HomeMy WebLinkAbout951718.tiff STATE OF COLORADO
Roy Romer,Governor OF cOto
Patti Shwayder,Acting Executive Director `�1. .�:.al.,s >
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Dedicated to protecting and improving the health and environment of the people of Colorado � ��
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT DIVISION
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4300 Cherry Creek Dr.S. 222 S.6th Street,Room 232 __
Denver,Colorado 80222-1530 Grand junction,Colorado 81501-2768 Colorado Department
Phone(303)692-3300 Phone(303)248-7164 Col aublicHealth
Fax(303)759-5355 Fax(303)248-7198 ofand Environment
July 7, 1995
Ms. Kathryn Will
6599 Hwy 66
Longmont, Colorado 80504
Dear Ms. Will:
I am writing at Governor Romer's request in response to your letter of June 24, 1995 regarding the composting
facility located approximately 1/2 mile north of State Highway 66 and one mile east of Weld County Road 13.
The operator of the facility, A-1 Organics, has submitted an application for a certificate of designation to
continue composting operations at this location. The Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division of
the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (the Division) is reviewing the application for
technical accuracy and for compliance with the state's solid waste regulations 6 CCR 1007-2 (the Regulations).
The decision whether or not to issue the certificate rests with the Weld County Commissioners. The application
is available for public inspection and comment through July 10,but I am sure the Commissioners would welcome
your comments even a few days late. The application can be reviewed either at the Weld County Planning
Department or at our offices here in Denver.
Your letter raised several technical issues regarding operational activities and nuisance conditions at this facility.
I would like to address each one of your concerns below:
1. "The facility is planing on building three ponds to hold sewer run-off,which in addition to the over abundance
of flies will be a breeding ground for mosquitos."
The Regulations require a facility to contain storm water from a 25 year, 24 hour storm event. There will be
three retention ponds constructed on site for storm water retention, not for sewer run-off. Water contained in
these ponds will be applied to the compost windrows on a frequent basis. In regard to the flies and mosquitos,
the facility has committed to controlling nuisance conditions through best management practices. If this is not
effective in controlling vectors, then more aggressive controls will be implemented. If you have complaints, you
should contact your county health department and/or the Division.
2. "These piles of manure have been accumulating for at least five years, the whole time without the benefit of
a legal permit."
It is true that this 30 acre facility has operated over the last five years without a permit. The Division did not
become aware of this facility until approximately two years ago. The Division then informed the operator that
a permit(certificate of designation)would be required to continue operation at this site. The operator submitted
an application to the Division on August 3, 1994. The application is currently under review by the Division and
Weld County staff, pending the publication of new draft solid waste regulations by our office. The purpose of
the new draft regulations is to establish minimum standards of operation and design for composting sites and
facilities. I will send you a copy of as soon as they are published.
451718
D 1 I fiI615 Or_ : /ACJr CM-
Ms. Kathryn Will
July 7, 1995
Page 2
On June 6, 1995, Trevor Jiricek of Weld County Health Department and I made a site visit to the facility. I
observed several truck loads of manure mixed with bedding material from the Aurora Dairy arrive at the site.
The site contained numerous windrows approximately 12'wide, 6'high and 200-250'long, representing different
stages of the composting process. Very few flies were observed. Unpleasant odors were associated with the
fresh pile of manure/bedding but were not apparent with the compost windrows. Unpleasant odors were not
detected at the facility boundary.
During the site visit, Mr. Bob Yost of A-1 Organics, identified several feedlots which are located within a one
mile radius of the Grandview Estates. Mr. Yost explained that these feedlots stockpile their manure. These
feedlots may be the source of the nuisance conditions you described in your letter. Mr. Yost indicated he is
willing to provide a tour of the facility for you or any resident from Grandview Estates. I would be happy to
arrange a meeting with all involved parties.
I hope this letter addresses your concerns. If you have additional questions regarding this matter, please contact
me at (303) 692-3437.
Sinter, ilex
Roger Doak
Geologist
Solid Waste Section
Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division
enclosures
cc: Governor's Office, w/o enc.
Weld County Commissioners, w/o enc.
T. Jiricek, Weld County Health Department, w/o enc.
D. Lang, WQCD, w/o enc.
B. Yost, A-1 Organics, w/o enc.
file SW/WLD/HGW 2P
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