11/13/1979 Board of Public Works Minutes

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252 REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 1979 12. What consideration has been given to the effects this all will have on the residential climate of the area? on the aesthetic aspects of the Pinhook Park site? on the fact that this is an historic site? 13. What if there is spillage or leaks, or an overturned tanker? What would this do to the water in the Pinhook Park Lagoon. (There was an oil leak into the lagoon in 1976 and the deposits are still there? This couldrender the park unusable. 14. Why was there no compliance with the Air Pollution Ordinance? Why are there no filters or scrubbers on the stacks? What about zoning ordinances? Dr. Peyser then commented on 'questions, expressing the concern of the residents because of the odor, the flames, the recent fire and the bringing into the area of waste from other areas. Mr. McMahon responded to Dr. Peyser's comments by stating that the City will investigate the matter. He said the Soluble Oil Disposal Facility was built in 1974 to handle liquid wastes. It was felt better for the community to handle the material in this manner rather than in deep wells in the ground. It was considered one of the best means of disposal of these types of waste by the Environmental Protection Agency for industries in the community. It was also felt that better control of the handling of these wastes was needed. However, there was a volume of waste needed in order to keep that facility operating and that volume was not being met, so the City ceased the operation of the facility. The manufacturer made a proposal to operate the facility on a dollar a year basis with the understanding that it would be operated in full compliance with the air pollution standards. That is what prompted the Board to enter into the lease with Prenco. He pointed out that this action was taken only after a series of public meetings of the Board and the Council, with the news media covering these meetings and it was felt that the information was made available to the community through television, radio and newspaper coverage. With regard to the fire last week, Mr. McMahon said the Board would refer the matter, to the Fire Chief and ask that an inspection be made both by the South Bend Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal to see that the operation is being conducted in compliance with the applicable codes. With regard to air pollution, Mr. McMahon said Prenco was advised when the lease was entered into that they would be required to meet the air pollution standards set by the County Health Department, the agency charged with monitoring such matters. The Health Department may have established a schedule for Prenco with regard to meeting those standards. The Board has not heard anything from the Health Department regarding any problem with Prenco not meeting the air pollution standards. The Board will request that Paul Troost of the Health Department make an inspection of the facility for compliance with Health Department regulations. If the Health Department feels that action is necessary, they will advise the Board. In addition, the Board will ask,.-,the Building Department to make an inspection of the facility for any Code violations. Mrs. Schaum, 1834 Ribourde Drive, asked about the possibility of an oilleak in the area. Mr. McMahon said there are large sumps capable of handling any problems in that regard and there is no reason to believe a leak would occur. Residents noted there was a leak some years ago and evidence of it is still visible in the Pinhook Lagoon, Mr. McMahon advised residents to confer with David Wells, of the Engineering Department Staff, regarding steps that would be taken to prevent any leaks. Mrs. Schaum then asked the Board to take immediate action in this matter because of the air pollution, the obnoxious odor, the large flames and the fire which occurred last week. She also expressed concern about the reason for