Overview of the Environmental Impact Report for IRWDs Biosolids - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Overview of the Environmental Impact Report for IRWD’s Biosolids & Energ Reco er Project Biosolids & Energy Recovery Project (Biosolids Handling Component to the MWRP Phase 2 & 3 Capacity Expansion Project) July 31, 2012 1

Presentation Overview • Purpose of this meeting Purpose of this meeting • Project objectives and benefits • Project description and location • Project description and location • Approach to environmental review and process • Issues analyzed in the Supplemental Environmental • Issues analyzed in the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) • Visual Simulations Visual Simulations • Summary of impacts and mitigation measures • How to submit public comments • How to submit public comments • Schedule 2

Purpose of Meeting • IRWD is taking steps to inform the community on IRWD is taking steps to inform the community on its proposed Biosolids & Energy Recovery Project • The purpose of the meeting is to educate the p p g community on the project • How to submit formal comments on the project 3

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) • IRWD Services • Potable and recycled water, sewage collection and treatment, urban , runoff treatment • Service Area • 115 531 115,531 acres • Wastewater Treatment • Michelson Water R Recycling Plant (MWRP) li Pl t (MWRP) • Currently being expanded • Los Alisos Water Los Alisos Water Recycling Plant (LAWRP) 4

Project Objectives and Benefits • Allow IRWD to make efficient and sustainable use of its Allow IRWD to make efficient and sustainable use of its renewable resources • To make beneficial use of biosolids and biogases produced during the treatment process during the treatment process • Provide for greater control of residual (solids) management at reduced costs • Minimize environmental impacts associated with residuals management • Construct a biosolids handling and energy recovery facility Construct a biosolids handling and energy recovery facility that adequately provides for future biosolids handling needs of the MWRP Phase 2 and 3 Capacity Expansion Project 5

Project Description • IRWD to construct facilities at MWRP for: • Biosolids processing • Biogas management & energy recovery • Odor control system • IRWD would no longer export solids to Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) • Project would dry solids from IRWD’s Los Alisos Water Recycling Plant L Ali W t R li Pl t (LAWRP) • Delivered by truck • P Project to be constructed on disturbed j t t b t t d di t b d vacant land within the current boundary of the MWRP 6

7 Project Location

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) • Disclosure • Identify and disclose potential impacts to the environment • Decision-Making Tool D i i M ki T l • Inform the public and decision-makers about potential environmental impacts p p • Mitigation • Identify ways to avoid or reduce effects of potential impacts impacts 8

CEQA Environmental Review Process • PUBLIC SCOPING: Notice of Preparation • 30-day public review ended on April 26, 2011 • Public scoping meeting held on April 12, 2011 • Received input regarding Draft SEIR • Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report • 45-day public review to end on August 16, 2012 • Held public meeting on July 24, 2012 • Responses to Comments/Final SEIR • Written responses to Draft SEIR comments • Certification of Final SEIR Certification of Final SEIR • IRWD Board of Directors (Fall 2012) 9

Environmental Issues Analyzed in SEIR 1 • Aesthetics • Hazards & Hazardous Materials • Air Quality & Odor • Hydrology & Water y gy • Bi l Biological Resources i l R Quality • Cultural Resources • Land Use, Planning, and Recreation and Recreation • Geology Soils & Geology, Soils & Seismicity • Noise • Greenhouse Gas • Transportation Emissions Emissions &Traffic • Utilities & Energy 1. Analyzed both construction and operations of the project 10

11 Preliminary Visual Simulation – Looking East

12 Preliminary Visual Simulation – Looking West

Views from Offsite Presented in the SEIR SEIR includes visual simulations from 11 vantage points 13

14 Elevated View from University Synagogue Visual Simulation from Synagogue's View

Summary of Impacts and Mitigations The project would have no significant unavoidable impacts Impact Category Significance Level Mitigation Measure Summary Aesthetics Less than significant with mitigation • Selecting paint color schemes that blend with the existing environment existing environment • Shielding of temporary construction lighting Air Quality Less than significant N/A Biological Resources Less than significant with mitigation • Measures to avoid impacts to nesting birds, endangered species sensitive natural communities endangered species, sensitive natural communities and movements of wildlife Cultural Resources Less than significant with mitigation • Measures for cultural monitoring during construction Geology, Soils and Less than significant N/A Mineral Resources Greenhouse Gas Less than significant N/A Emissions ss o s Hazards and Hazardous Less than significant with mitigation • Best management practices (BMPs) to prevent Materials accidental releases of hazardous materials • Other standard hazardous material, trash and containment measures containment measures • Preparation of a hazardous substance management, handling, storage, disposal and emergency response plan 15

Summary of Impacts and Mitigation (continued) Impact Category Significance Level Mitigation Measure Summary Hydrology and Water Less than significant with mitigation • Updating existing Storm Water Pollution Quality Quality Prevention Plan to include BMPs. Prevention Plan to include BMPs Land Use, Planning & Less than significant N/A 1 Recreation Noise Less than significant with mitigation • Compliance with City of Irvine Noise Ordinance for construction (7am to 7pm M F 9am to 6pm Sat) or construction (7am to 7pm M ‐ F, 9am to 6pm Sat) or as permitted by the city • Noise control techniques applied to construction equipment • Establishment of a noise disturbance coordinator to respond to noise complaints to respond to noise complaints • Post construction noise survey to ensure that operation of new equipment is in compliance with City of Irvine Noise Ordinance at the property boundary. Utilities & Energy Less than significant N/A Transportation & Traffic Less than significant N/A 1 1. Project building heights of up to 70 feet would be consistent with the City of Irvine zoning code upon approval of a Project building heights of up to 70 feet would be consistent with the City of Irvine zoning code upon approval of a Conditional Use Permit 16

Document Availability Copies of the Draft SEIR are available as follows: p • Irvine Ranch Water District Web Site • http://www.irwd.com • Heritage Park Library • Katie Wheeler Library • University Park Library 17

How to Submit Comments on the SEIR Written comments can be submitted by 5:00 pm on August 16, 2012 by sending mail to: Paul Weghorst Director of Water Resources Ir ine Ranch Water District Irvine Ranch Water District 15600 Sand Canyon Ave Irvine, CA 92618 • For additional information visit: http://www.irwd.com For additional information visit: http://www.irwd.com • Questions related to the public review process should be directed to (949)-453-5500 18

Environmental Review Schedule • July 3, 2012 – Release SEIR for 45-day public review July 3, 2012 Release SEIR for 45 day public review • July 24, 2012 – Public informational meeting on SEIR • August 16, 2012 – Comment period closes g • September 2012 – IRWD responds to comments • Fall 2012 - SEIR presented to IRWD Board of Directors • November & December 2012 – City of Irvine action on Conditional Use Permit • Winter 2012 Winter 2012 – IRWD to award construction contract IRWD to award construction contract • Winter 2015 thru Summer 2016 – Startup of facilities 19

Questions? Questions?