2015-07-22 Environmental Management Commission Minutes

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time,there is no current technology anywhere in the country that would could be used to achieve the permit requirements. - Funding for two additional department engineers has been approved in the current budget. These positions will be assigned to the county building/planning process and will assist on SWD and WWD projects as needed. - WWD is reviewing the consultant's alternatives and recommendations for the Ulu Wini WWTP modifications which might also include a rebuild of the facility to meet EPA and DOH standards. The intent of the division is to provide R2 water for irrigation purposes. - The WWD has interviewed and extended an offer to an applicant for the Project Manager position. SOLID WASTE DIVISION - The Volcano Transfer Station renovation has been completed. There were a number of thefts that happened when the station was unattended before and/or after work hours. Expanding some services is possible at a later time. - Renovations on the Glenwood Transfer Station are currently taking place. - The next renovation is scheduled for Wai`ohinu and the bid is out for this work. - The green waste tipping fee has been implemented and an assessment will be done 90 days following the implementation. The reduction in commercial green waste disposers has allowed for better traffic flow for residents at the Kealakehe TS. - The department is waiting for the permit renewal approval for green waste disposal at the Waimea TS. - The Organics Diversion RFP has been forwarded to the County Purchasing Agent for review/edit and release. The commissioners requested that the new RFP include a request for treatment of invasive species. The county is requesting an in-vessel operation that will include the intake of food waste and contaminated paper. The facility site will be the Kiyosaki Quarry in Hilo. An Environmental Assessment(EA)has been started and a building permit and DOH permit will be required of the vendor before operations can begin. Commissioner Osborne requested that an education component be included in the department RFP's. • Commission Member District Update Reports—includes information obtained from meetings with council members and district residents since the last commission meeting District 8: Commissioner Fear said that the Kealakehe TS closed early during one of his previous trips. District 9: Commissioner Fritz questioned why staff stayed all day on Sunday for green waste disposal at Puako TS instead of dropping off equipment and returning at the end of the day. The Director indicated she would ask the SWD Chief but indicated it was a DOH permit requirement that all TS's are attended during operating hours. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Update and discussion on Bill 33:An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2,Article 40,Section 2-202; Chapter 20,Article 3,Sections 20-31,20-35,and 20-36; and Chapter 20,Article 5,of the Hawaii County Code 1983(2005 edition,as Amended),Relating to Refuse—Councilmember Margaret Wille (attached to original minutes). - Bills 32 and 33 are on the 7/23/15 Environmental Management Council Committee agenda. - Wille plans to withdraw Bill 32 and submit an amendment to Bill 33 (attached to original minutes)to include paying for bags to use for disposal of household trash. - She indicated that the numbers found on page 2, Section 3 are estimates. - The definition of"compostables"was amended. - Section 4 relating to fee amounts is open for discussion. - Sections 5 &6 would allow commercial haulers to use the transfer stations. The Director stated that current permits for transfer stations do not allow commercial disposal. If passed,this bill could not take effect until the county submitted and received a request for permit amendments from the State DOH. - This bill would require full time attendants at all transfer stations and the SWD is not currently staffed to provide that service. Funding would be needed for additional staff and increased security. Budget is a big concern for the department. - Wille also is proposing that the landfill tipping fee be increased to$100/ton. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.