HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-15 Kimberly Matulonis-Edgar September 13, 2024
Meridian City Clerk
33 E. Broadway, Suite 104
Meridian, ID 83642
Re: Timbercreek Recycling MDA H0204-00
I, Kimberly Matulonis-Edgar wish to be record as being opposed to MDA H-2024-0032 by Michael
Murgoitio.
Main Points of why I am opposed to this MDA:
Use of Waste Activated Sludge (WAS) - Sewage Sludge - Commonly referred to as Biosolids.
Timbercreek has been using WAS, not Whey, on their compositing piles (Letter from Central District
Health). When Timbercreek applies WAS to their compositing piles the smell is unbearable and
radiates for miles from the property, resulting in my family having to stay indoors.
There is also a concern of this sludge leaching into our water aquifer, or the nearby canal that carries
water back into our rivers and lakes.
• In researching WAS, I found many articles/studies that have been conducted showing the dangers
of using WAS. "Some residents living near land application sites associate physical symptoms such
as mucous membrane irritation, respiratory and gastrointestinal distress, headaches, and skin
rashes with land application of sewage sludge (Harrison and Oakes 2002; Lewis et al. 2002;
Lowman et al. 2011; Shields 2002). Residents also report foul odors and interference with their
quality of life and beneficial use of their property (Lowman et al. 2011; Shields 2002). Although in
2002 the National Research Council's Committee on Toxicants and Pathogens in Biosolids Applied
to Land recommended studying human exposure and illness, little research into the experiences of
people living near such sites has been conducted since then (NRC 2002)." (Land Application of
Treated Sewage Sludge: Community Health & Environmental Justice
https:Hpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23562940/)
• In this same study, the US EPA's Inspector General found that, "while EPA promotes land
application, EPA cannot assure the public that current land application practices are protective of
human health and the environment (USEPA, 2000).
Emitting Silica Dust: Which is created when grinding and crushing stone, rock, asphalt and concrete.
Breathing in silica dust, which is very small particles at least 100 times smaller than ordinary sand you
might find on beaches and playgrounds, causes lung cancer, kidney disease and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease. (https://www.osha.aov/silica-crystealline)
Emitting Bioaerosols: Which are released or produced by the composing process. Building materials
with epoxy and glue are a source of these toxins. The microorganism are absorbed onto dust particles
and are transported along with the dust. Bioaerosols can pose a hazard to susceptible members of the
public. Large scale compositing sites release Bioaerosols, particles of microbial, plant or animal origin.
They can include live or dead bacteria, fungi, viruses, allergens, bacterial endotoxins, antigens, toxins,
mycotoxin, gluons, pollen, plant fibers, etc. (BioCycle, November 2007).
Is A Public Nuisance: The city of Meridian defines a public nuisance as: Discarded matter which has
no substantial market value is exposed to the elements, and is not enclosed in any structure or
otherwise concealed from public view including, but not limited to; rubble, litter, asphalt, concrete,
plaster, tile, cardboard, paper, scrap wood, scrap metal, tires, broken glass, and/or other dilapidated
or deteriorating personnel property (Meridian City Code (MMC) 4-2-1)
On page 14 of the second modified DA redline copy section 6.9.5, Timbercreek states that they shall
not keep the recycling property and all associated grounds in a manner that constitutes a public
nuisance, as defined in Meridian City Code (MCC) 4-2-1.
Currently, Timbercreek is not adhering to Meridian City Code. The piles of concrete, scrap wood and
other construction materials are piled high and not enclosed in any structure nor concealed from
public view, which is in violation of Meridian City Code (MMC) 4-2-1.
Insufficient Landscaping_ As outlined in the original application Timbercreek was to plant trees and
other landscaping features to mitigate the sound generated on the recycling property by the recycling
activities. In the second modified DA redline copy on page 10, 6.4.2 Landscaping section, it states
that Timbercreek will maintain the trees and other landscaping features on the recycling property
which were installed in accordance with MCC 11-311-41D to mitigate the sound generated on the
recycling property by the recycling activities.
The trees that have been planted are not of significant height to mitigate the sound generated on the
property. Many of the trees have died and have had to be replaced, and some of those have died. No
additional landscaping features can be found on the property. Timbercreek has had ample time to
landscape their property and they have neglected to do so.
Increased Traffic: The traffic from the large commercial trucks making deliveries to the property on a
daily basis, including the increase traffic from the public visiting the facility to purchase compost and
other items for sale. Currently, we do not have the infrastructure to support the 600+ homes under
development let alone the additional trucks and cars that this facility will bring.
I was in attendance at the city council meeting on August 20, 2024 and I listened to Liz Strader saying
that the city council members are invested in public safety. This expansion is a public safety issue.
Our neighborhood has continued to grow. We now have a beautiful city park that many of us use daily.
We have a school now in operation and children are playing outside during Timbercreek operations,
exposing them to the silica dust while grinding concrete.
Our health and quality of life is the number one priority that the city should be focused on.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Matulonis-Edgar