Organics Management – Compost Facility Permit in Germantown, Wisconsin

Waste Management of Wisconsin (WMWI) retained SCS Engineers to permit a new compost facility. The facility was a non-exempt facility intending to accept more than 20,000 cubic yards (CY) of yard waste and more than 500 CY of food waste.

Permitting of a facility of this size required an Initial Site Inspection as well as a Plan of Operation detailing a design that meets specific code requirements. The permitting was performed during a time when changes were proposed to the state compost regulations. SCS prepared the Plan of Operation to meet the existing code requirements while including those requirements in the proposed rule that may affect the facility. In addition to working through the code concerns with WMWI and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), the SCS team met the extensive requirements of the local permitting agencies.

Value and Accomplishments

• The SCS team created a sustainable solution by addressing the permitting process using both current code and the proposed new rule while working closely with WDNR. Together, we were able to streamline current permitting and address changes as proposed in the new rule for future permitting.
• The SCS team expressed a thorough understanding of the proposed compost rule and was able to summarize those changes expediting the project. The compost facility is successfully permitted.

Services Performed

• Initial Site Inspection Request for WDNR submittal.
• Local permitting with the Village including the Storm Water Management Plan report, permit application, and Conditional Use Permit.
• Permitting with Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District.
• Preparation of the Water Resources Application for Project Permits (WRAPP) and Erosion and Storm Water Control Plans for the state.
• Balanced the existing code with the proposed rule to prepare the Plan of Operation for WDNR review.