2010-11-24 Enviromental Management Commission Minutes (2)

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The department is awaiting receipt of $250,000 fair share funds to upgrade recycling activities at the transfer stations. E-waste disposal options were discussed: (1) locally, Kona CompuCycle and Bay Side Computers are accepting e-waste from residents at no charge; (2) the State’sMail-Back System Program for participating electronics manufacturers begins January 1, 2011. More information on the State Program can be found on our HawaiiZeroWaste.org website. Uses for the Sort Station are now being discussed and decided upon. Equipment has already been purchased and staff will be shuffled to accommodate the operations. Utilizing the Sort Station has potential to increase diversion rates significantly. Director DeMarco encouraged the commission members to talk with their council members regarding the department operating and CIP budgets. Wastewater Division Report (attached to original minutes) The Division is monitoring and reviewing the laboratory contractor’s performance and procedures in Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing (WETT) for the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Director will obtain answers from the division to the following questions posed by commissioners: (1) Are conducting the WETT tests in house being considered? (2) Is the division submitting Asset Management Program reports to the department? Can commissioners also receive the reports? (3) What is the outcome of the Sewer Rate Study? Will it result in a request for sewer fee rate increases? Director’s Report (attached to original minutes) “UNDER-ONE-ROOF” is moving forward. The county is in negotiations with the management of Puainako Town Center to remodel the office to accommodate the current staff, and all department staff located at 108 Railroad. The division believes the temporary HOVE transfer station can be operated and maintained for $2,000 per day as estimated. The timeline for the Legislative Audit of the department is unknown at this time. RW Beck has been selected to prepare a feasibility study for expansion of the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill. An estimated life of 3 to 5 years remains on the landfill. Commission Member District Update Reports DISTRICT 1: Commissioner Enright met with Councilmember Yagong and discussed department rates and fees. He asked the department staff what he should address in his meetings with Yagong. DISTRICT 9: Commissioner Warner met with Councilmember Hoffmann and reported that the Councilman wants to again introduce a plastic bag ban ordinance. He is also working on an impact fees bill. Sub-Committee Reports - None UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. - None NEW BUSINESS 7.