HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Adjustment 02-22-01 X
AGENDA
ST. CROIX COUNTY
NOTICE OF COMMITTEE MEETING
TO: Thomas Dorsey, Chairman
St. Croix County Board
FROM: Julie Speer, Chairman
COMMITTEE TITLE: St. Croix County Board of Adjustment
DATE: Thursday, February 22, 2001
TIME: 8:30 a.m.
LOCATION: Government Center, Hudson, Wisconsin
CALL TO ORDER:
ROLL CALL:
ADOPTION OF AGENDA:
ACTION ON PREIOUS MINUTES:
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
UNFINISHED BU~SINESS:
Decision on Tom Morrow, Town of Troy request
OTHER BUSINESS:
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:'[ See Attachment
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:
POSSIBLE AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING:
ADJOURNMENT:!
(agenda not necessarily presented in this order)
SUBMITTED BY:', St. Croix County Zoning Office
DATE: February 14, 2001
COPIES TO: County Board Office County Clerk
Committee Members News Media/Notice Board
*CANCELLATIONS/CHANGES/ADDITIONS
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The St. Croix County Bard of Adjustment has scheduled a public hearing for Thursday, February 22, 2001, at
8:30 a.m. at the Gove ment Center, 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin, to consider the following
appeals to the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. The Board will view each site in question, after which the
Board will deliberate and vote on the appeals.
1. ARTICLE: Request for a five-year renewal of a Special Exception permit for a non-metallic mining
operation for an existing sand and gravel pit and to allow recycling of concrete products
within the gravel pit pursuant to Section 226(89).
APELLANT: Henry Nechville
LOCATION: Located in the NE '/4 of the SW '/4 and the SE '/4 of the SW '/4 , all in Section 24, T29N-
IR18W, Town of Warren.
ADDRESS: County Road TT, Roberts, Wisconsin.
2. ARTICLE: Request to allow an amendment to the current Special Exception Permit dated
September 14, 1998. County Concrete is asking to expand the permit to add a building
for pre-cast facility expansion, and to operate the plant 7-days a week when needed
pursuant to Section 17.19(1). The business is located in the Industrial District.
APELLANT: §onnetag Family Limited Partnership/ County Concrete Corporation, Agent
LOCATION: Located in the NW'/4 of the NW'/4 of Section 34,T29N-R18W, Town of Warren
ADDRESS: 1203 70th Avenue, Roberts, Wisconsin
3. ARTICLE : Special Exception request for livestock operations in excess of one animal unit per
acre of land suitable for animal waste disposal pursuant to Section 17.15(6)(0). A
request for filling or grading of any area which is within 300 feet of a navigable body
of water pursuant to Section 17.29(2)(c). Request is to
APPELLANT: Emerald Dairy/ John Vrieze
LOCATION: the NE'/4 of the NE , Section 22 T30N R16W, Town of Emerald
ADDRESS: 2487 County Road G, Emerald, Wisconsin
All interested persons Ire invited to attend said hearing and be heard. Additional information may be obtained
from the office of the St. Croix County Zoning Director, Hudson, Wisconsin at (715) 386-4680.
Julie Speer, Chairperson
St. Croix County Board of Adjustment
I
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS MEETING AND HEARING MINUTES
February 22, 2001
(This meeting was recorded by Northwestern Court Reporters)
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Julie Speer at 8:30 a.m. A roll call was
made. Julie Speer, Nick Golz, Rich Peterson and Tom Rose were present. Dick King
was excused. Staff included: Steve Fisher, Zoning Director, Rod Eslinger, Zoning
Specialist, and Judy Kahler, Secretary . Chairperson Speer believes this to be a
properly noticed meeting.
Motion was made by Golz, second by Peterson to adopt the agenda. Motion carried.
The Board set the next meeting date as March 22, 2001. The starting time will be 8:30
a.m. The meeting will be held at the Government Center.
Motion by Golz, second by Peterson to approve minutes from the January 25, 2001
meeting with one change. All in favor. Motion carried.
CORPORATION COUNSEL REPORT/ UPDATE ON VIOLATIONS AND LITIGATION
Corporation Counsel will be available if needed.
UNFINISHED !BUSINESS
Eslinger explained that a hearing was held on June 22, 2000 on behalf of Tom Morrow,
for a permit to ',locate a roll-off dumpster business from his property. The Board tabled a
decision on this request, asking for addition information. A letter was sent to Mr. Morrow
on June 29, 2000 specifically outlining the information requested by the Board. The
applicant has submitted the information as requested by the Board of Adjustment. The
Land and Water Conservation Department has reviewed the storm water calculations
and designs and have indicated in a letter that the concerns have been satisfied.
Eslinger went over the staff report.
The following exhibits were introduced:
Exhibit 1: Staff report
Exhibit 2: Application to special exception with narrative
Exhibit 3: 'Zoning Department letters
Exhibit 4: Land and Water Conservation Department letters
Exhibit 5: Storm water designs and calculations
Exhibit 6: Soil test results
Exhibit 7: Transportation Service License from DNR
Exhibit 8: Zoning Map
Exhibit 9: Letter from the Town of Troy
Exhibit 10: 'Spectrum Lab Analysis Report
Tom Morrow, being duly sworn, is the owner of the property and River City Disposal, Inc.
He explained that the dumpsters that will be on the lot are empty, and are not brought to
the site unlessi, they are emptied and cleaned out. They will be stored on the
commercial site on the property.
Morrow plans to continue his truck and trailer operation and this will include repairing
trucks and trailers for local customers. Approximately six to eight trucks/trailers will be
on site at any one time. The trucks/trailers will not be loaded. A question was raised by
the Board on the screening of the property. Morrow will be using 4 to 6-foot blue spruce
for screening and will follow the plan presented. The Board would like to see screening
up to the entrance of the property, and wrap around the driveway, but not to block the
line of site by the highway. Eslinger stated that soil testing will be done every 2 years,
and a water sample taken annually from the forebays.
The Board will! view the site, and make a decision later today.
NEW BUSIN SS
Chairperson peer welcomed everyone in attendance and gave a brief overview of how
the Board of Adjustment meeting is conducted. Chairperson Speer stated that the public
hearing notices was published correctly and was read into the record as follows:
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The St. Croix County Board of Adjustment has scheduled a public hearing for Thursday,
February 22, 2001, at 8:30 a.m. at the Government Center, 1101 Carmichael Road,
Hudson, Wisconsin, to consider the following appeals to the St. Croix County Zoning
Ordinance. The Board will view each site in question, after which the Board will deliberate
and vote on the appeals.
1. ARTICLE: Request for a five-year renewal of a Special Exception permit for a
non-metallic mining operation for an existing sand and gravel pit
and to allow recycling of concrete products within the gravel pit
pursuant to Section 226(89).
APELLANT: Henry Nechville
LOCATION: Located in the NE '/4 of the SW '/4 and the SE '/4 of the SW '/4 , all in
Section 24, T29N-R1 8W, Town of Warren.
ADDRESS: County Road TT, Roberts, Wisconsin.
2. ARTICLE: Request to allow an amendment to the current Special Exception
Permit dated September 14, 1998. County Concrete is asking to
expand the permit to add a building for pre-cast facility expansion,
and to operate the plant 7-days a week when needed pursuant to
Section 17.19(1). The business is located in the Industrial District.
APELLANT: Sonnetag Family Limited Partnership/ County Concrete
Corporation, Agent
LOCATION: Located in the NW '/4 of the NW '/4 of Section 34,T29N-R18W,
Town of Warren
ADDRESS: 1203 70th Avenue, Roberts, Wisconsin
3. ARTICLE: Special Exception request for livestock operations in excess of
one animal unit per acre of land suitable for animal waste disposal
pursuant to Section 17.15(6)(0). A request for filling or grading of
any area which is within 300 feet of a navigable body of water
pursuant to Section 17.29(2)(c). Request is to
APPELLANT: Emerald Dairy/ John Vrieze
LOCATION: The NE'/4 of the NE '/4 , Section 22 T30N R16W, Town of Emerald
ADDRESS: 2487 County Road G, Emerald, Wisconsin
All interested jpersons are invited to attend said hearing and be heard. Additional
information moy be obtained from the office of the St. Croix County Zoning Director,
Hudson, Wisconsin at (715) 386-4680.
Julie Speer, Chairperson
St. Croix County Board of Adjustment
2
Article One: Henry Nechville
Eslinger explained that this request is for a five-year renewal of a non-metallic mining
operation for an existing sand and gravel pit, and to recycle concrete products. He went
over the staff report. The site has been in operation since the early 1970's and the a
permit was granted in 1992 for this pit. The permit expired in 1997. The existing operation
covers approximately 25 acres. The entire site is approximately 80 acres. Access to the
pit will continue to be off of County Road TT. Hours of operation are currently 6:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, during the construction season. There are no
explosives used at the site. There is a crushing plant and wash plant used at the site.
The applicant has plans to reclaim the site after the resources are depleted.
The Land and Water Conservation Department has reviewed and have no objections to
the request. The DNR has no objections to the request. Eunice Post, of the DNR, stated
in a letter that she concurs with the 1992 determination that this location near the
Kinnickinnic Raver is a non-navigable area. In a letter dated July 10, 2000, the Town of
Warren stated !their support for this request.
The following exhibits were introduced:
Exhibit 1: Staff report
Exhibit 2: Application for renewal with supporting information
Exhibit 3: E-mail message from Eunice Post of the DNR
Exhibit 4: Town approval letter
Exhibit 5: Letter from Robert Heise, County Conservationist
Exhibit 6: Letter from the DNR stating no objection.
Henry Nechville, being duly sworn, operates this business with his brother. He stated that
he has not done the screening on this property, but a berm was constructed. He is looking
at hiring someone to do the crushing at the site. They plan to mine at this site for a
number of year's, and they intend to reclaim sites as excavation activities are discontinued.
The Board will view the site.
Article Two: $onnentag Family/ County Concrete
Eslinger state that this request is to allow County Concrete to expand its pre-cast facility
to allow the construction of pre-cast tunnel panels. Eslinger went over the staff report.
The Board granted a special exception permit on November 19, 1998 that allowed County
Concrete to construct and operate a masonry block plant and pre-stressed/ pre-cast plant
from their site. The current site is not adequate to house what is needed to construct pre-
cast tunnel panels. The applicant plans to hire another 40 employees. The interior roads
will be improved by the County Highway Department. Storm water calculations have been
provided by A/C/A engineering. The Land and Water Conservation Department has some
concerns regarding these calculations and designs and have asked for more information.
A discussion Was held on the increased truck traffic that would occur from this expansion.
County Concrete has been working with the Department of Transportation on this and the
State will be reviewing and a study of Highway 65 is being conducted, from county line to
county line.
The following exhibits were introduced:
Exhibit 1: Staff report
Exhibit 2: Application for special exception with narrative and attachments
3
Exhibit 3: Site plan
Exhibit 4: Zoning Map
Exhibit 5: Letter from the Land and Water Conservation Department
Exhibit 6: Letter from the Department of Commerce - state approval of building plans
Exhibit 7: WPDES permit from the Department of Natural Resources
Exhibit 8: 'Letter from the Town of Warren
Exhibit 9: Copy of Section 17.19 Industrial District
Kurt Krueger and Tom Miller, being duly sworn, are representing County Concrete. They
are willing to look at Traffic Impact Analysis and the potential impacts from this expansion.
They will cooplerate with Zoning and the DOT. It was suggested that a traffic light may
solve some of the issues.
Krueger stated that there may be a need for the plant to operate 24 hours/day, 7
days/week, if they get behind on production. They will be supplying the tunnel panels for
the Minnesota' light rail system that is being installed. County Concrete has received
state-approved , plans for the building, and would like to be ready to start production in mid-
June. It was noted that wastewater from the plant will be extremely minimal.
The Board will view the site later today.
I
Article Three: Emerald Dairy, LLC/ John Vrieze
Eslinger told the Board that this request is for a special exception to exceed animal units
per acre and for a permit for filling and grading in the Shoreland District. There is an
intermittent strum running through the wetland on the Emerald Dairy Farm. This is the
wetland that the storm water pond discharges to, and therefore, a permit is needed for
filling and gradling of more than 2000 square feet on slopes of less than 12%.
Eslinger went over the staff report. The applicant intends to increase his herd by adding
approximately 2000 additional dairy cows. The total number of cows onsite would be
around 3400. I A 590 Nutrient Management Plan has been submitted by the applicant.
They have worked very closely with the Land and Water Conservation Department on
this plan, and !the LWCD supports this application. As part of the plan, the applicant is
proposing to utilize pre-treatment technologies (Ecofuels) that will reduce the liquid
volume of the manure stored on site. As a result of this process, ethanol will be
produced. Thd Zoning staff has looked closely at this proposal, and believes it will allow
the dairy to better manage and distribute nutrients on surrounding farmland. It is looked
at as a secondary use to animal waste production, and therefore, is an accepted use
according to the ordinance.
The following Oxhibits were introduced:
Exhibit 1: Staff report
Exhibit 2: Application and narrative
Exhibit 3: Ecofuels Narrative
Exhibit 4: Letter from the Land and Water Conservation Department
Exhibit 5: Letters from AC/a
Exhibit 6: Copy of E-mail from the Department of Natural Resources
Exhibit 7: Letter from the Town of Emerald stating approval of the project.
Exhibit 8: 1998 Board of Adjustment approval
Exhibit 9: Copy of Zoning Map
John Vrieze, being duly sworn, is the applicant. He stated that he wants to expand his
herd, but it may only be by 1500 to 1600 more milk cows. The University of Minnesota
veterinary students will be studying in the special use barn. The University of Wisconsin
4
w
-River Falls will using this business for their internships. The by-products from the
animal waste will be used for producing the ethanol. Discussion held. It was stated that
52% of milk produced in the U.S. is from Wisconsin. Information on population growth
was presented and labeled as Exhibit 10. Vrieze told the Board that he believes in
helping the area farms, and it is important to him to keep agriculture in this county. He
gives frequent'tours of his facility to visitors. Vrieze said that he is environmentally
conscious and stated that now, more than ever, that is important.
Vrieze told the Board that he has reviewed the staff report and does not agree with some
of the recommendations listed in conditions 2, 7, 8, 12 and 13. A discussion was held.
Vrieze has a major disagreement with having to post an environmental bond. He is
spending $4 million on the buildings and the EcoFuels site, and believes that the bond is
not necessary and asked that this condition be removed. A letter from Mike Dorwin was
labeled as Exhibit 11.
Floyd Bergard and Cecil Massin, being duly sworn, are representing EcoFuels. The
ethanol production at Emerald Dairy is the first of its kind in Wisconsin. They plan to
have a 10-year contract with Mr. Vrieze. Questions were raised by the Board as to
safety issues. 'There are plans in place for any kind of problem that may occur. The
ethanol will be!, in a sealed container, with no emission, and computer censor controlled
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They meet the State requirements. The transportation
part of the operation comes under the Department of Commerce, and the transport lines
must be suitably bonded.
Tom Wink, being duly sworn, is a supervisor representing the Town of Emerald. He
stated that the Town supports the proposed operation and believes the Board should
approve.
David Sander, ;being duly sworn, is with the Land and Water Conservation Department.
He has worked very closely with Vrieze and his engineers. As far as codes go, the dairy
exceeds all requirements. He would ask that the conditions be allowed to be open and
subject to charge, as this is a new concept, and there are concerns with regards to the
environment and health to the citizens of St. Croix County. Sanders asked the Board to
consider changing condition number 13 to read that all required permits to be obtained,
excluding thel WPDES permit issued by the DNR. As far as monitoring water quality,
the DNR recommends review every year or every other year. The applicant must meet
this requirement. Sander further stated that if the Zoning department does not have staff
to check this, the applicant must hire it done, with final DNR approval.
The Board will visit the site.
The Board recessed from 11:55 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. to view the sites.
Decisions
Unfinished Business
A motion was made by Golz, second by Peterson to approve the applicant's request for a
special exceptipn permit to operate a roll-off dumpster business at his site based on the
following findings:
1. The Bogard believes this to be compatible with the surrounding area.
2. The plans for the project have been presented and the original concerns of the
Board have been met.
3. The building will be adequately screened from surrounding properties and
neighbors.
5
4. The Town of Troy has approved of the request.
5. The Land and Water Conservation Department approves of the request.
6. There were no objections to the request.
7. The spilrit and intent of the ordinance will be met.
With the following conditions:
1. This permit allows River City Disposal, Inc. to store empty roll-off dumpsters
onsite and to include a truck and trailer repair business.
2. All items associated with the roll-off dumpster business must be located on the
cement, area as designated on the site plan.
3. The applicant shall have this special exception reviewed by the Board of
Adjustment two years from the issuance of the permit to insure all conditions are
being met. (February 22, 2003). At that time, soil tests will be taken of the site,
and a renewal of the permit will be subject to the Board's discretion.
4. The storm water management ponds must be constructed and seeded and
mulched per approved plan by June 15, 2001.
5. The applicant must provide the Zoning Office with an as-built that is signed and
sealed by a professional registered engineer, verifying that the storm water
management ponds were constructed as designed and approved by the St. Croix
County' Land and Water Conservation Department.
6. A new landscape plan must be submitted and approved. The plan must include
4-foot pine trees, 10-foot on center, along the south and east side of the property,
continuing along the front of the property, but not to obstruct the view of the road
at the end of the driveway. Landscaping to be completed by June 15, 2001.
7. Daily hours of operation as related to the roll-off dumpster business are limited to
the hours of 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
8. Onsite storage of hazardous waste is prohibited.
9. The situ shall remain dust free at all times.
10. The applicant must maintain proper Wisconsin licensing for the business.
11. The applicant is responsible for obtaining any permit or approval required for the
project "by the DNR before starting the project.
12. The applicant must provide confirmation that he/she has completed permit
process with all other regulatory agencies within six months of approval of this
special 'exception.
13. All proposed lighting is to be illuminated downward, to eliminate light pollution on
the site,.
14. Areas (which service the public and employees must be hard surfaced or
blacktopped.
15. Staff recommends that the applicant maintain a minimum of 6 parking spaces for
the public.
• an additional space for each 2 employees
• adequate parking for vehicles operated in connection with the business
• parking spaces must be a minimum of 10 feet by 20 feet (200 square feet)
16. Total of all sign square footage on the property not to exceed 100 square feet.
Signs must be located a minimum of 10 feet from all property lines. Only one
freestadiding sign is allowed on the property. Any other signage related to the
business must be approved by the zoning department and must strictly adhere to
the St. 'Croix County Signage Ordinance.
17. All related tractor-trailers associated with the previous business are to be
removed from the site by June 15, 2001.
18. The site is not to be used as a transfer station.
19. The applicant shall allow free and unlimited access to the project site at any
reasonable time to any Zoning Office employee, who is overseeing the project
construction, operation, or maintenance.
6
20. Any minor change (or addition) in expansion of the project, including building,
signage, shall require review and approval by the Zoning Director. Any major
change and/or addition to the originally approved plan will go through the Special
Exception approval process, where applicable, as stated in the ordinance.
21. The applicant shall have one (1) year from the issuance of the Special Exception
permitlto act on the Special Exception permit. Failure to start the new business
in this timeframe shall result in the expiration of this Special Exception. If the
Special Exception permit expires, the applicant will be required to secure a new
special exception permit before commencing the business operation.
22. Accepting this decision means that the applicant has read, understands, and
agrees to all conditions of this decision.
The following Yote was taken to approve: Peterson, yes; Golz, yes; Rose, yes; Chairperson
Speer, yes. All in favor. Motion carried.
Article One: Henry Nechville
Motion by Rose, second by Speer to approve the special exception request to continue
operation of a Inon-metallic mining operation based on the following findings:
1. The Town of Warren has approved of the application.
2. The Land and Water Conservation Department has reviewed the application and
has not objections.
3. There 'was no opposition to the request, and there have been no complaints
relatin to this operation.
4. This leration has been in existence for over 50 years.
5. There is natural screening on the property.
6. The spirit and intent of the ordinance will be met by granting this request.
With the following conditions:
1. Gravell mining project is to proceed according to plans presented. Any
expansion beyond this legal boundary shall require a new special exception
permit;
2. Operator/applicant shall comply with all of the general requirements and
conditions listed in the non-metallic mining & reclamation ordinance (Ordinance #
226 (80) (unless varied per conditions).
3. Applicant is responsible for dust abatement during the duration of the permit.
4. Hours of operation shall not exceed 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.
The applicant may submit a written request for extended hours to the Zoning
Administrator for review and approval.
5. Crushing on site may only occur 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. , Monday-Friday.
6. Permit) includes temporary placement of equipment necessary to conduct the
mining] operation.
7. Permit includes concrete recycling on site.
8. There shall not be any storage of petroleum products or hazardous wastes of any
nature, stored or disposed of onsite.
9. Site reclamation will proceed according to the plan.
10. Any change (or addition) in use, or expansion of the non-metallic mining project
shall require review and approval by the Zoning Administrator and in some
circumstances through the Special Exception approval process, where
applicable, as stated in the ordinance.
11. This special exception is valid for a period of 5 years and expires March 2006.
Applicant must either fully reclaim the site in this time frame or reapply for a new
speciall exception permit. The applicant is to contact the Zoning Office six (6)
7
months prior to permit expiration, so that reclamation or permit renewal is
complete by the expiration date.
12. All other conditions will remain the same as specified in the original Special
exception permit.
13. Accepijing this decision means that the applicant has read, understands, and
agrees to all conditions of this decision
The following (vote was taken to approve: Golz, yes; Peterson, yes; Rose, yes;
Chairperson Speer, yes. Motion carried.
Article Two: §onnentag Family Limited Partnership/ County Concrete
Motion by Rose, second by Peterson to approve the special exception request to amend
the current Special Exception Permit dated September 14, 1998 based on the following
findings:
1) The Town of Warren approved of the request.
2) The Lind and water conservation Department has given approval of the
request.
3) The request to expand is consistent with the current operation.
4) There Were no public objections.
5) The berming and landscaping plans are acceptable.
6) The spirit and intent of the ordinance would be met by granting this request.
With the following conditions:
1. The total signage on the property shall be limited to 100-square feet. The
applicant shall submit a signage plan for staff's review to ensure compliance with
the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
2. The applicant shall provide a hard surface (Asphalt or concrete) on all interior-
driving areas.
3. Applicant must comply with all provisions of Section 17.19(f). Road Plans shall
be approved by the County Highway Department and meet provisions stated in
Section 17.19 (f).
4. Parking Requirements:
• One parking space for each 2 employees on the premises at any one time
• Adequate parking for vehicles operated in connection with the business
• Parking spaces must be a minimum of 10 feet by 20 feet (200 square feet)
• AIM parking areas shall be provided with a dust free parking surface
5. Security lighting to be installed. Lighting must be illuminated downward and is to
be shielded away from neighboring properties.
6. The larldscape screening as indicated on the site plan must be completed by
June 15, 2001. Applicant shall provide details on size (Height and Length) of the
berm.
7. The property shall be kept in a neat and orderly manner.
8. The applicant must allow free and unlimited access to the project site at any
reasonable time to any Zoning Office employee, who is overseeing the project.
9. The applicant must keep a copy of this Decision at the project site at all times.
10. Plant (hours: 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The applicant
may submit a written request to the Zoning Administrator to extend the plant
hours, if needed.
11. Applicant must secure a sanitary permit for the new pre-cast facility from the
Zoning Office prior to commencing onsite construction.
12. Appliclant must submit information as requested by the Land and Water
Conservation Department. LWCD must also review and approve the submitted
information before Special Exception is valid.
8
13. Any change (or addition) in use, or expansion of the project shall require review
and approval by the zoning administrator and in some circumstances through the
Special Exception approval process, where applicable, as stated in the
ordinance.
14. The applicant shall have one (1) year from the issuance of the special exception
permit ',to commence construction. Failure to do so shall result in revocation of
the special exception permit. If the special exception permit expires before
construction commences, the applicant will be required to secure a new special
exception permit before starting or completing construction on the project.
15. This Special Exception Permit to be reviewed in one year by the Board of
Adjustments under "Other Business". Review will include the traffic analysis
study of the Highway 65/ 1-94 corridor.
16. Accepting this decision means that the applicant has read, understands, and
agrees to all conditions of this decision.
Article Three Emerald Dairy, LLC/ John Vrieze
Motion by GoIZ, second by Speer to approve request for expansion of Emerald Dairy
and to include Ecofuels operation based on the following findings:
1) The Town of Emerald has approved of the request.
2) The Land and Water Conservation Department has reviewed and approved of
the request.
3) No public opposition was expressed.
4) The Board found this to be a professionally designed, state of the art facility.
5) The spirit and intent of the ordinance will be met by granting this request.
With the following conditions:
1.) This permit allows Emerald Dairy to maintain a maximum of 3,400-dairy cows
onsite and to incorporate the Ecofuels technology to handle and treat the manure
from this facility. Ecofuels is incidental and secondary to the existence of
Emerald Dairy. The Ecofuels Facility is only allowed to treat the manure from
this facility.
2.) Manure Handling
a. The entire nutrient management plan and conservation plan shall be
reviewed by the St. Croix County Land and Water Conservation
.Department two years from the date of issuance of the county special
exception permit and annually thereafter.
b. A thorough review of the manure handling system shall be conducted by
the St. Croix County Land and Water Conservation Department annually
to insure that the system meets or exceeds industry standards.
c. ,Buffer strips must be established at the agreed upon widths at the
;locations defined by the crop consultant with concurrence of the St. Croix
County Land and Water Conservation Department within one year of the
issuance of permit.
d. Soil sample size shall be brought into compliance with the one sample
,per five-acre recommendation within three years of the date of issuance
of the county special exception permit. Flow monitors shall be installed by
owner on all liquid manure applicator equipment. The devices shall be
calibrated and certified annually by a licensed inspector at owner's
expense. A copy of the certificate of calibration shall be provided to the
zoning office. Flow rate data shall be retained for periodic review by the
St. Croix County Land and Water Conservation Department.
9
e. The St. Croix County Land and Water Conservation Department shall be
notified at least five days prior to pumping of storage facilities.
f. Winter spreading shall be limited to no more than 30 days on sites
approved by the St. Croix County Land and Water Conservation
Department, excluding bedding pack.
g. The leak detection system shall be inspected annually by owner,
commencing on the first anniversary of the date of issuance of the county
special exception permit . If a leak is suspected, then an investigation to
find the source will be conducted by the owner's engineer.
h. Any additional nutrients to be applied above rates designated within the
plan must be approved by the St. Croix County Land and Water
Conservation Department. Above designated rates may be allowed in
order to build soil test phosphorous levels to the optimum level or in order
to fertilize for a higher approved yield goal.
3.) An environmental bond/insurance policy for Emerald Dairy/Ecofuels shall be
submitted to the St. Croix County Zoning Department in the amount of 2.2 cents
per gallon multiplied by the total gallons of manure storage capacity of this facility
(existing and proposed). Gallons calculated include all reception pits, transfer
systemjs and storage facilities.
This bond shall be in effect for the life of this operation and/or as long as the
lagoons or other storage facilities contain manure. The bond will be released by
the county if the operation ceases and the lagoons and other storage facilities
are empty. This bond shall cover the cost of pumping, hauling, and spreading of
manure from the lagoons, and abandonment of all manure storage facilities to
protect) the public and/or the environment. This bond is to be submitted prior to
commencing construction on site.
4.) A construction schedule shall be submitted to the Zoning Office prior to
commencing any construction.
5.) The barns shall not be populated until all environmental issues are addressed
adequately and permits received (i.e. manure system, storm water management,
seedings, leachate collection...). The St. Croix County Land and Water
Conservation Department shall make this determination.
6.) An approved manure storage pad for the existing barn shall be constructed within
one year of the date of issuance of the county special exception permit to deal
with frozen manure unless an alternative method of managing frozen manure is
approved by the St. Croix County Land and Water Conservation Department.
7.) Transfer chamber #6 shall be an adequate distance away from the existing
collection manhole to prevent damage to the clay liner around it.
8.) Duplex's pumping shall be installed in transfer chamber #5.
9.) A circle drive shall be installed for the Ecofuels pad.
10.) A desiIned spillway shall be installed in the leachate collection area of the
commodities pad.
11.) At the completion of the project a complete as-built plan of the facility, along with
typed field notes containing inspection dates and summary of all inspections,
must be submitted to the St. Croix County Zoning and Land and Water
Conservation Departments.
12.) This county special exception permit must be renewed by the Board of
Adjustment at the same time the Department of Natural Resources reissues the
Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit. (December,
31 2004).
10
13.) All other required permits (federal, state) must be applied for and received prior
to commencing any construction, excluding the WPDES permit.
14.) The owner shall comply with the engineer designed and approved facility plans
as approved by the St. Croix County Board of Adjustment, Zoning Office and
Land and Water Conservation Department.
15.) Any minor change or addition to the project, including but not limited to design of
the facility, shall require review and approval by the Zoning Administrator and the
Land and Water Conservation Department prior to making the change or
addition. Any major change or addition to the originally approved plan will have
to go through the special exception approval process.
16.) The Sty Croix County Land and Water Conservation Department and Zoning
Office have the ability to make additional recommendations and conditions if
unanticipated conditions arise that would affect the health and/or safety of
citizens or degrade the natural resources of St. Croix County. Conditions will not
be amended or added without notice to the applicant and an opportunity for a
hearing.
17.) The owner shall secure a land use permit from the Zoning Office for the animal
storage facility prior to commencing site construction. ($125.00 permit fee)
18.) All extorior lighting related to Emerald Dairy and Ecofuels shall be shielded and
illuminated downward.
19.) The dry run south of the construction site shall be evaluated by the Zoning
Department this spring after snowmelt to determine if it's navigable or not. If the
Zoning! Department deems the dry run navigable then the applicant must follow
the appropriately engineered design.
20.) Accepting this decision means that the applicant has read, understands, and
agrees;to all conditions of this decision.
The following vote was taken to approve: Peterson, yes; Golz, yes; Rose, yes;
Chairperson Speer, yes. Motion carried.
A motion was !made by Speer, second by Golz to adjourn at 5:20 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted:
1~J ! 2~ fC ~ i~
c ecretary Jud ahler, e ording Sec tary
11