Agenda - 12-01-2008 - 3d - Laserfiche WebLink

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• many of the WTP discussed in the report are, at this time, considered unproven, have limited operating experience, have only operated at a experimental scale or are presently under development, have already been proven unreliable/infeasible, or still have very high technological risk factors, • mass burn waste to energy and pre-processing for a refuse derived fuel are the most proven, environmentally secure, and technologically reliable WPT, • County sponsorship and public ownership would be required to insure capital, waste flow control, and financing, • all WPT are compatible with a high level of recycling, and • siting a WPT will likely be as politically difficult as siting a landfill, although less space would be required for the WPT. The Solid Waste Advisory Board and staff advises: While some WPT options may appear to have a degree of technical and environmental feasibility, there is little short-term potential for waste processing technologies for Orange County. There is insufficient waste available to support such a facility and the inherent technological and financial risks are deemed exorbitant. Current energies and attention should remain focused on completion of the transfer station development process and the comprehensive, long-term, planning process underway by the Solid Waste Management Work Group. Recommendations likely to surface through the Work Group's deliberations, if ultimately adopted by the BOCC, will themselves require considerable time (3-5 years), energy and resources to effectively implement. Work Group recommendations are anticipated to be presented to the elected bodies by the spring 2009. The SWAB .discussed the report at its September 4 meeting and developed a recommendation (attached). The Solid Waste Management Department concurs with the SWAB recommendation. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with receiving the Solid Waste Process Technology Assessment. There would be considerable cost associated with the adoption for implementation. The cost of conducting the technology assessment is $16,500. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board receive the attached report and consultant presentation and request additional clarification or information if needed.