2013-07-31 Minutes Environmental Management Commission

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are needed. The department also requested that no new exemptions be added to the code specific to any one area such as Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). The department will continue to attend the Keaukaha Community Association meetings and communicate with DHHL on a regular basis. Update on efforts to procure a Waste To Energy (WTE) facility - The department is currently reviewing the County's past Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Proposal (RFP). - The department will also be reviewing Maui County's recent Waste to Energy (WTE) Request for Proposal (RFP). The Director noted that the Big Island tonnage is less than Maui's. - Requirements that will be included in the new RFP: • Prior operating experience with municipal solid waste (MSW); • Have facilities that have been in operation at least two years and that process the amount of MSW comparable to the County's tonnage (approximately 200 tons /day); • Can show that their technology is proven; - Companies that have been in contact with the department are using specific and uniform feedstock such as mac nuts and wood chips, unlike MSW which is not uniform in size, density or moisture. - Because of our small tonnage, many companies with proven track records will not be interested in Bidding or participating. They need a larger facility and more MSW tonnage for it to be financially feasible. - Because the department may need flexibility in directing traffic flow, the council may be requested to delete its recent amendments to the code. West Hawaii trash may be needed at the WTE facility in East Hawaii to ensure enough quantity to operate the facility. - The European experience of not having landfills by moving forward on recent WTE technology involves shipping /transporting trash to another country (known as Trash Without Borders). - Other means of handling our trash would impact the County's decision in moving forward with WTE. - The Director will continue to update the commission on the department's progress as it goes forward in obtaining an alternate solid waste disposal method in East Hawaii. Following a review of the Tropical Storm Flossie event, the following items were deemed necessary for future emergencies: - Better signage - Better education - Private Haulers' call list - PSA's specific to landfills and transfer station closures. 7. NEW BUSINESS Discussion on how the commission can best assist and support the new director and department The following suggestions were made: - Research additional sources of funding that might be available for department use, i.e. grants. - Support the department's priorities to the county council. Talk with your district's councilmember and attend /testify when department items are on the council agendas. - During the last Integrated Resources and Solid Waste Management Plan ( IRSWMP) review process, DOH changed the plan update requirement from 5 to 10 years so the current plan was implemented as a 5 -year plan. ■ Review the current IRSWMP and provide recommendations to the department relating to the need for possible interim amendments.