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Memo to Gayle Wilson ~ 3 <br />March 19, 2007 <br />Page 4 <br />WTS. Indeed, the Solid Waste Operations Center recently approved by the <br />commissioners will include a meeting space available for the public, as well as <br />facilities for public education to support the Solid Waste Department's award <br />winning education program. <br />• Buffer space. The SWAB has on several occasions over the past six years <br />reviewed elements of the site master plan and noted that present operations <br />require buffer space. In addition, we have discussed ongoing efforts by the <br />Solid Waste Department to acquire additional land for buffer space <br />whenever possible. With that in mind, there is sufficient space available for <br />buffers. <br />• Gently sloping topography. The siting study indicated that the Eubanks Road <br />site topography was suitable for WTS operational considerations. <br />Furthermore, the presence of capped landfill mounds north and south of the <br />WTS will provide buffering and visual shielding in many directions. <br />• Access to utilities. Utilities are available on the site for current operations. <br />Zoning designations and requirements. The site is currently used for land fill <br />operations, and will continue to be so for many years. <br />Community-specific Siting Criteria are those associated with potential impacts that the <br />facility might have on surrounding communities. Examples of community-specific criteria <br />that the guidance document identified are: <br />• Environmental justice considerations <br />• Impacts on air quality <br />• Impact on local infrastructure <br />• Adjacent land uses <br />• Proximity to sensitive receptors, such as schools, churches, recreations sites, <br />and residences. <br />• Prevailing winds <br />• Number of residences impacted <br />• Presence of natural buffers <br />• Impacts on existing businesses <br />• Expansion capability <br />• Buffer zones and screening measures <br />• Traffic compatibility <br />• Impact on historic or cultural features <br />• Impact on neighborhood character. <br />In addition to these community-specific criteria identified by the guidance document, the <br />SWAB was concerned with the community-wide need for a timely solution to our looming <br />waste disposal needs and that all of the citizens of Orange County need to be prepared for <br />