Sludge Watch ==> Fortuna Calif - Does City need permits to compost sludge?

[maureen.reilly at sympatico.ca]

http://www.times-standard.com/local/ci_4260027

08/30/2006 04:17:02 AM PDT

Fortuna says no permit is needed, the county thinks otherwise
Jessie Faulkner The Times-Standard



FORTUNA -- City officials maintain they don't need permits to compost 
wastewater biosolids, the treated byproducts of the wastewater treatment 
plant. The Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health feels otherwise.

The disagreement resulted in Environmental Health issuing a cease and desist 
order, compliance order and notice of administrative civil penalties 
alleging “various violations of state law” to the city of Fortuna in late 
July. The division acts as the local enforcement agency for the state 
Integrated Waste Management Board.

While both sides are still in discussion about the matter, the county 
counsel has drafted an agenda item for Friday's Humboldt County Board of 
Supervisors meeting to pick an appeal hearing date and a hearing panel. Due 
to the Labor Day holiday, the board is meeting early.

City of Fortuna City Attorney David Tranberg said Tuesday that the city 
believes its situation qualifies for an exception to state code on the 
matter.

Fortuna City Manager Duane Rigge, who most likely is well versed in
the matter, was in a daylong redevelopment workshop Tuesday.

”We're just asking them for what we think is appropriate,” Alexandra 
Wineland said. Wineland is the director of the Public Health branch of the 
Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services.

Wineland said Friday's agenda item will prepare the county in the event an 
appeal hearing is necessary, but added that discussions are ongoing and a 
solution may be reached at that level.

On Aug. 21, the city of Fortuna requested a hearing on the county's order. 
By law, the enforcement agency is required to provide written notice of the 
hearing by Sept. 5 and the hearing is to be held no more than 30 days after 
it has been requested. Hence, the suggested hearing date is Sept. 20.