2011-07-27 Environmental Management Commission Minutes

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Mr. Id's Recycling in Hilo is now taking a -waste at no charge to residents except for Tv'. There is a .o /ton charge for televisions. The department continues to encourage residents to recycle their e -waste and not to dispose of it in the landfills. The director asked the commission to engage in and continue dialogue of long -term - waste solutions. The commission asked and the outgoing director responded with his opinions on the following: Waste-to-Energy TE It is an evolving science. It is not cost effective for small islands such as ours. There are local private companies interested in pursuing wTE solutions. The current Integrated Resource and Solid waste Management Flan IRSwf P does not include a WTE option. Commission Direction Be more active in decision making. Engage your council members with the department's issues. Continue to work with the Director and Department staff closely. Continue to help the commission grow and develop. Talk to community groups regarding the department "s issues. The director reiterated that these were his personal opinions. Commission member Okoj i suggested the commission prepare a strategic plan to assist in reaching these goals. Commission Member District Update Deports: done 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Update on the sewer connection waiver/exemption policy Deputy Director Bishop indicated that the department met with the I e ukaha Association and that the department was well received and the meeting was very instructive as residents voiced their concerns. These meetings will continue. The final draft of the polio will be brought to the September 28`x' meeting for discussion and action by the commission. The chair took a recess at 9:37 a.m. The meeting was re- adjourned at 9-.44 a.m. 7. NEW BUSINESS Presentation of the Sewer Rate Study prepared by SAID' (formerly lbw Beck) Dora Beck, P.E. wastewater Division Chief, presented the draft Sewer Rate Study (attached to original), noting: This is preliminary information and there are no dollar amounts to share at this time. This draft is instructional only. The goals of the presentation: Background information on wastewater facilities. Wastewater projects and budget challenges. Why a sewer rate increase? Outline Sewer Rate Study. Eventually seek endorsement of the proposed sewer rate increase. Today, receive EMC feedback. Following the presentation, commission members requested Wastewater Division to provide the commission with a priority list of repairs. They also requested Wastewater Division to Provide them with revenue and cost numbers