Agenda - 05-21-1985 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 whether a proposed agency action will significantly affect the environment. Dr. Gordon read from this document: §gction Do Paragraph 1 anti line 1 of paragraplZ "The purpose of this project is to provide the most Cost effective site/method of sludge disposal for the Mason Farm wastewater treatment plant. Sludge from the plant is presently being disposed of by spreading on nine privately owned agricultural sites totalling 443 acres in southwestern Orange and northern Chatham County. Privately owned application sites are not always available because of inclement weather, crop harvesting, crop growing, and grazing schedules. Because of these limitations, OWASA needs to develop the capability to manage and dispose of sludge during periods when it is not desirable or there are conflicts with the landowner's use of the site. The purchase of the proposed 59.95 acre site would give OWASA the capability to dispose of sludge in an orderly manner. At present plant loading conditions, there have been periods extending for 30 to 45 days when the privately--owned sites have been unavailable for sludge disposal." Dr. Gordon pointed out that Section F states "There would be some limited environmental impacts associated with preparing and operating the site." Also, Section a states "Although other public hearings were held on the original 201 facilities plan, selection of a sludge land application site occurred after the initial public hearings. The various alternatives were addressed and the selection of the proposed site has not caused any public opposition." The Planning Board suggested that the Board of Commissioners consider the undertaking of a study to determine if the County wants to assume an oversight or develop other procedures under which sludge application operations would be approved and conducted. Dr. Gordon suggested that a definition of a bonafide farm be determined and that the staff investigate the question of special use permit or other local oversight process. Commissioner Marshall expressed appreciation for the information being brought to the Board as the sludge application is something significant in relation to growth impacts. Solutions need to be worked out that will help people feel comfortable with what is happening. FULIG CCMZNTS e processing of Michael Hartley, Jr. defined sludge as the residue in th sewage materials and noted that the materials have toxic dangers associated with them. He referred to the permit which is granted for the discharge of sewage, industrial waste and other waste. The Orange County sites are located in the Collins Creek drainage area. OWASA's response to why the materials were concentrated in the Collins Creek drainage area was that they have no particular policy for the application of sludge in protected watershed districts. The statement contained in the "Finding of No Signi ficant Impact" indicates "Collins Creek is the nearest drainage stream and no adverse impact is anticipated and the area's existing water supply (University Lake) is located in another drainage basin as well as the proposed Cane Creek water supply". The statement is a contradiction to OWASA's previous statements. Because of the problems, hardship and rudeness to the people of Clover Garden community, a petition was circulated which received 82 names. This petition was presented to OWASA in the summer of 1984 and no official response has been received. The Department of Enviromental Management (DEM) did inspect the sites in dry weather and no runoff was observed. A number of the items listed in the permit have been observed to be violated. Hartley observed surveyors on the Durham Heirs tract who indicated lines were being run for an easement for