially,. contract grinding services will be used for grinding. Once the facility purchases a full-
time grinder, contract -grinding services will be used in the case of equipment failure.
5 PLAN REVISION
(c) The odor impact minimization plan shall be revised to reflect any changes, and a copy shall
be provided to the EA, within 30 days of those changes.
(d) The odor impact minimization plans shall be reviewed annually by the operator to determine
if any revisions are necessary.
A copy of the Oroville Gold LLC Odor Impact Minimization Plan will be kept at the Oroville
Gold LLC Administration office, as well at the Butte County Health Department office. The
ORU will be revised within 30 days to reflect significant changes to operations that affect the
OIMP. The plan will be reviewed at a minimum of once yearly on the anniversary of its approval
and any necessary changes and updates will be made.
Oroville 8 OIMP
California
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SITE LOCATION MAP PPPROX SCALE
3843 BRICHWAY BOULEVARD SURE 209 0 FT ! I hOLE
SANTA ROSA. CA 95403 ,
PH. (707) 546-8461 FAX (707) 644-5769
OROVILLE GOLD LLC FIGURE
PRW. NO: YAIo:N er: c4F• ORPHIR ROAD
01203916.00 31$6SitBLDcMap OROVILLE, CALIFORNIA
DAM: 7/17/08 CR 10maY • APP. BY: LST ,
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Appendix- A
California Code of Regulations,
Title 14, Natural Resources --Division 7, CIWMB,
Chapter 3. 1, Article 3, Section 17863.4
' Regulations: Title, 14, Natural,Resources--Division 7, CIWMB
Chapter 3.1. Compostable Materials Handling Operations and Facilities Regulatory
' Requirements
17863.4.Odor Impact Minimization Plan.
' (a) All compostable material Handling operations and facilities shall prepare, implement and
maintain a site-specific odor impact minimization plan. A,complete plan shall be submitted to
the EA with the EA Notification or permit application.
' (b) Odor impact minimization plans shall provide guidance to on-site operation personnel by
describing, at a minimum, the following items. If the operator will not be implementing any of
these procedures, the plan shall explain why it is not necessary.
'(1) An odor monitoring protocol which describes the proximity of possible odor receptors
and a method for assessing odor impacts at the locations of the possible odor receptors'-
(2)
eceptors;(2) A description of meteorological conditions effecting migration of odors and/or
transport of odor -causing material off-site. Seasonal variations that effect wind velocity
' and direction shall also be described;
(3) A complaint response protocol;
' (4) A description of design considerations and/or projected ranges of optimal operation to
be employed in minimizing odor, including method and degree of aeration, moisture
content of materials, feedstock characteristics, airborne emission production, process
' water distribution; pad and site drainage and permeability, equipment reliability;
personnel training, weather event impacts, utility service interruptions, and site specific
concerns;. and,
(5) A description of operating procedures for minimizing odor, including aeration,
moisture management, feedstock quality, drainage controls, pad maintenance, wastewater
pond controls, storage practices (e.g., storage time and -pile geometry), contingency plans
(e.g., equipment, water, .power, and personnel), biofiltration, and tarping, if necessary.
' (c) Theodor -impact minimization plan shall be revised to reflect any changes, and a copy shall
be provided to the EA, within 30 days of those changes.
(d) The odor impact minimization plans shall be reviewed annually by the operator to determine
if any revisions are necessary.
(e) The odor impact minimization plan shall,be used by the EA to determine whether or.not the
operation or facility is following the -procedures established by the operator. If the EA determines
that the odor impact minimization plan is not being followed, the EA may issue a Notice and
Order (pursuant to section 18304) to require the operator to either comply with the odor impact.
minimization plan or to revise. it. .
(f) If the odor impact minimization plan is being followed,,but the odor impacts are still
occurring, the EA may issue a Notice and Order (pursuant to section 18304) requiring the
operator to take additional reasonable and feasible measures to minimize odors.
Note:
Authority cited:
Sections 40502, 43020, 43021 and 43209.1 of the Public Resources Code.
Reference:
Sections 43020, 43201 and 43209.1 of the Public Resources Code.
Appendix B
Climatic Conditions for Orovill.e, California
Source: Western Regional, Climate Center
Wind direction: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/htinlfiles/westwinddir.html
Wind speed: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/htmlfiles/westwind.fmal.html
Precipitation: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl ca 6521
AVERAGE
AVERAGE WIND SPEED
AVERAGE PRECIPITATION
MONTH
WIND DIRECTION
IN MPH
IN INCHES
(1992-2002)
(1996-2006)
(1953-2007).
JAN
SSE
5.9
5.53
FEB
SSE
7.0
4.77
MAR,
SSE
7.2
4.10
APR
SSE
7.7
2.21
MAY
SSE
7.1
1.02
JUN
SSE
7.0
0.37
JUL
SSE
6.4
0.04
AUG
SSE
5.9
0.16
SEP
E
5.6
0.38
OCT
E ,
5.5
1.57
NOV
SSE
5.5
3.66
DEC
SSE
6.6
4.86
ANN
SSE
6.4
28.67
Source: Western Regional, Climate Center
Wind direction: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/htinlfiles/westwinddir.html
Wind speed: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/htmlfiles/westwind.fmal.html
Precipitation: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl ca 6521
Appendix C
Compo.st Odor Caused and Remedies
Three main types .of problematic odors maybe produced as,a result of less than optimal
' composting process: ammonia, hydrogen sulfide (HZS) and _volatile fatty acids (UFAs), The type
of odor can give an indication of the root of. the problem. More oxygen is needed to remedy these
conditions; this is usually achieved by mixing or some other type of aeration. Table 1 sets out
some of the main causes and potential remedies.
Table 1: Causes and remedies for.odor prolilems
Source: The On -Farm Composting Handbook, Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service, 1992.
' Due, to the carbon -rich nature of the wood wastes to be composted at Oroville Gold LLC (e.g.-,
wood chips have a C:N of approximately 600:1), excess ammonia production should, not be a
factor,in the compost, piles, but may occur in the piles of nitrogen -rich feedstocks if they are not
mixed in due time.
The majority of nuisance odors produced in a composting operation are due to the existence of
' anaerobic conditions. Four things that commonly lead to anaerobic conditions are: excess
moisture, 'inadequate porosity, excessive pile size, and a rapidly degrading feedstock (Cornell
Waste Management Institute, 2005). Addressing the first three should resolve a majority of H2S
and VFA gas production, as these are a direct result of anaerobic microbial metabolism. Rapidly
degrading feedstock will be immediately mixed with bulking agent in order maintain to the
necessary. porosity and nitrogen levels.
It is generally accepted that the ideal moisture is between 40% and 60%. Incoming material will
be sampled and the moisture content will be determined. Water may be,added upon'mixing if,
the average moisture of the feedstocks does not fall in this range. Wetter ingredients may be
mixed with drier ones to achieve the proper moisture content. Excessive moistureiblocks pore
space in the pile and restricts the movement of oxygen.
Adequate, porosity aids in the even distribution of oxygen throughout the pile and discourages
anaerobic conditions. Feedstocks should be ground with a tub grinder to achieve a appropriate
particle size, and compost windrows will be thoroughly mixed_ by either front loader or a
specialized windrow turner to promote adequate porosity in the windrow.
Apart from feedstock composition which will be discussed, in the next section, pile size ,is an
important factor in maintaining aerobic conditions. If the pileis too deep or high; oxygen will
not reach the center of the pile before it is consumed and the center will become anaerobic
therefore forced air will be used on *these piles.
Ammonia odors can be formed aerobically as well as anaerobically,' so .the above control
strategies recommended for anaerobic odors may not apply. Ammonia is not pervasive, diffuses
easily, and is less dense than air Therefore; it should not present an odor impact at any distance. '
from'the site, but could impact facility personnel. Ammonia (NH4) gas is produced as a response
of excess available nitrogen in the feedstock. More' carbon is needed to balance the feedstock;
with the ideal carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio being 30:1. Ammonia production is only likely to.
be a factor in the nitrogen -rich feedstocks brought in to compost the wood waste. This
production will be minimized by rapidly incorporating the nitrogen -rich feedstocks into Windrow
piles with the correct C:N ratio.
Source: Cornell Waste Management Institute, h4:Hcompost.css.comell.edu/science.html, 2005.
APPENDIX D
Report of Composting Site Information
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