COM 0272.002 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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due to the significant environmental questions involved with mixed waste processing and the tact that the project would become the major element in the County's waste management strategy for East Hawaii, a full EIS would most likely be required. PRODUCTION OF A REFUSE DERIVED FUEL: The costs related to producing a RDF greatly exceed the fuel value of the product (shredded RDF is generally produced for on-site use, it is low density and costly to haul -for off-site use pelletizing is often required which adds additional costs) The utilization of the fuel in local boilers would require major modifications of emissions control systems, and generate an ash requiring disposal in a specially designated monofill. Politically it would be difficult and take a require a lengthy approval process to site and operate a MSW combustion facility. If the Plan is to develop a RDF processing facility as a Quick Fix you may find the project facing considerable delays. Based on Oahu's opposition to H-Power in the early 80's I would anticipate a land use approval battle in excess of five years. Can Hawaii afford to wait that long for a solution to your problem? Is there the political will to carry out this type of project through two elections? A RECOMMENDATION FOR THE COUNTY: Recycling is a fairly new and emerging technology and both the technical solutions and economics are improving annually. Rural collection systems are emerging which can overcome the remaining barrier, the inefficiencies of curbside collection in low density communities. Fiber prices, while fluctuating from recent high levels, now make collection of commercially generated source separated paper an economical alternative. Locking the county into a capital intensive, inflexible option may limit the County's choices in the future. The composting of MSW is an emerging technology which has received mixed reviews from existing mainland programs. Many composting operators are modifying their operations to process a select waste stream composed of source separated organics in order to minimize the processing costs and contamination problems, insure a higher value for non-compostable recyclables, and create a high grade product for marketing. At the same time existing Dirty MRFs are modifying their operations to process a waste stream composed of source separated residential recyclables and select commercial loads with a high fiber content, while handling yardwaste and commercial greenwaste through a separate system. Such a system can minimize the processing costs and contamination problems, insure a higher value for the recyclables and compostables, Nationally the trend is towards the development of multi-faceted facilities which provide flexibility and allow the community to minimize both capital and operating Costs. For Hawaii County this could include a source separated MRF with a capacity of roughly 50 tons/day in conjunction with a 100 ton/day transfer station to long haul the balance and "Clean Green" processing area for delivery to a separate composting operation.