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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3506_BrantleyComp_PermitRenewal_20231019WIND RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL 10/1/2023 North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Waste Management Solid Waste Section 1646 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1646 Subject: Permit Amendment (Renewal) To Whom it May Concern, This memorandum serves a request for permit amendment (renewal) for the Solid Waste Composting Permit for Earth Farms LLC in Dallas, NC, permit 3506-COMPOST-2012. Enclosed, you will End the documentation and required narrative that satisfies the questions outlined in Sections 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, as outlined in the NC Compost Facility Types 2, 3, and 4 Permit Application Guidance. Should you have any questions or additional required information please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will provide you with a swift response. The point of contact for this memorandum and the permit amendment is the undersigned at 980-525-1253 or rellis@wrenvironmental.com. The Earth Farm's office number is 704-922-1775. Thank You, A Recoverable Siqnature X Ryan A. Ellis Ryan Ellis Branch Manaqer Signed by. c1c1a6d7-02c9-47be-9416-98263e97dOd6 Ryan Ellis Branch Manager Wind River Environmental d.b.a. Earth Farms Organics LLC Certification by Land Owner (if different from Applicant): I hereby certify that I have read and understand the application submitted by L. nd +vc'_U' for a permit to operate a compost facility on land owned by the undersigned located at (address) _ �(S G rPR,, c(r/�-z- —; (city) ./&n , NC, in r�r,4nA(/,o County, and described in Deed Book and Page(s) / 7 02 / Z7-� D I specifically grant permission for the proposed compost facility planned for operation within the confines of the land, as indicated in the permit application. I understand that any permit will be issued in the names of both the operator and the owner of the facility/property. I acknowledge that ownership of land on which a solid waste management facility is located may subject me to cleanup of said property in the event that the operator defaults as well as to liability under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Responsibility, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"). Without accepting any fault or liability, I recognize that ownership of land on which a solid waste management facility is located may subject me to claims from persons who may be harmed in their persons or property caused by the solid waste management facility. I am informed that North Carolina General Statute 130A-22 provides for administrative penalties of up to fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) per day per each violation of the Solid Waste Management Rules. I understand that the Solid Waste Management Rules may be revised or amended in the future, and that the siting and operation of the facility will be required to comply with any such revisions or amendments. n ,D Sig ature Date 11 L c4 NA .S Uo 1A'L &1 Print name NORTH CAROLINA County IJ✓ 4 /14kAA( /Y%7& , Notary Public for said County and State, do hereby certify that personally appeared before me this day and acknowledged the due e)kcution of the f egoing instrument. Witness my hand and official seal, this the �=otary , 20;3 (Official Seal) �o SAVANNAH MICHELLE MILLS NOTARY PUBLIC Franklin County My commission expires North Carolina My Commission Expires March 26, 2028 Wind River Environmental d.b.a. Earth Farms Organics LLC General Information Site Information The site proposed for a Large Type 3 composting is located off of NC 39 on Greenhouse Drive, approximately nine miles Northeast of Zebulon, NC. The Wake County Parcel PIN Number is 2729-13- 1487 in neighborhood J12. Parcel location and information are shown in Figure 1 and Table 1. Figure 1 provides an aerial of the compost and the surrounding area from Franklin County GIS with relevant streams, wetlands, flood zones, and soils. the Figure 2 shows the FEMA Flood Insurance floodplains map relative to the property to be used for composting. The site is in compliance with NC Compost Rules 15A NCAC 13B-.1404(a)(1) as it does not restrict the flow of a 100-year flood; reduce the temporary storage capacity of the floodplain; or result in a washout of solid waste so as to pose a hazard to human life, wildlife, or water resources. Table 1. Parcel information obtained from Franklin County GIS. GIS Pared Ian Pin i 2729-13-1487 Physical Address 37 Pinc Ridge Road Una City Zebtdm Zip Code 27597 Nd*borinod J12 Cuss Vacant Land Use Code 0 Acres 56.5 Land Type A Frontage Width and Depth Z06119 R 30 Streetl /Sftd2 Umpaved / Topo 1 /Tcpo2/Topo3 Level / Rob* Udl /lJtIVU613 None !/ Restrictl/Restrict2/ReatricS earth farms ORGANICS COMPOST & TOPSOIL PRODUCTS Figure 1. Aerial of compost and the surrounding area from Franklin County GIS with relevant streams, wetlands, flood zones, and soils. Figure 2. FEMA Flood Insurance floodplains map for area. earth farms ORGANICS COMPOST & TOPSOIL PRODUCTS Contact Information Name: Ryan Ellis, Applicant Nicholas Cardella, Site Contact Company: Wind River Environmental, d.b.a Earth Farms Organics LLC Address: 45 Green House Dr Zebulon, NC 27597 Phone: 704-922-1775 Email: rellis e,wrenvironmental.com Landowner Information Name: David Brantley & Sons Inc. Shane Brantley Corey Brantley Company: David Brantley & Sons, Inc. Address: 37 Pine Ridge Dr, Zebulon, NC 27597 Phone: 888-817-1904 Fax: 252-478-4644 Contact Information for Composting Fees Name: Ryan Ellis, Applicant Company: Wind River Environmental, d.b.a Earth Farms Organics LLC Address: 45 Green House Dr Zebulon, NC 27597 Phone: 704-922-1775 Email: relliskwrenvironmental.com earth ,farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS Design Plan Feedstock Information The ingredients involved in the proposed composting project are dewatered septage and/or grease along with bulking material. Bulking material may consist of wood chips, grass, leaves, yard waste, peanut hulls, various plants, food waste, or manure. The volumes anticipated for this project are approximate! y 20,000 tons per year of total compost. This would consist of 10,000 tons of dewatered septage/grease, and 10,000 tons of wood chips per year. Feedstock Description of Feedstock Sources Is it Potential for accepted metals from the contamination? General Public? Septage Stanley Environmental collects Licensed waste hauler No No septage from customers with Stanley Environmental septage sstems in the area. Dewatered Grease FOG, brown grease trap waste Licensed waste haulers No No Trap collected from food processing establishments, restaurants, etc. in the area. Hardwood Mulch Double hammers wood chips City of Raleigh No No Manure Agricultural Manure waste Licensed Waste Haulers No No Straw Clean unused straw Earth Farms Zebulon No No Ground Yard Waste Double hammered yard waste City of Raleigh No No Land Clearing Ground land clearing vegetation Licensed Landscape No No Debris matter. companies, Contractors Food Waste Clean source segregated food Collected on food waste No No waste streams. collection routes and various commercial, educational and food processing customers Design Capacity The specific compost process that is to be used is the windrow method. An initial pile will be constructed with a triangular cross section utilizing one day's dewatered septage and/or grease production.The windrows must be maintained at a temperature of 131 degrees F and will be turned a minimum of 5 times in 15 days. The windrows will be 8 feet high, 50 feet in length and 16 feet wide. The total additional length of compost to be laid out each day is up to approximately 68 feet. The amount of new woodchips (or other bulking material) required to construct a one -foot thick pad for the compost is approximately 2.3 7 cubic- yards/day.. Unscreened compost is required in the amount of approximately 4.4 cubic yards/day to cover the pile 18 inches thick. Capacity calculations for the overall facility are as follows when assuming 1,500 lbs. per cubic yard dry weight of wet compost for 15 day cycles at 131 OF. The compost facility, capacity will be up to approximately 19,165 wet tons of compost a year. earth ,farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS Storage Areas 1) Windrow Volume = height x width x length � ) x "0 f t. x (2 t; = 118.52 yd3 2) Cubic Yards of Compost Daily = hulk Density of Materials x Wet Tons of Material 42tas" x 2,0 U U ibs Dewatered Septage " !Ds "`L = 53 Y112 1,600 y°a dad. 8Qa1 x 2,000(pn ds New Wood Chips -► ,�, 2_ S00� — 32 day 244L-s X 2 p 00l os Recycled Wood Chips day —�— Dr —`On = 79 y Total Compost Area = 162.75 dd3 3) Additional Volume per Windrow Each Day 16 2 75 yd' x 27 Ia �8 jd =68.7 ft.-+Approximately 1 a New Windrows 4) Total Annual Compost yda days weeks wet tons 1b2.75 day x 5 week x 52 year = 42,315 year Total compost. Table 2. BrIcakdown of facility spacing V.W ' ApwomwAe Arco Reclurimd f#�+— Truck LWmd og and Mixing 5 Composting 82.2 Lbxmaood Compost 12,5 Ihy ng and Screening 7,5 Compost Cw* and Storage 12,0 Wood Chp Storaw 25,0 earth farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS Compost Recipes The various blends and mixtures of compost are developed based on proprietary mixes and blends developed by Earth Farms LLC depending on the feedstocks available and the specific end uses. The compost blends are made from a mixture of hardwood tree waste, land clearing debris, yard and leaf waste, dewatered grease trap wastes, and vegetative wastes from food operations. The ground yard waste, hardwood tree waste, and land clearing debris is added to increase carbon levels. The table below is used to define characteristics of raw materials that may be incorporated in compost mixture. Typical ratio used are: • 1-6 Dewatered Grease Trap waste to Carbon source • 1- 6 Dewatered Septage to Carbon source • 1- 4 Food and Vegetative waste, or food waste to Carbon Source Raw Material % N C:N Ratio % Moisture Content Septage 1.0 40:1 95 Dewatered Grease Trap 1.0 60:1 70 Hardwood Mulch .5 83 17 Manure .27 17 81 Straw .5 120 40 Ground Yard Waste .9 54 40 Land Clearing Debris .09 560 5 Food Waste 1.0 30 95 Proportioning of Feedstocks The compost is manufactured from a mixture of Substrate (the non-putrescible materials) like hardwood and softwood chips and sawdust, ground yard waste, etc. with the feedstock (the putrescible materials) like animal bedding, FOG wastes, pre and post -consumer food waste, vegetative/agribusiness wastes. All the Feedstock (putrescible material) are mixed and blended with a suitable Substrate (the non- putrescible materials) in the concrete mixing pit on the day of arrival to prevent nuisance problems. The substrate materials (Wood chips, yard waste etc.) for staging purposes are stored in the raw material storage areas for subsequent use as needed. Feedstocks and Substrates are measured and added into the mixing pit in increments of 5 cubic yards using a front -loader to achieve the required ratio. Feed stocks and substrates are mixed by combining feedstocks and substrates directly on top of each other in the concrete, water sealed mixing pit. And then flips and mixes the compost mixture by rolling and fluffing material with the front loader bucket. The blended compost materials are then transported and placed on a windrow compost production pad area. On the pad the windrows continue the composting process that takes approximately 30 days, the windrows are regularly turned (Mixed) to meet and maintain required time, temperature and turns as earth ,farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS required by our permit. At the end of the composting process, once compost has met all time, temperature and turns required the PFRP/VAR compliant compost is moved to the finished compost, storage pad area for curing. The finished compost is stored on the curing pad for further curing and stabilization. Process Flow Diagram Process Duration On day of arrival, the non-putrescible materials are stored in the raw material storage areas for subsequent use as needed for staging purposes. On day of arrival Feedstocks are offloaded into one of the mixing pits, and then the pit operator using a 5 Cubic Yard front -loader blends the feedstock with the Substrate at the required ratios. Then mixes the compost blend by rolling and fluffing material with the front loader bucket. The materials are then transported by loader and placed on the windrow pads. The windrow compost process continues in these open windrows for approximately 30 days for placement to product. At the end of the composting process, the PFRP/VAR compliant compost is moved by a loader and or dump truck onto the finished compost storage pad for curing. The finished compost is to be stored on the South and East end of the composting area for future use approximately 180 days. Composting Method �� earth ,farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS Once formed into a windrow, compost must come to temperate at 130 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of three days. Temperature of piles is monitored daily using a 36-inch temperature probe that is inserted into the mid center of the windrow every 20-30ft. the temperature of each windrow is recorded in a log each time it is taken. Once temperature is held at a minimum of 130 degrees, not to exceed 170 degrees for a minimum of three days, the CAT Loader is utilized to turn the windrow in its entirety. This process repeats every three days, for a minimum of five times over a 21-day period. Once PFRP is successfully completed, compost is moved from windrows and placed in a static curing pile for no more than 180 days. Surface Water Control Features The composting pad is graded at a 2% grade slope to ensure natural drainage, evaporation of surface water. All stormwater and run-off are contained and managed by windrow pad earthworks berms. No stormwater or run-off exits the pads. The water is collected via sump pump, back into the SDTF process, where it is treated for permitted land application. Run-off of any exterior water is prevented due to pad earthworks. Landscape buffers berms are placed around operating pads to prevent potential run-off water. Compost windrows are positioned parallel to the grade on the pads in a manner to prevent the contamination of completed windrows. Process and Contact Water The site plan indicates that compost production areas/pads are sloped toward a runoff collection area. Excess runoff will be returned to the compost windrow areas as liquid or lime stabilized and land applied. Content of the collection area or shallow basin are removed as needed and are normally incorporated back into compost batch as a liquid and nitrogen source or are allowed to evaporate. Any addition of run-off water back to the windrow is carried out in the primary loading of the windrow and results in an additional full processing and heat cycle which results in the Process to Further Reduce Pathogen (PFRP) to be repeated. Compost Amendments No amendments outside of soil and sand are added to compost. Dust and Air Emissions A water truck with a fan like sprayer on the rear of the truck will pump and spray roads to reduce dust on roads and pathways. Operation Plan Site Contact Nicholas Cardella, 984-209-2966, ncardellagwrenvironmental.com, 45 Green House Dr, Zebulon, NC 27597 earth X,- farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS Equipment, Structures, and Operations areas The site consists of various equipment that pertain to the storage, dewatering, and mixing of materials for preparation of composting. Water source: • Well water. Receiving mix pit: • One cast in place concrete below grade mixing pit. Office Trailer and WorkShop • Office trailer and workshop building. CATERPILLAR 928G • Mix feed stock and load truck to transport to windrow • Top dress windrows • Transport compost to curing piles. • Load products onto trucks to be transported to market. New Holland LS 180 • Mix feed stock and load truck to transport to windrow • Top dress operating surfaces • Transport compost to curing piles. • Grade surfaces Sterling L7500 • Transport Septage Effluent • Pump water from operating surfaces Miscellaneous Equipment • 10.5' X 4' bar screen tank • 1,500 gallon pump tank • Duplex sewage pumps to move effluent from pump tank to storage tanks • 4-inch ball valves to control directional flow of effluent • 15,000 gallon storage tank (storage tank 1) • 27,000 gallon storage tank (storage tank 2) • 3-inch Houle pump in 15,000 gallon storage tank to transfer effluent to dewatering box • Polymer mixing and dosing unit with 550 gallon polymer mixing tank • 30 cubic yard dewatering box • Electric 1.5 hp stainless steel mixing shaft with 4 inch propellers • 1,000 gallon tank to catch runoff from dewatering pad • 3,500 gallon irrigation pump tank • Six inch PVC service connection to unload tankers • 30' by 30' concrete pad for bulking solids • 30' x 30' concrete pad for storage of bulking agents • 100' x 100' composting and windrowing pad earth ,farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS Site Security and Access Controls The site is secured by fencing on all boundaries, and at entry and exit points there are gates that are chained and locked when the facility is not in operation. Compost Pads are also bermed on their perimeter. Public Operation • Public hours of operation are M-F 6:00am-4pm. • During these hours of operation, operators, administration, and a supervisor are on the site and working at all times. Site is closed to the public during all other times. • When the site is closed, and the staff leave the site the access gate is closed. Receipt of Feedstocks Feedstock receipt is limited to licensed contractors. All incoming feedstock is inspected. We do not accept feedstocks or residuals from the general public nor unlicensed operators. Access Roads Access roads are constructed of dirt and base stone "Crush-n-Run." Roads are compacted and well maintained at all times. Road construction yields entry during times of inclement weather and deteriorating conditions. Roads will be graded and leveled following weather events and watered to control dust during dry periods. Schedule of Operations The site is open to the public M-F 6:00am-4:00p, except for holidays. Operations team reviews daily schedule for delivery of finished products, production schedule, and feedstock receipt. Team meets to outline roles and responsibilities for the day. Leadership reviews compliance logs and outlines and major events. Team reviews gallons/tons/Cubic Yards of feedstocks received. Team records any major events or visitors. Operators safely park, store, and secure equipment for the night. Plant operators' clean stations, secure equipment, and shut down pre-treatment plant. Compost windrows are surveilled by supervisors to ensure site is secured, material is in storage, and there are no fires, spills, or standing water. After personnel leave, the site is secured. Signage There is a sign at the entrance of the facility describing the type of accepted feedstock received at the facility (septage and/or grease), the hours of operation the existing permit number, and emergency contact numbers. The sign also warns against the dumping of hazardous and medical wastes at the site. Boundary Markers Boundary markers are not required. But berms are established around the composting pads to define the pad edges. Required Personnel Site Lead- • Inspect Facility Daily • Responsible for all record keeping • Manage all maintenance of equipment and facilities • Inspect each piece of equipment on a daily basis • Check temperature of windrows earth ,farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS • Implement Compost Recipes • Responsible for record keeping and testing according to the facility permit • Maintain analytics for compost • Mix feedstock and transport to windrows • Take up windrows • Operate dewatering box Compost Personnel Training Nicholas Cardella, Site Lead, USCC Certified Compost Training Fort Collins, Colorado NOV 2021 Ryan Ellis, NC Branch Manager, USCC Certified Compost Training Lincoln, NE AUG 2021 Composting Process The composting process at the Earth Farms Zebulon Compost Facility is depicted on the site plan showing the processing area, the concrete mixing pad, the compost production windrows, the curing area, and may be described as follows: • Dry raw materials such as yard clearing waste, wood chips, and bedding material are received and stored prior to use in "dry material" storage areas. • These materials are combined with a daily delivery of wet raw materials and the dewatered materials generated on -site. • The dry materials are placed directly into the mixing pit and the wet or processed septage/grease trap materials are placed over the top of the material, these materials are mixed and blended using a loader at the required ratio's. • These materials are mixed in the mixing pit. • The proper ratio of material introduced onto the mixing pit is determined by the number of "buckets" of material placed by the loader. • The bulk mixing operation thoroughly combines the raw material and "mixed" raw materials are transferred to the compost production area. • After initial treatment in the compost windrows for PFRP and VAR compliance, the compost is removed to the initial storage area, where it is allowed to complete the compost curing process. • The critical flow duration in the active windrow is 15 days at required temperature with 5 consecutive turnings as required in rule. • Typical time in an active windrow will be 4 to 6 weeks to allow for temperature to rise from ambient to thermophilic. • Curing and storage may require between 2 and 4 months depending on the season and the end use. • Mixing and blending will be accomplished in a 24-to-48-hour duration. Screening for Unacceptable Waste All incoming loads of waste will be screened by the site lead. Visual inspections will be made by these personnel to ensure that any waste brought to site is acceptable. If large batches of food waste, both pre and post -consumer, are brought onsite, mechanical inspection may be necessary to determine that the load does not consist of unacceptable waste. No unacceptable waste will be permitted to be stored on site. Waste generator will be informed of unacceptable waste and asked to remove it from site. Any plastic or other inorganic contamination found in incoming waste, that is removed is placed in dumpster and taken to landfill for final disposal. earth ,farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS Special Feedstock or Residual Handling Earth Farms Zebulon accepts and processes grease trap waste and septage. This is dewatered on site at our SDTF-32-03 and SDTF-36-15. This feedstock is derived through the following process. The incoming septage and Grease trap waste is brought in via pump truck and offloaded at our onsite SDTF dewatering facility in Durham. The waste is pumped into a bar screen to remove any inorganic foreign objects. Once passing through bar screen, waste flows into a "grit box" to remove any rock grit, or trash items. Once ran through grit box, the the waste is pH adjusted, and treated with polymer then pumped into dewatering treatment boxes. The water that filters out of the dewatering boxes and is pumped to the sewer system to be treated at Durham POTW water treatment facility. The solids cake left in the dewatering boxes transported from the SDTF in Durham to this composting site in Zebulon and offloaded into the mixing pit and used as a Feedstock in the compost blend where it is mixed with substrate material in the mixing pit. Amendments and Grinding No amendments are added to the compost. Once fully cured and screened some of the final finished compost is mixed with loose Dirt, sand, stone chips etc. to make different garden blends or topsoil blends. Currently no grinding on shredding of material occurs to prepare material for composting. Pile Sizes Feedstock, curing, and final product storage piles will be no more than 50ft wide and 30ft high. They will be monitored for temperature, moisture, and contamination. Composting windrows will be no more than 8ft in height, 16t in width and will generally be between 50-100yds long, contained within permitted areas. The rows will be separated by 15 ft to allow access for water trucks and front-end loader. PFRP Compliance Temperature will be monitored closely at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of windrow length in all active windrows and recorded daily. Metabolic or biological activity increases with increasing temperature. The optimum temperature range for composting is between 130 degrees Fahrenheit and 160 degrees Fahrenheit once the process has begun. As stated in the North Carolina Solid Waste Compost Rules section .1406, the facility shall maintain the compost process at a temperature above 131 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 consecutive days or longer, with 5 turnings and the average temperature during that time shall be higher than 131 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the highest level of pathogen reduction. If windrow material does not reach operating temperature, investigate windrow for moisture content, porosity, and thoroughness of mixing. Compost managed at the required temperatures will favor destruction of pathogens. Probe Thermometer and Calibration The temperature monitoring probes consist of 36- to 48-inch-long dial stem thermometers. Temperature monitoring shall be accomplished at the 24-to-30-inch depth at each monitoring location. A probe type dial stem thermometer (as manufactured by REOTEMP) with a 36" stainless steel stem will be needed to monitor the temperature of the compost. Ice Calibration Method. Fill a tall glass to the top with ice cubes. Add pre -chilled water to just below the top of the ice. Stir for about 15 seconds. Insert the thermometer stem or probe 2" into the center of the ice bath and stir gently for another 15 seconds, keeping the stem surrounded by the ice cubes and moving constantly. An accurate thermometer will read 32°F. Don't let earth ,farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS the thermometer rest against the ice or you'll get a low reading. Don't let the thermometer rest against the glass or you'll get a high reading. Don't measure the temperature of the clear water below the ice, as it may not be 32DF. Adjust fixture on the back of the temperature probe if gauge is not reading at exactly 32DF. Record date, time, and parameters of calibration in Windrow log and site logbook. Observation of Moisture, Oxygen, Porosity, and C.NLevels Laboratory analysis of compost is conducted every 120 days. The laboratory analysis investigates moisture content, 02 levels, porosity, C:N ratio, pathogen reduction, metal analysis and germination. The sample is a composite sample of finished compost. The sample is collected under sanitary, uncontaminated conditions using sterilized equipment and environments. The sample is overnighted to A&L Great Lakes laboratory for examination and is tested within 24 hours of receipt. Additionally, Solvita testing may be conducted when needed onsite to determine ammonia and carbon levels indicating maturity and stability. Regular daily on site hand squeeze tests are done to estimate moisture content. Aeration Aeration is achieved at multiple points throughout the composting process. Mixing the compost with CAT front end loader is necessary to ensure that all particles are exposed to high temperatures to inactivate potentially pathogenic microorganisms. The mixing aerates and redistributes air pockets to ensure proper oxygen levels for the composting process. The mixing is complete by rotation of the composting mass. Mixing in the windrow with the turner assures that all particles in the compost mass are exposed to the required temperatures for the required period. Composting is dependent on the amount of oxygen supplied by aeration. Aeration will be executed dependent on PFRP and temperature reading. Active windrows and active curing piles will be monitored and either turned by the turner (windrows) or rotated and turned by the loader (curing piles), windrows are turned approximately every three days or as amended by temperature and moisture conditions. Compost Testing Laboratory analysis of compost is conducted every 120 days. The laboratory analysis investigates moisture content, 02 levels, porosity, C:N ratio, pathogen reduction, metal analysis and germination. The sample is a composite sample of finished compost. The sample is collected under sanitary, uncontaminated conditions using sterilized equipment and environments. The sample is overnighted to A&L Great Lakes laboratory for examination and is tested within 24 hours of receipt. Additionally, Solvita testing is conducted on a monthly basis onsite to determine ammonia and carbon levels indicating maturity and stability. Regular daily on site hand squeeze tests are done to estimate moisture content. The sample should be processed within the hold time required by the lab testing procedure, and this is usually 24 hours. The sample that is collected for metals analysis is to be collected and composited over a six- month period (or every 20,000 tons produced) from each batch of compost. See Rule .1407(b)(4) for procedure. End Use Finished compost will be utilized as a component of bioretention mix in stormwater systems, as a medium for plant growth, as a landscape material and for agricultural, horticultural, or silvicultural substrate. Sold to Landscaping companies as Compost, or as Topsoil, or ad a Garden blend. All compost materials will earth farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS be certified as PFRP and representative samples of the material will be tested as accomplished by NCDA for organic matter, nutrient, regulated metal, and salt levels. Disposal Contingency Plan In the event that product is deemed to be of "poor" quality, the compost will be added back to new production of compost and undergo the composting process over again. This includes PFRP, temperature, oxygen, and moisture monitoring and screening. If any material was determined to be undesirable and not suitable to be reprocessed, it would be taken to landfill for disposal. High quality and compliant product that meets all requirements is removed from site and taken to market by either truck and trailer or by dump truck. It is in a stable and mature state when removed from the property. Compost or compost products are loaded onto truck by front wheel loaders. The material is tarped in the bed of the truck and hauled off. Record Keeping Per Rule .1406 (1)(b), Rule .1406 (19)(c), and Rule .1408, a copy of the permit, plans, and operational reports are maintained at Earth Farms at all times. Annual training documents for facility staff, including a review of the operations plan and permit documents are maintained on site. Temperature log forms, and PFRP tracking forms are kept in an orderly manner and kept on site at all times. Surface and Process Water Control A small bermed area at the low point on the pad collects any surface water from the compost windrow pads. Any water that collects against the berm will be removed as needed and will normally be incorporated back into compost batch. The addition of any collected pad surface water to any compost windrows to add moisture will restart the PFRP process at the time the pad surface water is added to the compost. Pad surface water can also be lime stabilized and land applied. Documentation to Local Fire Protection Agency Fire Prevention Plan Temperature, moisture, and pile size will be monitored and remediated, if necessary, in order to prevent fires. Site monitors windrows for hot spots and if any are identified they are addressed before they can develop into a fire. In the event of an accidental fire, the local fire emergency services will be immediately contacted for assistance. If employee safety is not compromised, water truck and excavation equipment will be utilized to assist in putting out the fire. Any fire will be reported to the Solid Waste Section within 24 hours, followed by a written notification of the details of the fire within 15 days of the incident. Sanitary Operating Conditions Vector and nuisance conditions will be addressed by maintaining proper cover over windrows to prevent vector attraction. Facility is located in rural, agricultural area, and due to the size of the property any noise nuisance is greatly limited. Dust control, if needed, will be achieved by wetting roadways and other surfaces generating dust. At the end of each operating day, the unloading area will be cleared, and all earth ,farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS feedstocks will be processed/mixed or properly stored. Listed below are some maintenance practices that will be implemented to ensure the maintenance and cleanliness of the facility. Do not allow any equipment that exceeds design load limits on or within twenty feet of the pads. Maintain all electrical and mechanical equipment in good operating condition by following electrical codes and manufacturers recommendations. Inspect and repair grounding rods, switches, wiring, and all vehicles and equipment involved in the process. Fences, railings, roofing, and/or warning signs must be maintained to provide warning and prevent unauthorized entry. Keep the area around the composting facility mowed and free of tall weeds and brush. Repair any vehicular, vandalism or animal damage. Inspect and maintain runoff control structures. Clean and maintain compost production areas as required to maintain a pleasant work environment. Clean and dry any spills, from wet material immediately to sustain safe work environment. Contingencies for Wind, Heavy Rain, and Extreme or Unusual Conditions Wind: • Windy conditions should have little effect on composting operation since windrows are in open areas. However, in windy conditions, special attention must be given to the temperature of windrows, and care must be taken during the loading of raw materials (especially light materials) . It is anticipated that the local topography and perimeter tall tree vegetation will tend to block a great deal of the wind from the facility. However, if windy conditions are demonstrated to have a detrimental effect on the continued processing of the compost, the impacted tasks will be halted until the wind subsides. Freezing Conditions: Operation in freezing conditions requires more frequent inspection of the pads to ensure that any rainwater is not able pool on the concrete pads or windrow areas. Additional caution in operation of the turner loader is necessary during conditions where ice may have formed on the site frozen raw materials should not be added to the mix. • Windrows generate heat and prevent freezing. Extended Power Failure: • Operations during an extended power failure may be accomplished using portable generator. Temperature monitoring of the composting windrows during a power failure must be continued, and any compost which does not meet the temperature criteria must be reprocessed. • Most of the composting equipment is diesel powered, like the windrow turner, screeners, loaders etc. So power failure will have little impact on operations. Fire: In the case of a fire, immediately notify the local fire department. If employee safety is not compromised, the company pump truck may be utilized to extinguish fire. • Compost is monitored for hot spots and if identified are addressed by site personnel. �� earth ,farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS Equipment Breakdown: In the event of a breakdown of the compost equipment, delivery of raw materials from the onsite treatment facilities should be suspended until the equipment is repaired or replaced and material passes all VAR and PFRP requirements. Site Safety Procedures Upon entering the site, the speed limit is 15mph. Heavy Equipment has the right of way. All vehicles and equipment when not in motion or in use must be placed in the "park" position and parking brake applied. All personnel, employees, patrons, and guests must wear reflective gear at all times while on the Earth Farms property. When operating in conjunction with vehicles, loaders will sound horn upon approach and exit. When passing at pinch points, all vehicles will sound with a horn blast and the opposite vehicle will sound horn in response. Spill kits and hazardous disposal kits will remain in place and ready around site at any potential safety hazards. First aid kits and Eye wash stations are available. All staff participate in monthly LMS safety training, and regular tail gate safety meetings are held to discuss relevant topics. EH&S Director from Wind River Environmental does routine site visits and inspections. Site manager does monthly site inspection including EH&S topics and areas. Cease Operation Procedures Per Rule .1410, if the compost facility ceases operations, Earth Farms shall meet the following conditions: 1. All feedstock and unfinished compost materials shall be removed from the site and taken to a permitted solid waste or composting facility within 180 days. 2. Finished compost materials left onsite shall comply with G.S. 130A-309.05. 3. Earth Farms shall notify the Division in writing upon completion of the requirements. Odor Control Odor Sources earth ,farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS Odor Migration Activity such as mixing, and movement of in process compost and feedstocks should be schedule to minimize the impact of odors. Accomplish these activities early in the workday to take advantage of rising air currents. Avoid doing these activities on hot, still days or holidays and weekends. Typical windy conditions or early morning hours are better times to conduct such activities. Monitor the wind direction and postpone activities that may release significant odors when the wind is blowing towards the most sensitive neighbors. Facility is located in mostly agricultural area with buffer and distance from nearest residential homes. Composting can continue year-round, even during cold weather. Seasonal and weather variation may require operational adjustments that compensate for the change in weather conditions. Cold weather can slow the compositing process by increasing the heat loss transfer rate form the composting operation into the atmosphere, but the insulation layer should mitigate most of this transfer. The lower temperature reduces the microbial activity, especially near the surface. This, in turn, decrease the amount of heat generated. Warm weather enhances water loss due to evaporation from the windrows. Water should be added if material become too dry (moisture content drops below 40%). Again, the loss should not be excessive from the windrow, and controls can be implemented by scheduling turning operation or adding moisture as required. In event excess liquid accumulates on the site because of rain and wet weather. That excess liquid will be collected, lime stabilized, and land applied. Odor Monitoring and Data Composting site lead conducts site inspections to monitor and address the many routine site management and maintenance requirements. This includes monitoring for any change or increase in odor. In the event of odor complaints, an Earth Farms representative will immediately investigate the matter and take every available measure to rectify the issue. The Branch Manager will investigate odors onsite and will travel to location of odor complaint. The Branch Manager will contact complaint making individuals investigate odor include date, time, site specific conditions, weather conditions, wind direction, and characteristics and intensity of odor, and the location the odor was reported. Branch Manager will notify individuals of steps and procedures to fix the described odor and prevent it in the future. All complaints and actions taken will be login the facility operations logbook. Odor Complaint Protocol In the event of odor complaints, an Earth Farms representative will immediately investigate the matter and take every available measure to rectify the issue. The Branch Manager will investigate odors onsite and will travel to location of odor complaint. The Branch Manager will contact complaint making individuals investigate odor time/date, odor smell, odor location, and severity of odor. Branch Manager will notify individuals of steps and procedures to fix the described odor and prevent it in the future. All complaints and actions taken will be login the facility operations logbook. Complaint Record Keeping In the event of odor complaints, an Earth Farms representative will immediately investigate the matter and take every available measure to rectify the issue. The manager and supervisor will investigate odors onsite and will travel to location of odor complaint. The manager and supervisor will contact complaint making individuals, investigate odor time/date, odor smell, odor location, and severity of odor. Manager earth ,farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS and supervisor will notify individuals of steps and procedures to fix the described odor and prevent it in the future. All complaints and actions taken will be login the facility operations logbook. Odor Control Design and Best Management Practices The standing SOP (standard operating procedure) for our site consist of a multifaceted list of checks. This check list takes many factors into consideration when receiving feedstocks (especially new ones), turning windrows, and mixing materials. The list consists of: • Wind direction • Rain falls • Moisture content • Time of day • Overall odor strength of feedstock • Any other inhibiting weather conditions Personnel are trained by an experienced, USCC trained manager or supervisor to ensure full understanding of the processes and potential fault points. Feedstocks are received and checked by compost technician. Characteristics that are checked when receiving feedstocks are: permit permitting material, viscosity, moisture level, and smell. Feedstocks are only received during business hours so that mixing can occur immediately. Avoiding overly wet feedstocks and compost. The use of relatively coarse co -composting materials that allow oxygen diffusion into the pile can help avoid odor problems. Activity such as mixing, and movement of in process compost and feedstocks should be schedule to minimize the impact of odors. Accomplish these activities only early in the workday to take advantage of rising air currents. Avoid doing these activities on hot, still days or holidays and weekends. Windy conditions or early morning hours are better times to conduct such activities. Monitor the wind direction and postpone activities that may release significant odors when the wind is blowing towards the most sensitive neighbors. All the putrescible material is mixed and blended with a suitable substrate on the concrete pit on the day of arrival to reduce nuisance vectors. Compost piles are monitored daily for moisture content. When needed, water can be added via water truck to rows. Aeration is done through turning the windrows with the loader. The windrows will be turned at least 5 times within a period of 15 days while the rows are above 131 F°. Any standing water is collected via pump truck.. Minimize dust, which can transport odors. As and when needed covering the upper third of the windrow with either 3 to 6 inches of finished compost, 3 to 6 inches of a stable compost, or a carbon rich material such as woodchips. Odor control Capping piles with fresh carbon source and/or finished compost. All the putrescible material is mixed and blended with a suitable substrate in the concrete pit on the day of arrival to reduce nuisance vectors. Sufficiently turning piles on a regular schedule and ensuring that they are properly aerated. Turning is done during low prevailing wind speeds. All standing rainwater will be collected and managed as they arise. Moisture levels, temperature, and pH levels will be monitored daily. earth ,farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS Financial Assurance We have requested the appropriate financial assurance from our bank and will forward it as soon as we receive it. Below is the calculations used to determine the amount of the Financial Assurance. Unfinished Compost/Compost WIP in Yards Zebulon Composting Pad 1000 Yards Tuck Loads @ 45 yards a load 22.22222 Trucks Tons pertruck average 10 Tons Transport Round Trip 15 miles Cost Per Hour $100 $/hour Disposal $45 $/Ton Total Transportation Cost $3,333 Total Disposal Cost $10,000 Total $13,333 Signature Page of Applicant 3506-Compost-2012 Earth Farms Organics Zebulon Facility Wind River Environmental d.b.a Earth Farms Organics LLC 1.5 hours I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision and that the information provided in this application is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that North Carolina General Statute 130A- 22 provides for administrative penalties of up to fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00) per day per each vi olation of the Solid Waste Management Rules. I further understand that the Solid Waste Management Ru les may be revised or amended in the future and that the facility siting and operations of this solid waste management facility will be required to comply with all such revisions or amendments. cqnl�- 6 Signature Branch Manager Title Ryan Ellis Print Name Wind River Environmental d.b.a. Earth Farms LLC. Business Name 10/12/2023 Date earth ,farms ORGANICS COMPOST d TOPSOIL PRODUCTS