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Home My WebLink About06.a.2) Update on proposals for use of the Kiewit property (Handout)6.a.2) (Handad)- Item No. 6.a.2) Sustainable Farm Proposal for Kiewit Property Danea Gemmell Board Meeting February 21, 2013 Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Farm Proposal Plan N T a� t 0-9 Gww.dY : 0:.4 4 GOA,.0 L6 WMa .9 1;4 T.hw� 2 Airport Safety Zone Map KIEWIT PROPERTY UPDATE Board Meeting 2/21/13 Clean Fill Operation 6. a. 2) • The analytical data collected from the most recent soil sampling performed on 1/25/2013 and 1/26/2013 at the Kiewit Property did not reveal any evidence of contamination in the soil which would warrant further investigation. • 100 total soil samples have been collected from the property to date. • The majority of the analytical results were either non - detect or below RWQCB Soil Environmental Screening Levels (ESL's) for commercial /industrial land use. • The analytical data for all samples are below hazardous waste limits. Two metals, Arsenic and Vanadium were detected consistently across the property however they were low concentrations below background levels for our area. • On February 11 th, County Quarry was notified that grading operations can commence. • County Quarry has engaged a survey firm to review topo data and will be reviewing with staff on Friday, Feb 22 "d, before starting grading; plans are to start grading the following week in accordance with approved grading plan. • Staff has engaged ESA, an environmental science and planning firm as recommended by Airport and previously used by District for Negative Declaration work. They are experienced in FAA regulations on airport design and allowable plants that will not be "Wildlife Attractants ". ESA will be reviewing the erosion control seed mix, submitted by the Farm proponents to County Quarry to see if it is suitable. • Seed mix would be applied in mid March to complete the requirements of the Lease Agreement for Clean Fill operation. Airport • Danea Gemmell and Kent Alm met with Beth Lee on Feb 5th to provide update on conceptual endorsement, discuss Land Use Permit process and receive input. They were apprised of an Aviation Advisory Committee (AAC) on Feb 14th which had the Sustainable Farm on the agenda for review and invited to attend. • The AAC is a ten person committee that serves as a liaison with the airport and the community and is appointed by the Board of Supervisors. While they do not approve land use permits, they provide input to the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) that reviews all permits and provides conditions to Contra Costa County Conservation and Development Department. • AAC expressed general support of the farm concept, though may not be appropriate at this location. There was concern about the soccer proposal. They discussed the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan which provided a 30 6. a. 2) person per acre density limit on the site, but also expressed concerns about the "type" of people on site —Youth in general. • Concerns raised about the farm included: • Birds as Wildlife Attractants • "Aircraft engines are dirtiest on take -off" and contain lead in fuel; may need to do a test program to compare crops grown on site with those out of area • Lettuce and kale might attract geese • Need additional details on plan to include if children will be in fields or kept in Safety Zone 4 triangle • David Pfeiffer, businessman on AAC indicated that he thought the farm did not belong at end of runway as it provided an ongoing limitation for the airport • Tom Webber (also on the ALUC) felt that if approved that strict compliance of conditions would be necessary, assurance for birds not presenting a problem and a mitigation condition for onsite pollutants would need to be included • Origin of FAA letter included in packet: o Airport Director Keith Freitas received multiple inquiries dating back to November 2012 about the farm from a number of sources including Derek Mims (AAC), Carolyn Phinney, Rick Hernandez (during fact finding for Enterprise Committee), Danea Gemmell and Kent Alm Jan 24th conference call. o He spoke to his FAA Certification Inspector (from LA region) during a visit to address current events and developments that could impact airport. o Information was passed on from Cert Inspector to FAA Compliance Officer for San Francisco office that produced Robin Hunt Feb 13th letter. Soccer • After discussion with Frank Gorham and his partner Cameron Coltharp for Pleasant Hill Martinez Soccer regarding AAC comments and FAA letter, Danea Gemmell received an email on Feb 20th that states: "We understand the situation and will not pursue this property any longer. Thank you and thank all those at CCCSD who offered support. Somehow, someday we will find something that works." Farm 6. a. 2) • Kick -off Meeting on Feb 4th to discuss operational plan with Carolyn Phinney and Bethallyn Black. Features include: 0 5 acres farmed to give away food 0 5 acres farmed for profit 0 2 acres of community gardens 0 1 acre Barn structure in Safety Zone 4 which will also be a teaching facility 0 1 acre of infrastructure (parking lot, storage facilities) and a farm stand to sell produce o Prefer the west side of the property o No lights, not sure how to provide potable water, would like solar or wind power to have farm "off the grid" • Received an additional 350 signatures in support of farm on Feb 11 th that was handed out to the Enterprise Committee. • Feb 20th Contra Costa Council Economic Development group received presentation from District staff and farm proponents with conceptual. Ongoing Development • Meeting with Harris and Associates on Feb 22nd to discuss a proposal for design assistance to submit Land Use Application. • Commercial proposal: • County Quarry not interested in pursuing additional "Clean Fill" operation, however may be interested in additional storage yard site; currently leasing 5000 square feet for Rubberized Asphalt Equipment at $0.10 per s.f. per month. • May be suitable for construction staging. Met with member of CCTA Technical Advisory Committee to discuss HWY 680/4 interchange improvements which is currently a 5 -phase project which is in preliminary design. o Staff looking at RFP options to locate a potential tenant. o May assist if crop buffers are necessary to avoid Wildlife Attractants to the airport.