11/19/1979 Board of Public Works Minutes

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257 REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1979 A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was convened on Monday, November 19, 1979 at 9:30 a.m. by President Patrick M. McMahon, with Mr. McMahon., Mr. Brunner and Mr,Mullen present. Deputy City Attorney Terry A. Crone was also present, MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING APPROVED Mr. McMahon reported that the minutes of the meeting of November 13 had been reviewed and he made a motion that the minutes be approved as submitted. Mr. Mullen seconded the motion and it carried. AGENDA ITEMS ADDED Mr. McMahon advised the Board that a letter from the Council Oaks Civic Association regarding the soluble oil disposal facility, a request from the St. Joseph Bank, a request from Andrews University and a contract for the Meade Street Sanitary Sewers had been received after the posting of the meeting agenda. He made a motion that the items be added at this time. Mr. Mullen seconded the motion and it carried. COMPLAINT RE: SOLUBLE OIL DISPOSAL FACILITY The Board received a letter of complaint from the Council Oaks Civic Association regarding the present operation of the Soluble Oil Disposal Facility by Prenco, Inc. The letter raised a number of questions regarding the facility. A number of area residents were present. Paul Godollei advised the Board that he was authorized to speak for the Assocation, as well as for the Woodlawn, Pinhook Manor, Riverside Manor and Northwest Neighborhood Association. Mr. Godollei summarized the questions raised in the letter, including possible leaks into the lagoon, the operation of such a facility in a highly populated area, the air pollution risk, the storage and handling of hazardous materials and the trucking in of waste materials from other states. He asked that the Board make a complete investigation of the operation and its' compliance with all federal, state and local requirements. He noted the high flames which have been observed from the facility. He said it was the residents understanding that a scrubber would be installed and this has not been done. He asked if the operation was being monitored to determine what is being burned. He asked that -the Board keep the facility closed until the investigation has been completed and all questions answered. Mr. McMahon responded that the Board has asked the Health Department, the State Fire Marshal and all other affected agencies to make complete investigations and inspections of the operation. He stressed it is not the intent of the City to allow the operation to continue if it is hazardous. The position of the City is that this kind of operation is better than the dumping of such material in a landfill or into deep wells as is done in other counties. The type and handling of waste materials can be monitored by the Health Department for complete compliance. He said the Board will review all material received as a result of the investigation and make a determination as to the future of the operation, consistent with the best interests of the citizens. Mr. Schaum, 1834 Ribourde Drive, asked if the operation complies with all federal and county laws and if the Board has made any effort to enforce the requirements of the lease with Prenco. Mr. McMahon noted that enforcement is a function of the Health Department. The Board was asked whether the company manifests are checked to see if the information is correct. Mr. McMahon said the company is required to keep manifests and they are available to the Health Department. Mr. Schaum noted the close proximity of the facility to St. Mary's College, Notre Dame University and the downtown. Mr. McMahon responded that the intent of the Board is to see that the operation is safe and does not cause a hazard. If