Executive Summary of Integrated Resources & Solid Waste Management Plan Update - Dec 2009

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • Restructuring operations of existing recycling and transfer stations and landfills including adding full -time transfer station attendants, reducing transfer station operating days and hours, and potentially closing selected transfer stations • Completing improvements to all recycling and transfer stations to accommodate mandatory recycling/ source separation and a PAYT system • Completing upgrades to selected recycling and transfer stations to create additional reuse centers • Siting, designing and constructing a MRF at the WHSL, and re- configuring the East Hawai'i Regional Sort Station Reload Facility to convert it to a MRF while the SHSL is active • Acquisition of green waste composting operations at the WHSL or other sites • Processing green waste at select recycling and transfer stations with a mobile tub grinder; material would be ground on -site and made available to residents as mulch Conducting More In -Depth Evaluations of Two Options to Address the Need for Long -Term Capacity for Residuals Needing Disposal: The SHSL is estimated to have between five (5) and eight (8) years of remaining capacity, and the County should act quickly to identify replacement treatment or disposal capacity. After analysis of many treatment and disposal options, this IRSWMP update recommends further evaluation of the following two options for providing long -term residuals management for East Hawaii: 1. Re- configuring the Reload Facility at the SHSL, and trucking waste to West Hawai'i 2. Developing a new lined landfill in the existing quarry site adjacent to the current SHSL that would provide an estimated fifty (50) or more years of additional disposal capacity The result of preliminary cost estimates prepared for this IRSWMP update are as follows, and a more detailed discussion of each option is provided in Section 9: Per -ton Cost (2009$) Landfill Options Low High Transfer waste from East Hawai'i to the WHSL $82 Expand SHSL into quarries $69 $73 While the preliminary analysis conducted to date indicates that the landfill expansion appears to be the less costly option, there are many risks associated with a new landfill that would not be present with the trucking option. Thus, further studies should be conducted to determine the feasibility, costs, risks, timelines, and social and environmental impacts associated with these options. For example, assessing the feasibility of the expanded landfill option will require consultation with HDOH, and preliminary engineering, environmental review, land use, and permitting activities. Updating the feasibility of the trucking option should including further analysis of the Reload Facility and associated hauling operations, haul routes, traffic issues, and equipment acquisition plans. ES -6 December 2009