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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 30, 1999 6 Ms. Randall explained that the petitioner was requesting approval of a site plan to allow for a 50 foot by 57 foot biofilter to eliminate odor at the Friskies plant which is located at 4251 Femwood Avenue. The City of Arden Hills has received several complaints from neighbors regarding the odor from the Friskies plant. The Staff investigated their complaints and found that they constituted a nuisance as defined in the City Code. Friskies has evaluated their existing process and other processes for eliminating odor emanating from the plant. Currently, Friskies uses a system of chemicals that neutralize the odor. The problem with the current system is, if they change the ingredients, the chemicals to neutralize the odor must also be modified. Friskies would like to install a biofilter system to neutralize the odors. The biofilter system removes and oxidizes organic gasses from contaminated air by use of beds of wood chips. Billions of indigenous microorganisms, inherent within the wood chips, convert the organic compounds to carbon dioxide and water. These naturally occurring microorganisms consume the offending compounds in a safe, moist, oxygen rich environment. The new biofilter is proposed to be located to the rear side of the existing plant. The majority of the structure will be underground, however, six feet on the east side and two feet on the west side will be above ground, with a six-foot high chain link fence along the top of the structure. The chain link fence is to protect people and animals from entering the biofilter. Staff recommended the chain link fence be open, or earth tone slats be used. The applicant was proposing to add trees to buffer from the City trail and residents. Statf proposed the trees be placed at a 45 degree angle to each other, 12 feet apart. The Planning Commission recommended this tree line be extended further to the south on the west side. The proposed biotilter meets the height, Hoor area ratio, lot coverage, landscape lot area, and setback requirements. The applicant would like the ability to turn a light on for maintenance. The light would be located on the northwest side of the biofilter, facing southeast. The lighting would meet the Zoning Ordinance lighting standard and would only be used for maintenance purposes. There currently is no lighting on the wcst side of the building. Ms. Randall advised that the Planning Commission recommended approval of Planning Case #99-13, Site Plan, to allow for the construction of a 50 foot by 57 foot Biofilter subject to the following conditions: 1. Rice Creek Watershed Approval.