Minutes - 20090514 - Laserfiche WebLink

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- Based upon the most recent landfill capacity survey and if the transfer station is operational by March 1, 2012, approximately four months (18,300 tons) of capacity would remain with no additional diversion beyond UNC's waste. Diversion has the potential to increase the remaining disposal capacity of the landfill (over the remaining capacity at the point in time the transfer station is placed in service) from 250 percent to 150 percent depending upon when diversion of waste is actually initiated. The two major components of preserving landfill capacity are the diversion of waste prior to completion of the transfer station and a significant reduction in the landfill acceptance rate once the transfer station is in service. Financial Impacts of Preserving Landfill Capacity: - The County would see a reduction in tipping fee revenue of approximately $37,400/month during the period of diversion. - The loss in revenue would be recovered in the future as the preserved capacity is utilized. - Haulers of diverted waste may incur additional costs until the transfer station is operational. Summary of Findings and Conclusions: Based on preliminary discussions with DENR and current solid waste rules and regulations, it appears that preserving landfill capacity can be accomplished provided that the County continues to follow its approved Operating Plan for the landfill. In order to comply with the requirements of the Operating Plan, the County must continue operating the facility essentially as it is today, which includes maintaining equipment and managing the site on a daily basis — i.e., control of surface water, erosion control, environmental monitoring, odor and vector control, etc. The County would also have to continue to comply with reporting requirements, payment of annual fees, disposal tax, and applying for permit renewals as required. Mayor Foy arrived at 7:50 PM. Commissioner Jacobs asked where the 17% would be diverted to and Gayle Wilson said that it would be various private hauling companies and various businesses or citizens that haul directly to the landfill. Most of the 17% is public waste, Waste Industries, or Waste Management. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the potential for Hillsborough to go to Durham and how this affects the calculation. Gayle Wilson said that there would be some impact on the capacity, but only months and not years. Mayor Stevens said that the current site is significantly less expensive for Hillsborough than the Durham site. Commissioner Jacobs said that he has lived in places where there are huge garbage mountains and he asked why the waste in the landfill could not go up instead of staying flat. Gayle Wilson said that it is a function of geometry and there is only a certain footprint available in which to bury waste. To maintain the State required slope percentages, it dictates how high the waste can be. The County Commissioners asked clarifying questions on the costs, which were answered by Bob Sallach.