9235_NCSUCompost_ApprvdApplic_DIN27141_ 20031209

TABLE OF CONTENTS e
ENGINEER'S CERTIFICATION
1. INTRODUCTION
2. PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
2.1. Aerial Photography
2.2. Zoning
2.3. Siting and Design Standards
2.3.1. Floodplains
2.3.2. Buffer Requirements
2.3.3. Surface Water Quality Standards
2.3.4. Closed-out Disposal Area
2.3 .5. Surface Water Requirements
2.3.6. Groundwater Requirements
2.3.7. Public Access
2.3 .8. Sedimentation Pollution Control Law
2.3 .9. Air Pollution Control Requirements
2.4. Composting Methods
2.5. Waste Types
2.6. Site Plan e 2.7. Description of Facility Design & Operation
3. PERMIT TO OPERATE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
3 .1. Contingency Plan
3.2. Operation & Maintenance Manual
3.3. Quality Assurance Plan
3.4. Process Diagram
3.5. As-Built Drawings
3.6. State & Federal Permit Requirements
3. 7. Product Marketing & Distribution Plans
EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT 1: Temporary Yard Waste Facility Permit
EXHIBIT 2: Vicinity/Area Map
EXHIBIT 3: Compost Facility Site Plan
EXHIBIT 4: State Clearinghouse EA Concurrence & Review Comments
EXHIBIT 5: Aerial Photograph
EXHIBIT 6: Zoning Letter from the City of Raleigh
EXHIBIT 7: USGS -Lake Wheeler Quadrangle Map
EXHIBIT 8: Sediment & Erosion Control Plan
EXHIBIT 9: Waste Type Recording Form
rIBIT 10: Process Flow Diagram
APPENDIX A: Operations and Maintenance Manual
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9-11
1. INTRODUCTION
North Carolina State University (NC State) currently has approval from the North Carolina
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NC DENR) Division of Waste Management -
esolid Waste Section to operate a yard waste compost facility (Exhibit 1 ). The compost facility is part
of NC State's Facilities Operations -Environmental Sustainability Program. The facility is located on
an 18.5-acre tract of lightly wooded land situated on the Lake Wheeler Research Facility. The facility
is located within Wake County and Raleigh City limits. A vicinity map showing the general location of
the Facility is included as Exhibit 2. The Compost Facility Site Plan is shown in Exhibit 3.
An Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact (EA/FONSI) was prepared for the
proposed Compost Facility and submitted to the State Clearinghouse in August 2000. State
Clearinghouse concurrence was received in October 2000 and review comments (Exhibit 4) were
incorporated into the construction of the new solid waste compost facility.
The implementation of the new facility was planned in two phases. Phase I began in the fall of 2000
and continued the storage and composting of yard waste materials generated throughout the
University campus. Additionally, an office trailer was place on-site and a filter strip and retention pond
was constructed adjacent to the composting area to serve as stormwater control devices. Refer to the
Site Plan (Exhibit 3) for more detail.
Phase II will incorporate the composting of Type 2, 3 and 4 waste materials. In-coming Type 1, 2 and
3 waste materials will be inspected then off loaded to the storage/holding area. All permitted Type 4
waste material will be directly deposited in the Teaching/Research Area after inspection. A specific
plan for handling and processing Type 4 materials will be prepared on a case-by-case basis. Also
restricted to the Teaching/Research Area will be University departmental special projects and
e-esearch, which will also be reviewed on a case-by-case basis . These projects will require written
approval from the NC State Environmental Affairs Office and the Division of Waste Management prior
to implementation. An impervious pad (asphalt, concrete, soil cement, or similar type) for storage and
processing of material in the Teaching/Research Area will be constructed prior to any activity taking
place in this area.
At present, NC State adheres to the requirements of operating a yard waste facility by limiting the
type and amount of materials processed and stored on site. However, projections for next year and
plans to incorporate additional feedstock, indicate the facility will exceed those restrictions. Therefore,
and in accordance with 15A North Carolina Administrative Codes (NCAC) 138 Section .1400, this
document has been compiled to meet the application requirements for a permit to construct and
operate a Large Type 4 solid waste compost facility.
2. PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The following sections correspond with the application requirements for a permit to construct a solid
waste compost facility as outlined in 15A NCAC 138 Sections .1405 (b).
2.1 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH
An aerial photograph of the site is included as Exhibit 5. The aerial photo was taken in
February 1999. The entire project site, utilities, roads, watercourses, dry runs, and general
topography within 500 feet of the site are shown. Also included on the photo is the
appropriate land use and zoning.
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There are no private homes or wells in the general vicinity of the site. The NC
Products/Oldcastle Precast Concrete Facility is located approximately 1,000 feet to the
northeast of the Compost Facility.
2.2 ZONING
According to the City of Raleigh Zoning Administration, the site is zoned Rural Residential with
the Watershed Protection District Overlay. A compost facility is a permitted use in this zoning
district (Exh ibit 6).
2.3 SITING AND DESIGN STANDARDS
The following sections (2 .3.1 through 2.3.8) explain how the compost facility complies with
siting and design standards outlined in 15A NCAC 13B Section .1404.
2.3.1 FLOODPLAIN
The site is not located within the 100-year floodplain based on review of the Wake
County, North Carolina Food Insurance Rate Map (panel #*37183C0530E). Panel #
37183C0530 is not published.
2.3.2 BUFFER REQUIREMENTS
Buffer requirements will be maintained between the compost areas and property lines in
accordance with 15A NCAC 138 .1404( a). There are no residences in the general
vicinity of the site. There are no wells within 100 feet of the composting area.
The Unnamed tributary to Swift Creek (Yates Mill Pond) and its associated wetland is
located approximately 325 feet south of the Compost Facility site boundaries (Exhibit 7).
The classification of the tributary is WS-111; NSW. A 50' buffer along the intermittent
stream and wetland area will be maintained according to the 15A NCAC 28 .0232
requirements. All buffers are shown on the Site Plan, Exhibit 3.
2.3.3 SURFACE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
The compost facility will adhere to all Water Quality Standards Applicable to Surface
Waters in North Carolina as set forth in 15A NCAC 28 Section .0200 .
2.3.4 CLOSED-OUT DISPOSAL AREA
The composting facility is not located over a closed -out disposal area.
2.3.5 SURFACE WATER REQUIREMENTS
An approved Sediment and Erosion Control Plan is currently in place (Exhibit 8). During
operation, best management practices will include site-specific training of personnel,
regularly scheduled site maintenance and operational procedures that minimize surface
water runoff.
Storm water generated by the facility will be managed in accordance with University
Stormwater Program requirements. At the Compost Facility, all stormwater runoff (from
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the composting area) shall be collected in the retention pond then flow over land for
approximately 250 feet. This area will be maintained with grass and/or other natural
vegetation to help filter runoff.
2.3.6 GROUNDWATER REQUIREMENTS
The Wake County Soil Survey indicates that the soil types that appear to occupy the
majority of the subject property are Cecil and Wedowee Series Soils. Typically with
these soil types, the water table remains below the solum , which is generally expected
to be greater than six feet. Therefore, the operation of the compost facility is not
expected to impact groundwater resources.
2.3.7 PUBLIC ACCESS
The facility will not allow uncontrolled public access. NC State Departments and those
completing a use agreement will be allowed access to the facility. An entrance gate and
on-duty operator will control access to the facility. The gate will remain locked when an
operator is not available on site. The road will be maintained to allow all-weather
access.
2.3.8 SEDIMENTATION POLLUTION CONTROL LAW
An approved Sedimentation and Erosion Control Plan is currently in place (Exhibit 8).
2.3.9 AIR POLLUTION CONTROL REQUIREMENTS
There will be no open burning during the construction or operation of the compost
facility.
There is the potential for increased odor levels during the operation of the compost
facility due to the nature of the activity. Listed below are some operational procedures
that will be in place to help control odors:
• Compost materials will be blended with the proper amount of carbon and
nitrogen ratio to allow materials to readily decompose.
• All putrescible materials will be sufficiently blended or layered within the windrow
pile so as to prevent odors from occurring.
• Piles will be turned as needed and pile height will not to exceed the range of the
equipment.
• Materials will be blended, placed in windrows then topped with 2-4 inches of
mature compost.
• Other appropriate actions necessary to avoid air pollution issues.
2.4 COMPOSTING METHODS
Type 1 waste materials will be maintained at 131 ° F or above for 3 days and aerated to
maintain elevated temperatures.
Type 2, 3 and 4 waste materials will be maintained at 104° F for 14 days or longer with an
average of 114° F. The composting process shall further reduce pathogens by
maintaining aerobic conditions at a temperature of 131 ° F or greater for at least 15 days.
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Additionally, to meet vector attraction reduction requirements, composting material will be
maintained at 104° F for 14 days or longer with and average temperature of 113° For
greater.
The windrow composting method will be utilized for to achieve the process to further reduce
pathogens. This will include maintaining a temperature of 131 ° F or greater for at least 15
days. During the high temperature period , the windrow will be turned at least 5 times and
aerobic conditions will be maintained during the composting process.
Small portions of Type 2, 3 and 4 waste materials may also be periodically composted
utilizing the aerated static pile method. In this method, pile temperatures will be maintained
at or above 131 ° F for at least 3 days.
Temperatures
Temperatures are taken in each windrow at 25-foot intervals down the length using a 3-foot
long dial type thermometer. All temperature data is recorded and maintained on file in the
on-site office trailer.
Testing
Pathogen samples will be taken using sterile methods. Samples will be kept cool and
transported to an appropriate laboratory within the allotted timeframe. All analytical results
shall be maintained on file in the Compost Facility's on-site office trailer and available for
inspection upon request.
All compost produced at the Compost Facility shall be sampled on a routine basis.
Biological and Agricultural Engineering will provide analytical services for all samples and
provide the Compost Facility Supervisor written documentation of all findings. Sampling
and analyses shall be addressed in the following manner:
• A composite sample of the compost produced at the facility shall be analyzed at
intervals of every 20 ,000 tons of compost produced or every six months;
whichever comes first, for test parameters indicated in the in the Table below.
Consult the Solid Waste Compost Facilities Rules 15A NCAC 138 .1408 (1),
Table 3, Appendix A for additional information. A copy of the Rules can be found
as Appendix A of the Operation and Maintenance Manaul.
• Foreign matter content shall be determined by passing a dried, weighed sample
of the compost product though a one-quarter inch screen. EPA Method 160.3
shall be used to dry the sample. The material remaining on the screen shall be
visually inspected, and the foreign matter that can be clearly identified shall be
separated and weighed. The weight of the separated foreign matter divided by
the weight of the total sample shall be determined and multiplied by 100. This
shall be the percent dry weight of the foreign matter content.
• Pathogen testing shall be performed in accordance with 15A NCAC 138 .1408,
Table 3, Appendix B.
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Table 3: Test Parameters
PARAMETER FACILITY CONCENTRATION
MAXIMUMS
(mg/kg)
Foreign Matter All Facility Types See above
Arsenic Type4 41
Cadmium All Facility Types 39
Chromium Type 4
Copper All Facility Types 1500
Lead All Facility Types 300
Mercury Type4 17
Nickel All Facility Types 420
Selenium Type 4 36
Zinc All Facility Types 2800
Pathogens All Facility Types See above
Total N Products containing sludge
2.5 WASTE TYPES
Various yard waste materials are currently received at the site and mixed to produce compost.
Phase II includes the addition of Type 2, 3 and 4 waste materials into the composting process.
Type 4 waste materials and special departmental research projects will be restricted to the
Teaching/Research Area. This material will be segregated and confined to the designated
area. Any departments wishing to utilize the Teaching/Research Area will be required to
submit to the NC State Environmental Affairs Office appropriate documentation summarizing
the project's goals and objectives prior to use of the facility. No research will be conducted
without written approval from NC State Environmental Affairs and the Division of Waste
Management.
The table titled Waste Types (Exhibit 9) shows the waste tracking mechanism for the facility.
The facility has the capacity to process approximately 25,000 cubic yards of material per year.
2.6 SITE PLAN
A site plan is included as Exhibit 3.
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2.7 DESCRIPTION OF FACILITY DESIGN AND OPERATION
OWNER AND OPERATOR OF FACILITY
Owner: George Worsley, Vice Chancellor
North Carolina State University
Office of Business and Finance
Campus Box 7201
Raleigh , North Carolina 27695
[phone]
Agency Contact: Duane Knudson , Environmental Affairs Manager
North Carolina State University
Environmental Health & Safety Center
Campus Box 8007
Raleigh , North Carolina 27695
[phone]
Facility Contact: Sarah Ketchem , Program Manager
Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling
Campus Box 7516
Raleigh , NC 27695
919.515.9883
Facility Supervisor: Gerald Sanders
Facility Operator: Keith Bonner, Machine Operator Ill
Facility Location: Lake Wheeler Road Research Farm , Lot 40
Raleigh , NC 27695
Phone: [phone] (cellular)
PERSONNEL & THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES
• Personnel Machine Operator Ill
• Responsibilities
• Open and close site
• Check site for overnight damage
• Inspect equipment
• Turn windrows
• Inspect incoming materials
• Check windrow temperatures
• Push up incoming debris
• Clear materials of pollutants
• Maintain silt fence
• Maintain site (grading road , sediment trap , turf areas, etc.)
• Maintain logs
• Write invoices for incoming and outgoing materials
OPERATION PLAN
Due to the nature of the facility, operations will not follow a precise routine. The operation plan
is outlined in the Operations and Maintenance Manual (Appendix A).
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The operating schedule varies depending on the type and quantity of incoming materials and
the priorities of the day. The site will operate under a typical 5-day workweek schedule. The
operations may be performed seven days per week depending on the work to be
accomplished or severe weather event. Materials will not be received nor processed before
sunrise or after sunset to minimize noise and other impacts on surrounding neighbors.
The Process Flow for the facility is addressed in Exhibit 10.
After the composting process is completed, the material will be stored in static piles prior to
campus use for a minimum of one month or when appropriate nitrogen levels are reached ,
which ever occurs first. Final curing and storage is typically performed together. Storage
occurs in the areas shown on the Site Plan, Exhibit 3. The location of temperature, air and any
other type of monitoring parameters, and the frequency of monitoring are addressed above in
Section 2.4 -Composting Methods and also in the Operations and Maintenance Manual,
Section 3.3 -Composting Process (Appendix A).
An 8 cubic yard trash dumpster is located at the entrance of site for all non-hazardous, non-
compostable waste. Household hazardous waste will not be accepted on site. However, if
any hazardous waste is mistakenly taken in , the operator will arrange for pick up through the
Environmental Health and Safety Center -Environmental Affairs Office.
There is an all-weather road that allows access to the site in the event of heavy rain , snow or
freezing conditions. In the event that normal operations are not possible, no new materials will
be accepted at the site.
DESIGN & OPERATION OF FACILITY
The design of the compost facility meets the requirements outlined in 15A NCAC 138 .1404 (a)
(1-10).
The operation of the facility is addressed in the Operations and Maintenance Manual
(Appendix A).
LABELING OF PRODUCT
The finished product will be used as a soil amendment for NC State University or other State
Agencies. The product will not be sold to outside vendors. An information sheet, as described
in the Operations & Maintenance Manual (Appendix A) will be provided with material that
leaves the facility.
ENGINEERING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
Information contained in the Compost Facility Permit Application and Operations &
Maintenance Manual has been complied in accordance to the 15A NCAC 138 Solid Waste
Compost Rules and the University's Environmental Management Plan.
Specifications and performance data of on-site equipment are included in Exhibit 11 .
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3. PERMIT TO OPERATE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with 15A NCAC 138 Sections .1405 (c), the following information is included as part of e the application for a permit to operate a solid waste compost facility.
3.1 CONTINGENCY PLANS
This section outlines contingency plans detailing corrective or remedial actions for the following
circumstances.
EQUIPMENT BREAKDOWN
NC State Grounds Management will conduct regular equipment maintenance. If equipment
breakdowns prevent composting in accordance with permit requirements, yard waste materials
will be stockpiled until they can be properly composted. Odorous materials, however, will not
be accepted at the site until equipment is restored and composting procedures can be
effectively carried out. Equipment from other areas on campus can be utilized if necessary.
Rental equipment will also be utilized if necessary.
AIR POLLUTION/ODORS
Because the potential for odor generation does exist with the composting of organic materials,
operational procedures and Best Management Practices will be utilized to minimize potential
annoyances. Examples of such measures include, but are not limited to, incorporating
potentially odorous materials into piles quickly, maintaining aerobic conditions within piles,
periodic turning of windrows, and control of moisture content.
NON-CONFORMING WASTES
The compost site attendant will inspect all incoming waste. Non-conforming material will not
be accepted into the facility receiving area. It will be the sole responsibi lity of the hauler to
dispose of any and all non-conforming waste material.
SPILLS
Any spills will be cleaned up by a front-end loader and added to compost piles currently under
construction. No hazardous material will be accepted on the site. If such materials are
accepted, the material will be contained in one area and disposed of by the Environmental
Health and Safety Center -Environmental Affairs Office.
Spill procedures are as listed :
• Clean up leaks, and other spills without large amounts of water. Rags for small
spills, amp mops for general cleanup, and dry absorbent material for larger spills.
• Avoid hosing down work areas.
• Collect leaking or dripping fluids in drip pans or containers. Immediately repair any
equipment leaks.
• Keep drip pan under vehicle while unclipping hoses, unscrewing filters , or removing
other parts. Use a drip pan or other absorbent under any vehicle that might leak
while being worked on to prevent a spill.
• Promptly transfer to proper waste facility.
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FIRES
The facility will utilize small windrows for composting , which greatly reduces the risk of
spontaneous combustion. If piles of material catch fire, a front-end loader will be used to
separate the burning material. In addition, a portable water tank is available to soak material if
necessary. The local fire department is available on call. A minimum 25-foot access area is
provided around the site to allow access of fire fighting equipment.
PARTICULATES
Particulates are generally associated with overly dry compost piles. Water from a trailer-
mounted tank will be used to increase moisture content and reduce airborne particulates
generated from the compost piles. Assess roads will be maintained at a level to prevent
excess debris from vehicular traffic. All incoming and outgoing material will be properly
secured with a tarp and/or bungie straps.
NOISE
Noise levels are representative of typical farm operations. There will be no increase in noise
levels during operation of the compost facility. Normal operations will be performed between
sunrise and sunset.
VECTORS
Materials that attract vectors will be incorporated into composting piles on the day it arrives on
site. Ponding water will also be prevented to reduce vector attraction to standing water. The
site is graded to allow adequate drainage from the site and prevent puddling of water. Routine
site maintenance will be performed to reduce standing water on site.
UNUSUAL TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
Unusual traffic conditions are not expected at the site due to its location on Lake Wheeler
Research Facility, which is away from the main roads. If necessary, delivery schedules can be
modified to prevent undesirable traffic conditions.
ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS
In the event of adverse weather conditions, which may impede normal operations of the
facility, deliveries will cease until such time as operations can be properly performed.
3.2 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
A separate Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manual for the facility has been prepared and
implemented. Refer to Appendix A.
3.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN
-. quali_ty ~ssura~ce plan . for the ~ro~ess and !inal product ~hich lists the procedures use~ in
inspecting incoming materials; monitoring, sampling and analyzing the compost process and final
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product, testing schedule and record keeping requirements is addressed in the O & M Manual
(Appendix A).
e 3.4 PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAM
Exhibit 10 shows the process flow diagram and summarizes facts about the Facility.
3.5 AS-BUil T DRAWINGS
The drawings attached to this permit application show the site grading and location of other items.
Any proposed changes to this layout will be submitted for approval.
3.6 STATE AND FEDERAL PERMITS REQUIRED
Temporary Permit to Operate a Yard Waste Compost Facility (Exhibit 1)
Zoning Letter from the City of Raleigh (Exhibit 6)
Approved Sedimentation and Erosion Control Plan (Exhibit 8)
3. 7 PRODUCT MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION PLANS
The finished product will be used as a soil amendment for NC States or other State Agencies. The
finished product will include an information sheet explaining the classification grade, recommended
uses, application rates and any restrictions on usage.
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EXHIBIT 1
Temporary Yard Waste Facility Permit
EXHIBIT 2
Vicinity/Area Map