2017-11-28 Environmental Management Commission Minutes

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Vice Chair Bennett said he recommends that the EMC adopt the distinctions of R-1, R-2, and R-3 and use them. The other recommendation is that all County municipal wastewater be disinfected to the R-1 level. Director Kucharski pointed out that there are two issues: the discharge standards and control of TSS (total suspended solids). The suspended solids are going to be the food source for organisms. By removing the solids, you remove the food source and growth mechanism for the organisms. If they were to do the R-1 level, it would be power and energy intensive. Chlorination will kill the bacteria but not the viruses. Ultraviolet (UV) will kill the viruses as well, and he much prefers using UV. All their systems would need to be moved to a UV treatment system, and that is his goal. There are ramifications: the cost to upgrade, the maintenance, the power use, and also needing to have a stable power supply. Chlorine, if you’re not careful, will kill whatever it touches, including coral and other things that are necessary for the ocean’s lifecycle. On the drinking water side, there are also issues. Ozone is effective but not long-lasting. Chlorine lasts a long time and you can see the disinfection at the end point. In sum, to go to a UV system would require a lot of money, but it would be money well spent. However, if there is a power failure, the whole disinfection system would shut down; and that is a major implication on operations, maintenance, and safety. There is no quick and easy answer, but he would like to see it happen. Motion and second: Vice Chair Bennett said he would entertain a motion to recommend they adopt the terminology of the State. Commissioner Osborne so moved, and Commissioner Olson seconded the motion. Motion and second: Vice Chair Bennett asked whether they wanted to include in the recommendation that all municipal wastewater be disinfected to the R-1 level as feasible. Commissioner Fear so moved, and Commissioned Olson seconded the motion. Vote: All members present voted aye. d. Proposed bill to amend Hawaiʻi County Code Chapter 20, relating to fee schedule. Director Kucharski said there is a proposed bill to increase solid waste tipping fees that will come before the Council’s Finance Committee on December 4, 2017. The fees were last increased in 2007. He looked at a 2% CPI from 2007 to 2018, and that gave him a number of about $115-117 per ton. They are currently charging $85 per ton. He proposed to the Mayor that starting July 1, 2018, they charge $101 per ton and then increase it by $3 per ton over the next several years, bringing the charge to $115 per ton in 2022. This would bring in approximately $1.8 million to the Solid Waste Division. He put it before the Council now so that it will be known whether it passes or not, before their budgets for next year are finalized. He said he has already spoken with most of the Councilmembers to explain the bill. He pointed out that the County of Hawaiʻi is the most generous government entity he has ever seen as far as dealing with solid waste. There are numerous transfer stations, and approximately 42% of all the waste deposited in the landfill is subsidized 100% by the County. 6