03-13-85 Public Works Committee - Laserfiche WebLink

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(Iummttt t irpnrt Olu the ltumnwn QIountil of the ettig of*until Brad: PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE The March 13, 1985 meeting of the Public Works Committee was called to order by its Chairman Councilman Thomas Zakrzewski at 4: 00 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included: Councilman Voorde, Crone, Beck, Zakrzewski, Serge, and Puzzello, Commission Richard Jasinski, Paul Trost, John Leszczynski, Mike Waite, Kurt Anderson, Billy Cribbs , Brenda King, Mike Millen, Don Barnes , Beth Martin, Beverly Lawson, Lisa Lawson, Pat Derrickson, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ruszkowski, Elizabeth Weissin, LaHarr Schmidt, Andrew Molnar, Ethel Kotovka, Frank Kuminecz, Ann Faherty, Ron Ztayslo, Paul Dobson, L. Edward Phillips , John Roberts , Karen Roberts, Barbara Lerman, Paul Karkiewicz, Allon,Pijut, William Corbett, Marilym Silver, John Imler, Bernive Stern, Elizabeth Vodnay, members of the news media and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Councilman Zakrzewski announced that the purpose of the meeting was to have a constructive and informative session on the present status of the odors corning from the Ethanol Plant . A 30 minute portion would be reserved for public participation. Billy Cribbs , the plant manager of New Energy stated that the odor was related to the rate of operation and prevailing winds . Odor would be present from the process of concentrating soluable solids and drying corn after the starch has been removed. There have been several start-up problems as well as miscellaneous spills and several pieces of equipment that have not operated at design conditions . Several different alternatives are being pursued regarding the discharge from the scrubbers. Between $150 to $200, 000 would be spent for improvements . At the present time it was unknown whether these improvements would affect the odor. These improvements should be completed by the end of April. He also noted that the smell from this plant was "not any worse than other plants". Members of the public noted that they have to wear face masks to walk their dogs and that it appeared that the right hand did not know what the left hand was doing. Many stated that they would rather smell burning leaves . One individual noted that her daughter has asthma and that they odor has caused her to have nauseousness and headaches . Several questioned what long-term health effects there may be. Dr. George Plain stated that there is nothing in current literature about adverse effects of "dried grain". He has talked to persons in Peoria and Decatur where similar grain operations are in effect and that they have not caused any "long-term diseases". He noted that sulfur dioxide was not present at the South Bend plant. It was also noted that the plant has been running near capacity and that base line stack tests would be made. Mr. Paul Trost noted that computer models were run prior to operation of the plant and that emissions were within permit conditions . The boiler . which is 250 feet high is the largest polluting source.