Hillsborough County’s Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) has announced a virtual public meeting relating to a request for two incinerators in Lutz.
The EPC has received an application from Louis Geraci LLLP, seeking an air permit to allow two air curtain incinerators (ACIs).
The proposed air permit will be for operation of two permanent, above-ground ACIs at a new commercial vegetative yard waste and land clearing debris disposal facility, to be located at 1225 Crystal Lake Road, according to the EPC announcement.
The project is planned on the north side of Crystal Lake Road, across from Idlewild Baptist Church’s north parking lot, according to Jay Muffly, of the Lutz Civic Association.
The applications calls for an air permit relating to the installation of two permanent, above-ground ACIs and associated material handling operations on the property.
This type of operation has the potential to generate smoke and dust from the burning and handling of the materials, according to the EPC notice.
The notice explains that an ACI is designed to blow a curtain of air over the burning material to promote efficient combustion, and minimize the emission of smoke and embers.
The EPC does not regulate any zoning, siting, transportation or location matters.
The EPC has notified nearby property owners and registered neighborhood organizations, and will host a virtual community meeting on Aug. 23 at 6 p.m., to provide an overview of the proposed project, the process for public comments, and an opportunity to address questions and provide answers.
The community notice also points out that operation of an ACI for yard trash disposal also requires a Yard Trash Disposal Facility General Permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and requires the authorization of the EPC director, issued by the EPC’s Waste Division.
The public meeting is expected to last 90 minutes. The link to register for the virtual meeting was expected to be available on Aug. 16, after The Laker/Lutz News went to press.
To request access to the link or find out more, contact Diana M. Lee at 813-627-2600, ext. 1276.
Published August 17, 2022
