Overview of the EnvironmentalOverview of the EnvironmentalImpact Report for IRWD’s

Biosolids & Energy Recovery Project

June 27, 2012

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Presentation Overview

• Approach to environmental review

• Project objectives

• Project description and location

• Key environmental concernsKey environmental concerns

• Demonstration of off-site views

• Project features to address concerns

• Summary of impacts and mitigation measures

2• Schedule

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 mgdp g• 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• 30-day scoping period• Public scoping meeting held on April 12, 2011• Comments received from 9 organizations

D ft S l t l E i t l I t R t

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• Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (Draft SEIR) has been prepared.

Comments on Notice of Preparation

Organizations that submitted comments:

• South Coast Air Quality Management DistrictSouth Coast Air Quality Management District

• University Synagogue

• Airport Land Use Commissionp

• Orange County Public Works

• City of Irvine

• LBA Realty

• Orange County Fire Authority

• Orange County Sanitation District

• University of California Natural Reserve System

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Project Objectives

• Allow IRWD to make efficient and sustainable use of itsAllow 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 managementmanagement

• Provide residuals management facilities to meet future solids handling needs of the MWRP Phase 2 and 3 Capacity Expansion ProjectExpansion Project

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Project Description

• IRWD to construct facilities at MWRP for:• Biosolids processing• Biogas management & energy g g gy

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)

MWRP

LAWRP

Alisos Water Recycling Plant (LAWRP)• Delivered by truck

• Project to be constructed on disturbed vacant land

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vacant land

Biosolids Project Area

Biosolids Project Area

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Project Components

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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, g g

• Adverse effects on the San Joaquin Marsh• NOP Comments focused on aesthetics, biosolids products,

odors and hazardous risks of biogas handling

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odors and hazardous risks of biogas handling

Visual Simulation – Looking East

SEIR includes visual simulations from 11 vantage points (Figures 3.1-4 to 15)

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Visual Simulation – Looking West

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Animation of Offsite Views of Project

Go to .WMV File outside of this presentation

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Products of the Biosolids Project

• Regulated by the Clean Water Act, 40 Code of Federal Regulations g y , gPart 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 p ), , p(considered non-hazardous).

• Project will produce both:

Cl A Bi lid “P ll t ” P th d d b l• Class A Biosolids “Pellets” – Pathogens are reduced below current detectable levels. Can be used by the general public.

• Class B Biosolids “Cake” – Pathogens and vectors are reduced t l l th t lik l t th t t bli h lth dto levels that are unlikely to pose a threat to public health and the environment. Cannot be used by the general public.

• Biogas (product of biosolids stabilization) will be used to produce it f t MWRP

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power on-site for use at MWRP.

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 bays• Collects foul air from all sources including the truck load-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

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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 heat in the boiler or dryerCo busted to ge e ate eat t e bo e o d ye• Biogas management components

• Low-pressure biogas holding tank• Biogas Conditioning System• Microturbines• 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

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g• Defines schedule for regular preventative maintenance of all equipment

Summary of Impacts and Mitigations

Impact Category Significance Level Mitigation  Measure SummaryAesthetics Less than significant with mitigation •Select paint color schemes that blend with the 

existing environmentexisting 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 naturalbirds, 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 andMineral Resources

Less than significant N/A

Greenhouse GasEmissions

Less than significant N/AEmissions

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 

i

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containment measures•Preparation of a hazardous substance management, handling, storage, disposal and emergency response plan

Summary of Impacts and Mitigation (continued)

Impact Category Significance Level Mitigation  Measure SummaryHydrology and Water 

QualityLess than significant with mitigation • Updating existing SWPPP and including standard 

BMPsQuality BMPs.

Land Use, Planning & Recreation

Less than significant N/A

Noise Less than significant with mitigation • Compliance with City of Irvine Noise Ordinances• Standard equipment and truck noise control• Standard equipment and truck noise control techniques•Establishment of a noise disturbance coordinator to respond to local complaints• Securing temporary waiver for construction activities outside exempted construction hoursactivities outside exempted construction hours• Post construction noise surveys and sound‐dampening revisions and improvements to ensure compliance

Utilities & Energy Less than significant N/Agy g

Transportation & Traffic Less than significant N/A

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Project Schedule

• July 3, 2012 – Release SEIR for 45-day public reviewy , y p

• 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

O 26 2012 f f f• 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)

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• June 2016 – Class A facilities on-line (dryer)

Questions?Questions?