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w ,Y C W COUNTY OF HAWAII U�4*ti OF 141p <br /> DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT <br /> SOLID WASTE DIVISION — RECYCLING SECTION 04 <br /> www.hawaiizerowaste.org <br /> - - ema 16a <br /> Organics Diversion Program <br /> Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) <br /> This FAQ has been prepared by the County of Hawai'i Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to <br /> clarify the County's plans to expand organics diversion by implementing compost operations in Hilo and Kona. It <br /> seeks Council approval of Resolution 34 -11 Authorizing the Payment of Funds of a Later Fiscal Year and of a <br /> Multi - fiscal Year Agreement for Furnishing and Implementing Organic Waste Diversion Sites and Compost <br /> Operations in West Hawaii and East Hawaii for the Department of Environmental Management. <br /> DEM has been operating a very successful organics diversion program for collection and mulching of green waste. <br /> To increase diversion and recycle the over 50% of organic waste that is still being disposed of at County landfills, it <br /> needs a compost operation. Composting will allow the County to divert more than just green waste, like paper, <br /> food and compostable plastic. <br /> In 2007, the County Council passed a resolution to adopt Zero Waste goals. In 2009, the County Council passed a <br /> resolution for DEM to implement a plan to prohibit food, paper and compostable organics from Hawaii County <br /> landfills by 2012. <br /> 1. How much will organics diversion cost? <br /> A. We will not know until we obtain proposals —estimates are $60 to $70 1ton <br /> 2. Why will compost operations cost more than mulching? <br /> A. Preliminary estimates are that costs for composting will cost more due to higher the cost of <br /> equipment and operations. It will be partially offset by the value of preserving the landfill <br /> space. Also according to EPA, composting can help suppress plant diseases and pests, reduce <br /> or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and promote higher yields of agricultural crops. <br /> What will be the track traffic and weight to Pu`uanahulu landfill? <br /> A. County SWD vehicles will be approximately 6 tractor truckloads per week for a total estimated <br /> weight of 72 tons or 12 tons per load. Commercial traffic is anticipated to be similar to current <br /> Kealakehe operations. Traffic impacts will be included in the future Environmental Assessment. <br /> 3. What will be the source points for the organics waste? <br /> A. County Transfer Station residential collection, commercial haulers and commercial generators <br /> like hotels, restaurants, landscapers etc. <br /> 4. What will be the operating hours? <br /> A. Same as the landfill. <br /> 5. What are the Hawaii names and oral history for the area around the Pu'uanahulu landfill and <br /> associated groundwater basin? <br /> A. Since the proposed compost site is on the same parcel as the current landfill, a cultural <br /> historical evaluation was included in the West Hawaii Landfill Environmental Impact <br /> Statement; Reference Appendix B Archaeological Reconnaissance. This was prepared in 1991 <br /> by Cultural Surveys Hawaii http: / /Www.culturalsurveys.com / and will be made available upon <br /> request. Composting versus landfilling is a more environmentally responsible method of <br /> managing waste and, unlike with landfills, no residuals are left on the / site after processing. <br /> Comm. No d b • 7. <br /> February 15, 2011 Ref. To- Page 1 of 2 <br /> Ref. Date B 15 1 i <br />