Integrated Resources & Solid Waste Management Plan Update - Dec 2009

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1 n �� ✓,4 This update to the Hawai'i County solid waste management plan (the Plan) presents an evaluation of the County's existing waste management practices and programs, explores opportunities for implementation of zero waste policies and practices, and outlines potential options for improving the waste management program. In addition, the Plan presents information on the status of active and closed landfills, historical information regarding the County's evaluation of waste reduction technology alternatives during the past decade, and potential options for expanding and extending the capacity of the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill (SHSL). The County of Hawai'i produced this plan in accordance with the requirements of HRS 342G. The information in the Plan is organized by section according to HRS 342G. Each section contains a description of the existing waste management practices and conditions, a brief summary of previous plan recommendations along with the status of implementation of those recommendations, a description of options available to the County for improvement of the waste management program, and recommendations for implementation. Development of this IRSWMP update was guided by a 12- member Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAG), appointed by the Mayor. SWAC members participated in 13 meetings at which they reviewed draft plan sections, debated key issues, developed plan goals (provided in Section 1), and shaped recommendations. Presentations to the County Council Environmental Management Committee were made on a monthly basis to solicit feedback from County Council members and the public on issues and options. In addition, input was requested from the public in a variety of forums including a series of public meetings, periodic meetings with community organizations, and routine posting of all draft documents and meeting minutes on the IRSWMP page of the County's website (htt]2: / /co.Hawai'i.hi.us /env mn &/iswmp.htm). The key recommendations included in this IRSWMP update have consensus support from the SWAC and are intended to balance the many interests of the various stakeholders within the County. The recommendations developed during this process have been organized into a 5 -year implementation plan. This IRSWMP update includes each of the plan sections covering various waste management topics, and the draft implementation plan. It includes responses to comments received from the State of Hawai'i Department of Health (HDOH), and is being submitted by the Mayor to the County Council for adoption. After adoption by the Council, the Plan will be presented to HDOH for final approval. Final approval by HDOH is anticipated by the first quarter of 2010. Historically, waste management in many areas including Hawai'i County consisted of collection, transfer, and disposal of garbage with a primary focus on protecting public health. Modern waste management practices must consider multiple driving factors, including protecting public health and the environment on both a local and global scale. The December 2009