CCP 08-30-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. e e e CITY OF ARDEN IDLLS MEMORANDUM DATE: August 30, 1999 TO: Mayor and City Council ,l~ Nancy RandaU, Associate Pla~ FROM: SUBJECT: Planning Case #99-13, Site Plan Review Friskies Pet Care Company, 4251 Fernwood Avenue Request. The petitioner is 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 Fernwood Avenue (Exhibit A) Backgronnd. The City of Arden Hills has received several complaints from neighbors regarding the odor from the Friskies plant. The Staff investigated the complaints and found that they constituted a nuisance as defined by Chapter 16 of the City Code. Friskies has evaluated their existing process and other processes for eliminating odor emanating form the plant. Currently, Friskies is using 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 is proposing to install a Biofilter system to neutralize the odor. The Biofilter system removes and oxidizes organic gasses (Odors) from contaminated air by beds of wood chips. Billions of indigenous micro-organisms, inherent within the wood chips, convert the organic componds to carbon dioxide and water. These naturally occurring micro-organisms consume the offending compounds in a safe, moist, oxygen-rich environment. The majority of the structure will be underground; however, 6 feet on the west side and 2 feet on the east side will be above ground with a 6 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 recommends the chain link fence be left open or earth tone slats be used. The proposed biofilter meets the height, floor 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 filter, facing southeast. The lighting would meet the Zoning Ordinance lighting standards and would only be used for maintenance purposes. There currently is not lighting on the west side of the building.