Impact Report for IRWD s Biosolids & Energy Recovery Project. June 27, 2012

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1 Overview of the Environmental Impact Report for IRWD s Biosolids & Energy Recovery Project June 27,

2 Presentation Overview Approach to environmental review Project objectives Project description and location Key environmental concerns Demonstration of off-site views Project features to address concerns Summary of impacts and mitigation measures Schedule 2

3 Approach to Environmental Review of Project Project modifies the Michelson Water Recycling Plant (MWRP) Phase 2 and 3 Capacity Expansion Project Phase 2 expansion from existing 18 mgd to 28 mgd Phase 3 expansion 33 mgd Final EIR certified by IRWD in February 2006 Biosolids Handling & Energy Recovery Facilities to be added Notice of Preparation circulated on March 28, 2011 Mailed to 53 interested parties 30-day scoping period Public scoping meeting held on April 12, 2011 Comments received from 9 organizations Draft Supplemental l Environmental Impact Report (Draft SEIR) has been prepared. 3

4 Comments on Notice of Preparation Organizations that submitted comments: South Coast Air Quality Management District University Synagogue Airport Land Use Commission Orange County Public Works City of Irvine LBA Realty Orange County Fire Authority Orange County Sanitation District University of California Natural Reserve System 4

5 Project Objectives Allow IRWD to make efficient and sustainable use of its renewable resources Increase IRWD s autonomy for residual management Allow for beneficial use of biosolids and biogas Minimize environmental impacts associated with residuals management Provide residuals management facilities to meet future solids handling needs of the MWRP Phase 2 and 3 Capacity Expansion Project 5

6 Project Description IRWD to construct facilities at MWRP for: Biosolids processing Biogas management & energy recovery IRWD would no longer export solids to Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) Project would treat digested and dewatered sludge from IRWD s Los Alisos Water Recycling Plant (LAWRP) Delivered by truck Project to be constructed on disturbed vacant land MWRP LAWRP 6

7 Biosolids Project Area Biosolids Project Area 7

8 Project Components 8

9 Environmental Impacts Analyzed Key environmental concerns underlined: Aesthetics Air Quality (incl. Odor) Biological Resources Cultural Resources Geology, Soils & Seismicity GHG Emissions Hazards & Hazardous Materials Hydrology & Water Quality Land Use, Planning & Recreation Noise Utilities & Energy Transportation & Traffic Hazardous risks associated with: Production and transport of Class A and B biosolids Production, storage and use of biogas Adverse effects on the San Joaquin Marsh NOP Comments focused on aesthetics, biosolids products, odors and hazardous risks of biogas handling 9

10 Visual Simulation Looking East SEIR includes visual simulations from 11 vantage points (Figures to 15) 10

11 Visual Simulation Looking West 11

12 Animation of Offsite Views of Project Go to.wmv File outside of this presentation 12

13 Products of the Biosolids Project Regulated by the Clean Water Act, 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 503, Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge Biosolids products can be used for fertilizer (for landscaping or crops), cement kiln biofuel, or disposed of in a surface landfill (considered non-hazardous). Project will produce both: Class A Biosolids Pellets Pathogens are reduced d below current detectable levels. Can be used by the general public. Class B Biosolids Cake Pathogens and vectors are reduced to levels l that t are unlikely l to pose a threat t to public health and the environment. Cannot be used by the general public. Biogas (product of biosolids stabilization) will be used to produce power on-site for use at MWRP. 13

14 Odor Control Features Project will incorporate a state-of-the-art odor control system Highly reliable Built-in redundancy Back-up power generators Collects foul air from all sources including the truck load-out/receiving out/receiving bays Three stage odor scrubber system Allows for taking units out of service for maintenance without interrupting odor control service IRWD to prepare and implement an Odor Control Maintenance and Monitoring Plan Defines schedule for regular preventative maintenance of all equipment Modeled after a similar plant operated by the City of Mesa in Arizona Proven record of zero odors detected at the treatment plant boundary 14

15 Biogas Management System Biogas from the Project is a renewable energy source Multiple uses for methane contained in the biogas Generate electricity using microturbines Heat generated would be recovered for use in the digestion process Combusted to generate e heat in the boiler or dryer Biogas management components Low-pressure biogas holding tank Biogas Conditioning System Microturbines Clean Enclosed Burner All facilities designed in conformance with National Fire Protection Association Code 820 Standard for fire protection for wastewater treatment and collection systems Incorporates monitoring devices and pressure relief systems IRWD would develop and implement a Biogas Handling System Maintenance and Monitoring Plan Defines schedule for regular preventative maintenance of all equipment 15

16 Summary of Impacts and Mitigations Impact Category Significance Level Mitigation Measure Summary Aesthetics Less than significant with mitigation Select paint color schemes that blend with the existing environment Shielding of temporary construction lighting Air Quality Less than significant N/A Biological Resources Less than significant with mitigation Standard measures to avoid impacts to nesting birds, endangered species, sensitive natural communities and movements of wildlife Cultural Resources Less than significant with mitigation Standard measures to avoid impacts to archaeological and paleontological resources as well as human remains Geology, Soils and Mineral Resources Less than significant N/A Greenhouse Gas Emissions Less than significant N/A Hazards and Hazardous Materials Less than significant with mitigation Standard BMPs to be included in the SWPPP to prevent accidental releases of hazardous materials Other standard hazardous material, trash and containment measures Preparation of a hazardous substance management, handling, storage, disposal and emergency response plan 16

17 Summary of Impacts and Mitigation (continued) Impact Category Significance Level Mitigation Measure Summary Hydrology and Water Quality Less than significant with mitigation Updating existing SWPPP and including standard BMPs. Land Use, Planning & Less than significant N/A Recreation Noise Less than significant with mitigation Compliance with City of Irvine Noise Ordinances Standard equipment and truck noise control techniques Establishment of a noise disturbance coordinator to respond to local complaints Securing temporary waiver for construction activitiesoutside exempted construction hours Post construction noise surveys and sounddampening revisions and improvements to ensure compliance Utilities & Energy Less than significant N/A Transportation & Traffic Less than significant N/A 17

18 Project Schedule July 3, 2012 Release SEIR for 45-day ypublic review July 16, 2012 Public informational meeting on SEIR August 17, 2012 Comment period closes September 24, 2012 SEIR presented to IRWD Board for certification September 25, 2012 File Notice of Determination October 26, 2012 End of statute of limitations for challenges November & December 2012 Planning Commission action on Conditional Use Permit for the Project December 2012 IRWD to award construction contract December 2015 Class B facilities on-line (digestion & dewatering) June 2016 Class A facilities on-line (dryer) 18

19 Questions?