2002-11-27 Enviromental Management Commission Minutes

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point of funding to operation. Bell and Capellas will discuss development opportunities on the landfill site after closure with Research and Development, Parks and Recreation, ProsecutorÓs Office and other parties that might be interested. SOLID WASTE ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA (SWANA) TRAINING Î LONG BEACH, CA: Capellas attended training in planning, design and operations of transfer stations such as the one the County will put in place with the closing of the landfill. HILO LANDFILL GAS MONITORING: Oxygen levels were normal and no methane was detected in the air in the October, 2002. KAILUA LANDFILL MONTHLY MONITORING ACTIVITY REPORTS: In October, 2002, although no smoke was observed, there were some burn marks at some surface cracks, and a new small surface crack was observed. Strong odor was observed at the summit and 8 sinkholes; moderate odor was observed at 3 other sinkholes. Although there is active burning in the unlined landfill and all indications point to continued activity for many years, the trend is getting better and the site is being monitored on a monthly basis. REQUEST TO DOH FOR VERTICAL EXPANSION OF THE HILO LANDFILL: FAA clearance would be required; the closure plan would require revision; and an ISWMP needs to be in place and active. The Regional Transfer Station design and funding should be in place before asking for expansion.The SORT station RFP is in process. Ono and Bell will discuss possibly identifying a consultant from the County Professional Services List to proceed with concept and scope identification. Commissioner Smith requested Capellas provide a transition plan for his successor and thanked him for his support. Wastewater Division ChiefÓs Report (attached to original minutes) SEWER CONNECTION EXEMPTIONS: The Corporation Counsel Opinion letter is a confidential matter that will be discussed in Executive Session. NORTH KONA IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT: Proposed ordinance has still received no action from council. Peter and Barbara will meet with Connie Kiriu, Legislative Auditor, regarding completing a short version of the ordinance to bring to council. NEW SEWER USER FEES: Boucher requested commission support for rate increases. A draft letter to the council proposes single family residence rates be immediately increased $9/unit/month and increase an additional $2/unit/month in two year increments until 2007-2008. At that time, the ratio between multi-unit residential and singl compare favorably to what the design standards for expected unit water flow would be. A non residential base rate adjustment to $27/unit/month or $28/unit/month was proposed, along with eliminating the exemption for the first 8000 gallons of water used. The intention is to move toward a system where the property owners are billed for the base fee for residential and non- residential. The business using the water would then be charged the consumption fee. Discharge fee for private haulers would be increased to $40 per 500 gallons. Boucher will present the final letter and ordinance at the next meeting. -3-