Orange County NC Website
26 <br /> use or one which would require a special use <br /> permit. Composting sludge for the purpose of <br /> creating a fertilizer for off-site use is allowed <br /> in the Agricultural Service District. Sludge <br /> storage or composting for on-site application on <br /> a bona fide farm would be considered an <br /> agricultural use and would be exempt from zoning <br /> regulation. <br /> One citizen expressed opposition to the use of <br /> the property for sludge storage and suggested <br /> that the sludge be stored in the towns where it <br /> was generated. <br /> The Planning Staff recommends approval of the <br /> rezoning request per the findings (attachment to <br /> these minutes on pages ) . <br /> Two OWASA representatives were available for <br /> questions: Kathryn Kalb, General Manager of <br /> Operations, and Ron Williamson, Plants Manager. <br /> Hoecke asked the structural characteristics of <br /> the tanks. Kathryn Kalb responded that the tanks <br /> are pre-fabricated fiber glass tanks like those <br /> commonly used in agricultural applications. <br /> Jobsis asked about the entire tract being <br /> rezoned for future composting. Kalb responded <br /> that EPA has implemented new regulations for <br /> treatment of biosolids. There is a new class of <br /> biosolids, Class A, which would require a higher <br /> degree of treatment and the benefit of this is <br /> that the end product would be allowed to be put <br /> on any land. While the sludge is good quality, <br /> at this point it does not meet Class A criteria. <br /> She continued that OWASA feels that there are <br /> definite benefits in this process. Compost is a <br /> type of biosolids where the biosolids are taken <br /> from the waste treatment plant and mixed with <br /> wood chips and other organic materials to create <br /> a product that can be used by landscapers and <br /> individuals. Kalb noted that even though OWASA <br /> feels there is a market for such a product <br /> for individual gardens and landscapes, there are <br /> no design plans for such a use at this time. <br /> Barrows asked about the Class A and Class B <br /> Special Uses and if they would be potential uses <br /> in the AS district. Hinkley responded that Class <br /> A Special Uses require Board of Commissioners <br /> approval and Class B Special Uses require <br /> approval by the Board of Adjustment. Hinkley <br /> continued that there is only one principal use <br />