Vertis Process Water Treatment Plant Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Amendment Case No. CUP25-000003 (An amendment to original CUP2017-003)

The current site operator and applicant, Vertis, proposes to implement and construct a proprietary water treatment plant as designed by Tailwater Systems. The treatment system (referred to as “AquaReclaim”) is designed to collect and treat irrigation drain water from cannabis growing operations. The “AquaReclaim” process is a scalable and comprehensive process that enables cannabis growers to reuse their high effluent electrocoagulation (Ec) drainage and process water. The “AquaReclaim” treatment system will treat the cooling water blowdown from the onsite combined heat and power (CHP) systems contained within the existing Phase I CHP Plant located to the east of the proposed water treatment plant site. The resulting treated water will be used to supplement and enhance the existing onsite CHP system. No storage of wastewater generated by the plant is planned. During backwash (every three to four days), a portable cart is brought out with a five (5) micron filter and 10-micron granular activated carbon (GAC) filter per the manufacturer instructions. A temporary layflat hose connects the filtered backwash output. The applicant will use the existing sewer connection located at the northeast corner of the existing CHP facility. A layflat hose will be manually connected, as needed, allowing treated water to flow through the existing metered connection to the sanitary sewer. No additional sewer modifications are planned or needed for this project. The system does not process any human waste. Treated water flow to the sewer connection is not anticipated during normal operation. This will be done manually using the existing metered/sampled connection. The proposed project includes the installation of tanks, ion/manganese filter, nanofiltration, ion exchange, clarifier, and various chemical feeders, waste collection, piping, and pumps to create the complete treatment system. The water treatment plant site would consist of a 4,500-square-foot evaporation site and a 4,000-square-foot equipment pad located at the far northwestern corner of the project parcel. The project site sits south of Airport Road, which forms the northern boundary of the project site. No existing trees or vegetation will require removal as part of the proposed project. The proposed project would require approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) to allow for proposed uses, and is currently in progress. Grading at the project site would be minimal, if any, and limited to leveling the surface for proper drainage. This may involve removing grass and installing a pond liner. The proposed project is not expected to require any new employees.