HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.0 Inspection & Compliance InfoSTATE OF COLORADO
Bill Owens, Governor
Jane E. Norton, Executive Director
Dedicated to protecting and improving the health and environment of the people of Colorado
Grand Junction Regional Office
222 S. 6th St., Rm 232
Grand Junction, CO 81501-2768
Fax (970) 248-7198
July 16, 1999
Mr. James R. Duke, President
CacaLoco Compost Inc.
0256 Flying Fish Road
Carbondale CO 81623
RE: inspection of the CacaLoco Compost Facility
Dear Mr. Duke:
Colorado Department
of Public Health
and Environment
On June 24, 1999 a representative of this Division performed an inspection of the CacaLoco Compost
facility approximately six miles west of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The purpose of this inspection
was to assess the compliance of this facility with the minimum standards of the Solid Wastes Disposal
Sites and Facilities Act Title 30, Article 20 part 1, C.R.S., as amended and with the Department
Regulations promulgated thereunder. A copy of the field inspection report is enclosed for your reference.
No violations were noted. The facility was found to be in compliance with the Departments regulations
referenced on the date of inspection.
The northwest septage impoundment has been filled with wood waste that is to be excavated and
incorporated into compost when and if there is a wood shortage. The east impoundment is actively being
filled with wood for the same purpose. The northeast impoundment is dry and is currently being
excavated and then will be lined to be put into service as a run-off retention basin and or emergency
storage for septage.
Mr. Duke agreed to supply an annual report summarizing volume flows at the facility as well as analytical
results and temperature documentation.
I would be glad to discuss specific details with you concerning the site. Please contact me at 248-7168
if you have any questions regarding this letter.
Sincerely,
onna Stoner
Solid Waste Unit
Compliance Program
cc:Chris Isgrig, South Canyon Landfill
t/Mr. Mark Bean, Garfield County
SW GAR CAC 1B
STATE OF COLORADO
Bill Owens, Governor
Jane E. Norton, Executive Director
Dedicated to protecting and improving the health and environment of the people of Colorado
Grand Junction Regional Office
222 S. 6th St, Rm 232
Grand Junction, CO 81501-2768
Fax (970) 248-7198
June 27, 2000
Mr. James R. Duke, President
CacaLoco Compost Inc.
0256 Flying Fish Road
Carbondale CO 81623
RE: Inspection of the CacaLoco Compost Facility
Dear Mr. Duke:
Colorado Department
of Public Health
and Environment
On June 1, 2000 a representative of this Division performed an inspection of the CacaLoco Compost
facility approximately six miles west of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The purpose of this inspection
was to assess the compliance of this facility with the minimum standards of the Solid Wastes Disposal
Sites and Facilities Act Title 30, Article 20 part 1, C.R.S., as amended and with the Department
Regulations promulgated thereunder. A copy of the field inspection report is enclosed for your reference.
Any violations cited by subsection may referenced in the Regulations.
The result of the inspection indicates that this facility is in non-compliance with the Department
Regulations referenced above on the date of the inspection. The specific items of non-compliance are
listed.
1. The compost operation has exceeded the boundaries of the liner and has some finished product
off of the liner. This is in violation of subsection 3.4 (E). Mr. Duke has agreed to extend the
liner or contain operations on the liner.
2. Cardboard and paper are now being used as compost bulking material. These materials were not
included in the original design and operation plan. This is also in violation of subsection 3.4(E).
3. Windblown paper was noted behind (south) of the trailer in the weeds and trees in the area. This
is in violation of subsections 2.1.3 and 2.1.7. Mr. Duke has agreed to construct a screened
containment area for the paper and cardboard.
Mr. Duke has also agreed to update the design and operation plan for this facility to include the waste
streams mentioned in item #2, the containment device for the paper products mentioned in item #3 and
the extended liner mentioned in item #1, if it is to be built. Mr. Duke has agreed to supply recent
monitoring results.
The northeast storm water impoundment had water in it from a recent storm event. This impoundment
is usually
Mr. Duke
CacaLoco Compost
July 3, 2000
Page 2
I would be glad to discuss specific details with you concerning the site. Please contact me at 248-7168
if you have any questions regarding this letter.
'ncerely,
Donna Stoner
Solid Waste Unit
Compliance Program
cc: Mi;Xhris Isgrig, South Canyon Landfill
frMr. Mark Bean, Garfield County
SW GAR CAC 1.2
File
County
Facility
Location
Current Operat•r
Mailing Address of Operator
Current Owner (If different)
Mailing Address of Owner
"'"" FACILITY INSPECTION
(Surface Impoundments)
Located in
Incorporated Area I (�
. - -Cat Jko- L -
fly
(All items checked must be explaind in supplemental report)
I.
A. Public Health and/or Environmental Hazards
B. Evidence of Potential for (Serious) Surface Water Pollution
C. Evidence of Potential for (Serious) Groundwater Pollution
D. Sludge or Septic Pumpings Disposal on Site (Unauthorized)
E. Safety Hazards .
F. Non -Compliance with Approved Design and Operation �4,t i QL
G. Structural Integ ity o D kes Questionable
%C', H. Records -Lo.„ (.+{_17--
I. Other
* REMEDIAL ACTION REQUIRED
II. Minimum Standards, CRS 30, 20-110
A. Odors and/or Vectors Present
B. Inadequate Fencing (to control access)
C. Not Designated and/or Improperly Zoned
D. Monitoring Wells (Maintenance, Intregrity,
Present)
E. Evidence of Minor Spills Around Disposal
F. Water/Liquid Surface Covered with oil(s)
:ERG. Depth Gauges not Present and or Readible
H. Pond Freeboard Level Exceeded.
I. Recommendations for Site Improvement
J. Other \
II Remar
or Locking Cap not
Area
or scum
L
atiatiSIMI
WO .4%1WWIR,
_ nib �n':!_':L�►W-��.. iiM
1
•
=�a3s�3=a3ssa a,s
(Name) PRESENT T INSPECTION Representing)
=====
Inspection Engineer/Geologist
(WHITE COPY -FILE) (YELLOW COPY OPERATOR) (PINK COPY-C0)NTY)
RECEi ED AUG 0 8 2000
August 7, 2000
Ms. Donna Stoner
Solid Waste Unit
Compliance Program
Grand Junction Regional Office
222 S. 6t' St., Rm. 232
Grand Junction, CO 81501-2768
RE: Inspection of the Caca Loco Compost Facility
Dear Ms. Stoner,
In response to your letter of June 27, 2000 and notice of non-compliance we have taken the
following actions:
1. Any compost exceeding the boundaries of the liner has been returned to the lined area and
will be contained there.
2. An addendum to the original operations plan is being submitted to include the use of paper
and cardboard products as bulking material (see attached).
3. An extensive litter pick-up was conducted and will be continued as necessary. Rather than
constructing a screened enclosure, a covered trailer has been provided for the deposit of
paper and cardboard. Materials thus collected will then be incorporated directly into
incoming biosolids or covered with woodchips until used to prevent windblown litter.
Producers of large volumes of waste paper such as document shredding companies will be
required to schedule their drop-offs so as to insure that staff will be on site to secure these
materials through incorporation with biosolids or wood chips to prevent wind blown litter.
4. The most recent lab results have been included (see attached).
Please let me know if there's anything else that needs to be addressed at this time.
Sincerely,
m Duke
CacaLoco Compost
cc. Mr. Chris Isgrig, South Canyon Landfill
Mr. Mark Bean, Garfield County
Dear Ms. Stoner,
Here are the proposed changes to CacaLoco's original operations plan:
We would like to include the use of waste cardboard and other waste paper products as bulking
material in our compost operation. We have been utilizing these materials on a trial basis over
the past year and found them to work very well even without being ground or shredded.
An enclosed trailer will be provided for the deposit of these materials next to the recycling
containers. Materials thus collected will then be transferred and incorporated directly into
incoming biosolids or covered with wood chips until used to prevent windblown litter.
Producers of large volumes of these materials, such as document destruction companies, will be
required to schedule their drop-offs to insure that staff will be on site to contain these materials
with either biosolids or woodchips.
A on going litter picking operation will also be conducted as a backup to these other litter
prevention measures.
CacaLoco has decided not to implement any expansions of the site at the present time but will
keep all appropriate materials within the limits of the lined mixing pad.
Thanks for your time in considering these proposed changes.
Sincerely,
Jim Duke
CacaLoco Compost
COLORADO
\ ANALYTICAL
\ LABORATORY
t AE3ORATORY TESTING SERVICES
LABORATORY ANALYSIS REPORT
REPORT TO: JIM DUKE LA H N07 9739
DATE RCVD: 7/10:00
BILL TO: CACALOCO COMPOS I, INC.
256 FLYING FISH ROAD RLPOR'1'ED: 7/31/00
CARBONDAI F., CO 81623
PO NO.: VERBAL,,
ANALYSIS PIQUES1ED:
1 SAMPLE FOR STD COMPOST I METALS BICSOLias ANALYSIS
SAMPLE ID: SLUDGE COMPOST REC 7/10/910
ANA.LYSIS REPORT:
PARAM,6TER AS RECEIVED BASIS DRY MA'rI`SB SAS14
SOLIDS -TOTAL (%) 71.28 100.00
MOISTURE (%) 74.72 0.00
ORGANIC MA'G'I R (%) 36.10 50.65
ASH CONTENT (%) 35.18 49.35
CONDUCTIVITY -SP (MMHOVCM425c) 3.73
pE (UNITS) 7.1 •
NI'CROG - fO'L AL (%) 0.392 0.530
NITROGEN -AMMONIA (%) 0.66511 0.0070
NITRUGL N -NI ERA'I'E (%) 0.901 0.001
TOTAL PIIOSPIIORUS (%) as 1r 0.059 6.083
as P205 0.136 6.191
TOTAL POTASSIUM (%) as K 0.123 0.172
as K20 0.147 0.206
TOTAL CADMIUM (MG/KG) 1.0 1.4
'D'I'AL COPPER (MG/KG) 18.6 26.1
TOTAL LEAD (MG/KG) 4.1 5.8
TOTAL NICKEI, (MG/KG) 6.7 9.4
TOTAL, ZINC (MG/KO) 55.2 77.5
TGTAL ARSENIC (MG/KG) 0.4 0.6
TOTAL CHROMIUM )MO/Kti) 6.4 9.0
TOTAL MERCURY (MG/KG) <.2 <.Z
TOTAL. MOLYBDENUM (MG/KG) 1.4 1.9
TOTAL SELENIUM (MG/KG) 0.2 0.2
FECAL COLIFORM (MPN/G) a2.
CARBON/NITROGEN RATIO 484
lb
485
S40 S. Meir Street • Brighton, Cola -ado BOSG1 C303) 65S•Q313
Moiling Address PC. Orawer 507 Eiripticcn, Colorecto 80801
Donna Stoner, Environmental Specialist
Colorado Department of Public Health
and Environment
222 S. 6th Street, Rm. 232
Grand Junction, Colorado
81501-2768
April 16, 2002
Dear Ms. Stoner,
RECEIVED APR 1 7 2002
The following is being submitted as the 2001 Annual Report for Cacaloco Compost per section
14.2..2 of the Composting Regulations.
In the calendar year of 2001 Cacaloco Compost sold 2,852 cubic yards of compost.
In the Calendar year of 2001 Cacaloco Compost accepted approximately the following volumes
of various materials:
11,060 cubic yards of wood and paper wastes for use as bulking material.
2,680,050 gallons of sewage averaging less than 3% solids.
1697 cubic yards of sludge or dried cake averaging less than 15% solids.
The majority of the bulking material received consisted of brush and construction waste wood
in fairly even proportions with grass, leaves, and waste paper products comprising a fairly small
minority of the material. Tree limbs and brush generally grind down to about 20-30% of their
original volume (70-80% volume reduction) while construction waste wood generally grinds to
about half it's unground volume. Averaging these percentages of reduction gives us about a 65%
reduction in volume from the grinding process.
The composting process involves another reduction in volume as the material digests and settles.
Composting generally results in about a 40% loss of volume while the screening pulls off
another 20% (returned to compost process;) of this remaining volume for a total volume loss of
just over 50% during the composting and screening processes.
The mixing of these bulking materials with the biosolids does not increase volumes as the
biosolids basically just fill the airspace in the bulking materials. For these reasons, the sum total
of all the above material is processed into about 3,500 cubic yards of finished compost.
Of the 2,852 cubic yards sold, the majority came from raw materials received the year before.
Because our sales season ends generally by the end of October, any material received after June
of each year will not complete the 90 day total retention requirement in time to be marketed that
same year. For this reason, approximately half of all material received is kept in the process or
in stockpiles over the winter until the next growing season.
In the calendar year 2,001 about 2,500 cubic yards of bulking material, compost, and stages in
between remained on site at the end of the year.
I hope this little narrative fulfills the reporting requirements and helps you understand the flow
of materials through our site.
Also, we have palletized all used oil containers and blamed in our fuel tanks as you requested.
Please let me know if there's anything else you need from us at this time.
Jim Duke, CacaLoco Compost
Sincerely,
44 -
Mr. Chris Isgrig, South Canyon Landfill
Mr. Mark Bean, Garfield County
RECEIVE) OC1 0 9 2001
STATE OF COLORADO
Bill Owens, Governor
Jane E. Norton, Executive Director
Dedicated to protecting and improving the health and environment of the people of Colorado
Grand Junction Regional Office
222 S. 6th St., Rm 232
Grand Junction CO 81501-2768
Fax (970) 248-7198
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us
October 2, 2001
Mr. James R. Duke, President
CacaLoco Compost Inc.
0256 Flying Fish Road
Carbondale CO 81623
RE: Inspection of the CacaLoco Compost Facility
Dear Mr. Duke:
Colorado Department
of Public Health
and Environment
On August 16, 2001 representatives of this Division performed an inspection of the CacaLoco Compost
facility approximately six miles west of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The purpose of this inspection
was to assess the compliance of this facility with the minimum standards of the Solid Wastes Disposal
Sites and Facilities Act Title 30, Article 20 part 1, C.R.S., as amended and with the Department
Regulations promulgated thereunder. A copy of the field inspection report is enclosed for your reference.
Any violations cited by subsection may be referenced in the Regulations.
The result of the inspection indicates that this facility is in non-compliance with the Department
Regulations referenced above on the date of inspection. The specific items of non-compliance are listed.
1. The Annual Report for year 2000 has not been submitted. This is in violation of subsection 14.2.2(A) of
the Regulations.
The outlined area of non-compliance must be addressed in order to protect the local public and the environment.
The Division requests that a response be submitted within 30 days of this letter regarding area of non-compliance.
I would be glad to discuss specific details with you concerning the site. Please contact me at 970-248-7168 if you
have any questions regarding this letter.
Sincerely,
Donna Stoner
Solid Waste Unit
Compliance Program
cc: Mr. Chris Isgrig, South Canyon Landfill
i . Mark Bean, Garfield County
SW GAR CAC 1.2
File
RECEIVED OCT 2 ,, 2111
Donna Stoner, Environmental Specialist
Colorado Department of Public Health
and Environment
222 S. 6th Street, Rm. 232
Grand Junction, Colorado
81501-2768
October 22, 2001
Dear Ms. Stoner,
In response to your letter of October 2, 2001 and the associated notice of non-compliance,
the following is being submitted as the 2001 Annual Report for Cacaloco Compost per section
14.2.2 of the new Composting Regulations.
In the calendar year of 2000 Cacaloco Compost sold 1,056 cubic yards of compost.
In the Calendar year of 2000 Cacaloco Compost accepted approximately the following volumes
of various materials:
9,467 cubic yards of wood and paper wastes for use as bulking material.
2,130,051 Gallons of sewage averaging less than 2% solids.
719 cubic yards of sludge or dried cake averaging less than 20% liquids,
The majority of the bulking material received consisted of brush and construction waste wood
in fairly even proportions with grass, leaves, and waste paper products comprising a fairly small
minority of the material. Tree limbs and brush generally grind down to about 20-30% of their
original volume (70-80% volume reduction) while construction waste wood generally grinds to
about half it's unground volume. Averaging these percentages of reduction gives us about a 65%
reduction in volume from the grinding process.
The composting process involves another reduction in volume as the material digests and settles.
Composting generally resu itc in about a 40% loss of volume while the screening nulls off
another 20% (returned to compost process) of this remaining volume for a total volume loss of
just over 50% during the composting and screening processes.
The mixing of these bulking materials with the biosolids does not increase volumes as the
biosolids basically just fill the airspace in the bulking materials. For these reasons, the sum total
of all the above material is processed into about 1600 cubic yards of finished compost.
Of the 1056 cubic yards sold, the majority came from raw materials received the year before.
Because our sales season ends generally by the end of October, any material received after June
of each year will not complete the 90 day total retention requirement in time to be marketed that
same year. For this reason, approximately half of all material received is kept in the process or
in stockpiles over the winter until the next growing season.
In the calendar year 2,000 about 1,500 cubic yards of bulking material, compost, and stages in
between remained on site at the end of the year.
I hope this little narrative fulfills the reporting requirements and helps you understand the flow
of materials through our site. Our sales this year (2001) have almost tripled last year's by the
way.
Also, we have palletized all used oil containers and burmed in our fuel tanks as you requested.
Please let me know if there's anything else you need from us at this time.
Jim Duke, CacaLoco Compost
Sincerely,
L•L:4
cc: Mr. Chris Isgrig, South Canyon Landfill
Mr. Mark Bean, Garfield County
RECEIVED JUN 1 4 2002
STATE OF COLORADO
Bill Owens, Governor
Jane E. Norton, Executive Director
Dedicated to protecting and improving the health and environment of the people of Colorado
4300 Cherry Creek Dr. S.
Denver, Colorado 80246-1530
Phone (303) 692-2000
TDD Line (303) 691-7700
Located in Glendale, Colorado
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us
June 12, 2002
Laboratory and Radiation Services Division
8100 Lowry Blvd.
Denver, Colorado 80230-6928
(303) 692-3090
Certified Mail # ,2 y6 :S` tf 4'3 --
Return Receipt Requested
Mr. James R. Duke, President
CacaLoco Compost Inc.
0256 Flying Fish Road
Carbondale CO 81623
Colorado Department
of Public Health
and Environment
RE: Compliance Advisory — CacaLoco Compost Facility
This Compliance Advisory provides notice related to information gained during an inspection of the
CacaLoco Compost Facility, conducted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment,
Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division ("the Department") on June 5, 2002. The
inspection was conducted to assess the compliance of the facility with the Solid Waste Disposal Sites
and Facilities Act, Title 30, Article 20, Part 1, C.R.S. as amended (Act), and the Regulations
promulgated thereunder, 6 CCR 1007-2 (Regulations). The Department advises you that the
information gained during the inspection indicates that the CacaLoco Compost Facility may have
violated Colorado's solid waste law. Department personnel will review the facts established during this
inspection and this notice may be revised to include additions or clarifications as a result of that review.
Please be aware that you are responsible for complying with the State solid waste regulations and that
there are civil penalties for failing to do so. The issuance of this Compliance Advisory does not limit or
preclude the Department from pursuing its enforcement options concerning this inspection including
issuance of a Compliance Order and/or seeking an assessment of civil penalties. Also, this Compliance
Advisory does not constitute a bar to enforcement action for conditions that are not addressed in this
Compliance Advisory, or conditions found during future file reviews or inspections of your facility. The
Department will take into consideration CacaLoco Compost Facility's response to the requested actions
listed below for each cited deficiency in its consideration of enforcement options.
Mr. James Duke, President
CacaLoco Compost
June 12, 2002
Page 2
Deficiency 1. The facility no longer operates in compliance with its design and
operation plan. This is in non-compliance with subsection 14.4.2(c) of the
Regulations. The wood storage area overlaps into the run-off containment pond and
into the excess septage/overflow containment pond. Mixing of septage and bio -solids
is sometimes being conducted in the overflow containment area. The facility was
originally designed to incorporate all incoming septage into the compost piles.
Deficiency 2. Storm water run-off that has mixed with septage and some of the solids
dredged from the hypalon-lined pond has been intentionally diverted to the run-off
containment pond, creating a nuisance condition and potential public health concern.
This is in non-compliance with subsections 14.2.1 and 2.1.3 of the Regulations. All
excess septage and the solids dredged from the hypalon-lined pond are to be re-
circulated back onto the compost mixing area in compliance with the original design.
Deficiency 3. The surface water run-on control structure now merges with the
facility's run-off control measure. The surface water flowing onto the site then mixes
with the leachate from the site. This is in non-compliance with subsection 14.2.1 and
14.4.3 of the Regulations. Although a berm has been constructed to direct the run-on
and run-off mixture into the clay lined run-off containment pond, evidence of fluid
bypassing this structure was evident. The visible flow pattern stops at a point where
the surface water run-on control drainage, on the east side of the operations area, ends
and a downhill slope is apparent. This is approximately '/2 mile west of South
Canyon Creek. Additionally, material screened out of the final compost product has
formed a pile that blocks the run-on control channel in one spot.
In general it appears that the operation has outgrown its original plan and perhaps the
physical space of the original design. Additionally, a design problem that does not allow
for proper or easy clean out of the septage and bio -solids from the hypalon-lined pond
has lead to improper management practices of these materials. These practices include
the intentional mixing of the septage and bio -solids with wood chips in the clay lined
overflow containment and not on the clay lined pad. Also, the septage and bio -solids
have been intentionally directed into the clay lined run-off containment producing the
nuisance condition and potential public health concern.
Mr. James Duke, President
CacaLoco Compost
June 12, 2002
Page 3
You may contact me at 970-248-7168 or Glenn Mallory at 303-692-3445 concerning the
deficiencies detailed under this Compliance Advisory and/or to set a meeting to discuss
this Compliance Advisory.
Sincerely,
Z6).-
4":>. g
Donna Stoner
Solid Waste Unit
Compliance Program
Enclosure
cc: Mr. Chris Isgrig, South Canyon Landfill
Mr. Robin Millyard, , Public Works Director
Mr. Mark Bean, Garfield County
Mr. Wes Carr, WQCD, Denver
Mr. Dwain Watson, WQCD, Grand Junction
SW GAR CAC 1.6
File
Glenn F. Mallory
Solid Waste Unit
Compliance Program
Donna Stoner, Environmental Specialist
Colorado Department of Public Health
and Environment
222 S. 6th Street, Rm. 232
Grand Junction, Colorado
81501-2768
June 2.5, 2002
Dear Ms. Stoner,
RECEIVED JUN 2 7 2I102'
This letter is in response to your Compliance Advisory dated June 12, 2002. Please excuse my
tardiness in responding. I was initially unclear as to whether you desired a written response or if
that was unnecessary in light of your upcoming reinspection.. At any rate, please accept my.
apoiogies
In regard to Deficiency 1. The recent coal seam fire unfortunately resolved the problem of the
overflowing wood piles. Although not as cost effective as having wood delivered to my site for
bulking agent, I have basically unlimited access to bulking agent in the form of used animal
bedding from the numerous stables in our area as well as from several other sources such as
utility line clearing contractors and sawmills in our area. These sources will allow our operation
to continue while our wood stock piles accumulate.
As we have discussed in the past, the wood grinding contractors desire the largest possible
quantities of wood prior to setting up for grinding and are considerably more cost effective with
larger quantities. 1 obviously exceeded the limits at least for the general appearance of the site
and will not allow this to happen again.
In regard to the mixing of biosolids and bulking agent in the overflow area, this was done only
the one time and will not be repeated. While our system has worked well in general, our greatest
design flaw is the difficulty in removing solids from our hypalon lined lagoon which has proven
necessary about once a year. Having tried several methods such as pumper trucks and large
solids handling pumps with limited success and great expense, we attempted to purnp as much
liquid back up to our approved mixing area with a six inch trash pump thinking that the
remaining solids would be thick enough (12-14% solids) to be trucked up to our mixing area, in a
regular dump truck.. The material proved still too sloppy for this to be practical and while too
thick to be pumped uphill, it was marginally possible to pump the material the short distance
downhill to our stock pile of bulking agent where it could be mixed and thickened with wood
chips to the point that it could be transported up the hill without spilia.ge. This was never
intended as a routine practice, but only as a one time effort to get us by until the improvements
we have discussed to remedy this design flaw could be implemented. While this was a poor
decision and an unacceptable solution, I would like to point out that this was conducted in such a
fashion that little if any leachate could soak beyond the wood chip pad the sludge was put on and
any leachate that. might have resulted would still be contained in the limits of the historic
biosolids lagoon upon which this operation was conducted. In other words, any potential
leachate would not have left our site nor even reached an area that had not been historically used
as a biosolids impound. Regardless of this weak defense, it was obviously a poor decision and
improper practice and will not be repeated I am currently working with Schmueser Gordon
Meyer Engineering firm to remedy this situation through the new design we have discussed
(shotcrete over the hypalon in the current lagoon and the addition of an overflow lagoon) and
hope to have the improvements operational this fall.
Deficiency 2. This was also a result of our improper effoits to remove solids from our hypalon
lined lagoon and will not be repeated. Once again, although not acceptable, all materials were at
least confined to an area historically used for biosolids storage.
Deficiency 3. As our operation and volumes increased, the area used for pfrp and 90 day
retention began to extend into an area that, although approved for this use in our permit, had
previously not been used and was diverted away as run-on. As we began to use this area, the
easiest quick fix (because we have so little run on) was to treat everything as run off and divert it
into a retention pond. This situation has been rectified so that any runoff from pfrp and stockpile
areas is kept separate frorri any run-on and is diverted back to the hypalon lined pond as
originally designed.
Please accept my apologies for having become lax in keeping up with the growth of my
operation. I sincerely hope that all involved will be nothing but impressed with future
inspections.
Sincerely,
Ite
im Duke, CacaLoco Compost
cc Mr. Chris Isgrig, South Canyon Landfill
Mr. Robin Millyard, Glenwood Springs Public Works Director
Mr. Mark Dean, Garfield County
Mr, Wes Carr, WQCD, Denver
Mr. Dwain Watson, WQCD, Grand Junction
Mr. Glen Mallory, State of Colorado Solid Waste Unit Leader
Donna Stoner, Environmental Specialist
Colorado Department of Public Health
and Environment
222 S. 6th Street, Rm. 232
Grand Junction, Colorado
81501-2768
December 13, 2002
Dear Ms.. Stoner,
REC ; JVED
DEC `i 1ilU1
GARFIELD COUNTY
BUILDING 8, PLANNING
Attached please find the proposed expansion plan for the CacaLoco compost operation at
the South Canyon Landfill. Also attached please find the Construction Plan and the
updated Operations Plan for this site.
The engineering process proved somewhat more lengthy than I had expected reducing my
hopes of completion of construction during the fall and winter off-season. The plan has
been modified, however, to allow construction without significant site closure so timing
is not quite so critical anymore. This proposed phased construction is outlined in the
Construction Plan.
Depending, of course, on your pending approvals as well as weather conditions
throughout the winter, we're still hoping for completion by raid to late spring. Thanks
for your time in reviewing these documents.
Jiiat Duke, President CacaLoco Compost
v
Sinceely,
cc. Mr. Chris Isgrig, South Canyon Landfill
cc. Mr.. Robin Millyard, Glenwood Springs Public Works Director
cc Mr. Mark Bean, Garfield County
cc Mr. Wes Carr, WQCD, Denver
CONSTRUCTION PLAN
The primary changes in site plans since our last discussion involve the switching the
locations of the riew proposed poly -lined pond and the site run-off pond as well as the
deepening of the poly -lined pond. The locatiocis of the ponds were changed in order to
keep the poly -lined pond further from public access for safety and odor reduction
purposes. The site runoff pond will generally be empty and will not have the slick sides
or active aeration as will the poly -lined pond.
The proposed depth of the poly -lined pond has been increased for two reasons. Realizing
that wide shallow ponds are most efficient for evaporative losses, we still wanted the
additional storage of a deeper pond, This will allow some storage capacity during winter
months when evaporative losses are minimized and will also extend the useful life of the
pond by allowing more storage for the solids that settle out. The difficulty and expense of
constructing a pond that would allow equipment access for the removal of solids (as we
had originally discussed) proved this to be a less feasible approach than increasing the
depth to allow a longer t.irne frame for solids to accumulate with the assumption that the
liner will be sacrificed and reconstructed when the pond finally needs to be cleaned out.
We have also proposed the installation of two large sand trap type catch basins
immediately above each of the poly -lined ponds to settle out solids prior to discharge into
these ponds tUnher extending their useful lives. The sand traps will consist of
customized, 2,500 gallon, concrete septic tanks designed to be cleaned out by use of a
backhoe bucket.
The use of these sand traps will also allow the construction of the proposed
improvements with a minimum time of amount of site closure. With the larger down
gradient poly -lined pond being constructed first, the furthest up gradient sand trap could
be Installed to intercept and temporarily divert biosolids to bypass the up gradient poly -
lined pond allowing construction of this pond without site closure (see site plan for
details).
Our final improvement will involve the expansion of the existing recompacted clay pad
extending it east to our access road. It is hoped that these improvements will
accommodate any increased volumes of incoming materials for at least the next five to
ten years. Thanks for your time in reviewing these plans.
REVISED OPERATIONS PLAN
For
CACALOCO COMPOST
Revised
December 11, 2002
HOURS:
The compost facility will have the same hours as South Canyon Landfill, The South
Canyon Landfill office is responsible for the collection of tip fees for. the Compost
Facility so that hours of operation, fencing, and security measures are the same as those
listed in the South Canyon Landfill Operations Plan.
DESCRIPTION OF PROCESS:
While the basic operation of Cacaloco's compost facility at South Canyon Landfill has
not changed significantly, proposed expansions and improvements have necessitated the
revision of the Operations Plan. This Operations Plan is intended to replace rather than
supplement the existing Operations Plan.
The Cacaloco facility accepts a wide range of organic material including construction
waste wood, yard wastes, manures and spoiled hay, and waste paper products to be used
as bulking agent to mix with biosolids. Materials such as construction waste wood and
and trees or branches that need to be ground or shredded prior to use as bulking agent are
currently being accepted at the lower end of the site over the areas historically used as
biosolids impounds (see attached site plan). Materials such as leaves, grass, and hay that
don't need size reduction prior to composting are received just above the recompacted
clay pad used for the mixing of biosolids and bulking agents (see plan). Waste paper
products are received in a trailer located near the other recycling containers near the
landfill's office trailer. Large quantities of waste paper are accepted above the
recompacted clay pad and are immeadiatley either incorporated into biosolids in the
mixing area or covered with other bulking agents to prevent wind blown litter.
The shredded waste wood, leaves, paper, and other such bulking agents are constructed
into a small 'lagoon' on the recompacted clay pad to capture and retain the incoming
biosolids. The incoming biosolids are dumped directly into this bulking agent `lagoon'
where solids are filtered out as liquids percolate through the bulking agent and eventually
flow into the currently hypolon-lined pond proposed to by relined with polyethaline. As
this bulking agent `lagoon' approaches saturation, it is stirred and further mixed by use of
a backhoe or excavator several times over a couple of days and then moved slightly
downgradient on the recompacted clay pad and reformed into a small secondary 'lagoon'
for further soaking and percolation of liquids. This process allows sufficient retention
time for bulking agents to become thoroughly saturated. The saturated bulking agent is
then moved to a lateral position on the recompacted clay pad outside the flow of
incoming biosolids where it is stacked up and allowed to drain and come up to
temperatures. The proposed expansion of the recompacted clay pad will be utilized for
this draining and initial heating process.
When the biosolids and bulking agent mixture has thoroughly drained and exceeded 55
degrees centigrade, it is moved to the PFRP and stockpile area Iocated just above the
recompacted clay pad with drainage directly back into the recompacted clay pad. The
compost mixture is restacked in this area and covered with a minimum of one foot of
material that has already completed the PFRP process. These piles are then labeled and
dated with survey stakes to initiate the 90 day total retention time and for the
documentation of PFRP and vector control temperatures. PFRP and vector control are
both conducted via the time and temperature requirements. Upon completion of these
requirements, the finished compost is screened through a' inch minus screen and
marketed. The screened product is sampled for pathogen reduction and heavy metals at
least twice annually. The screened rejects are recycled back into the compost process as
bulking agent.
The liquids from the PFRP/stockpile and recompacted clay pad areas flow through a
2,500 gallon sand trap to help settle out solids and then into the currently hypolon-lined
pond proposed to be reconstructed with polypropylene. This sand trap will be cleaned
out as needed by use of a backhoe. This upper poly -lined pond will have an overflow into
another larger evaporative pond also equipped with a sand trap(see site plan). Both
ponds will be equipped with pumps to recycle material back up to the biosolids receiving
area at the top of the recompacted clay pad. These pumps will also be used to bypass
liquids directly back into the ponds to promote stirring and aeration as well as increased
evaporation used in conjunction with several blowers. It is proposed that the lower poly -
lined pond be constructed with greater depth than is conventional for evaporative ponds
to allow for the build up of solids over time thus increasing the useful life of this
impound. It is proposed that when this pond finally fills with solids it be reexcavated
(with solids going back into the compost process) and relined.
DRAINAGE:
All areas containing biosolids that have not completed PFRP will have drainage directly
onto the recompacted clay pad and on into a poly -lined pond. All other portions of the
site will have drainage into a site run-off retention impound. Potential site run-on is
intercepted by use of a ditch above the site and diverted around the site (see site plan for
details).