2017-06-28 Environmental Management Commission Minutes

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support. o Mr. Olson moved to ask Council Member Eoff to introduce this Resolution to the County Council. Dr. Bennett seconded, and it carried unanimously. 5. NEW BUSINESS: a. Discussion on Landfill Permit Process o Chair Fritz stated the concern with this process is that customers are required to submit and get notarized a Landfill Permit every year. Has other accounts of credit that doesn't require a notary. o Mr. Goodale stated there's a long history behind why this process was started, and it was based on a lot of consultation with Corporation Counsel. It was brought to the Department's attention that they had a lot of delinquent accounts. By implementing this process, the Solid Waste Division (SWD) has been successful in collecting debts and preventing the issues from occurring in the first place. o Ms. Felipe stated in 2011 delinquency for SWD was about $3 million. Currently our over 90 days delinquency is about $350,000. The Landfill permit process consists of a one page permit application and a notary page. This process allows us to annually update the businesses information every year, and also obtain necessary information needed to collect on delinquent accounts. The notary page is to list a Guarantor and to ensure that individual is aware he/she is responsible for making payment. o Chair Fritz expressed his appreciation for explaining why the Landfill permit process is set up this way. He asked what the status is on businesses who still have delinquent accounts. Ms. Felipe responded stating some have monthly payments, and they are not allowed to have extended credit. Instead, if they still dispose at the Landfill, they need to pay as they go. o Mr. Goodale stated the SWD is in discussion to look at a few things that could possibly be streamlined a little more. One item they are looking at is to reduce the payment period from 90 days to 30 days. Any changes made to the Landfill permit process will be presented to the Commission. o Mr. Fear asked what the current cost per ton is and if the SWD is planning on increasing the fees. Mr. Goodale responded stating the current cost per ton is $85.00 and they are looking into raising the fees. The last rate increase was in 2007. o Mr. Fritz stated he's glad we're not in arrears and the system seems to be working. b. Review of letter to Director Pressler of State of Hawaii Department of Health regarding disposal of untreated wastewater in the ground o Dr. Bennett stated a conversation was initiated with the previous Director of DEM, BJ Leithead Todd, on whether or not partially treated wastewater put in a seepage sump was being disinfected. Research done by USGS suggested there was a source of bacteria coming in to the harbor, near the rock wall at the eastern edge. At the time Ms. Leithead Todd stated there was no requirement by Department of Health (DOH) to disinfect this water. This issue came up again two months ago in conversation with Director Kucharski, who also stated it's correct that DOH has no requirement. This requirement is also true for every wastewater injection well on this island and perhaps statewide. Dr. Bennett stated, DOH's belief is that somehow the ground filters all this stuff, however there's no data to support this. o Director Kucharski stated that although DOH does not require disinfection, it does not mean we do not have to do it. Wastewater from Kealakehe is disinfected before being discharged. o Dr. Bennett's recommendation is that DOH change its Administrative Rules to require that 2