2017.11.21 Planning - Laserfiche WebLink

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The applicant provided an MPCA publication from May of 1998 that outlines the requirements for waste combustors that do not require permits from the MPCA. There are essentially three components. The applicant has indicated per the manufacturer specifications that their proposed machine, BL200, will meet these standards. This information was supplied to the City’s environmental engineer, who reviewed it and provided comments. The applicant provided some additional information at the request of Mr. Gantzer, to confirm their retort will comply with the Class IV waste combustor rules. Staff has proposed conditions of approval that require conformance with the Class IV waste combustor standards. Staff also recommends a condition of approval related to the stack height and that it not exceed 1’ above the peak of the roof, and that it is constructed on the south-sloping pitch of the roof. This stack standard is important as it directly relates to meeting the temperature and buoyancy requirements the MPCA imposes.  WHAT SPECIFICALLY ARE THE EMISSIONS There have been inquiries regarding what specifically is coming out of the stack. The applicant provided a 3rd party stack test that was performed on the exact same retort the applicant wishes to install (BL200). This machine and test was conducted in the state of New York in 2007. Page 6 of that analysis provides several details regarding the air samples that were collected. Specifically, Carbon Dioxide, Oxygen, and Nitrogen are listed. Also measured is “particulates”. The individual particulates are not listed, only simple measurements of the amounts of particulates are listed. Per Mr. Gantzer’s comments, the particulates are the biggest concern with regard to health and environmental impacts. There isn’t any scientific reason to determine what specific particulates exist because the amounts are so low they won’t cause health impacts. The MPCA doesn’t require these particulates to be analyzed because their amounts are too low to cause concern.  HOW WILL ODOR BE REGULATED There is no state or federal agency that regulates odor. The MPCA, MN Department of Health, nor the EPA regulates odor. City Zoning Code Section 6- 390(8) states “any use established in an Industrial or Business District shall operate in a way so as to prevent the emission of odorous matter of such quality as to be readily detectable beyond the lot line of the site on which such use is located”. The applicant will be required to meet this standard. In the event an odor incident occurs, there is a scientific method to determining how odorous something is and what can be done to mitigate that odor. The applicant has been advised of this process and is prepared to undergo odor testing in the event odor issues arise. The City does have the option to criminally cite the owner for violation of Zoning Code Section 6-390(8) if odor issues are