HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0800.003 2010-2012Murashige, Laura
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Pl COUNCIL
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From: Henry, Sharron [shenry@co.hawaii.hi.us]
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 8:44 AM
To: counciltestimony @ co.hawaii.hi.us
Cc: Beck, Dora; btakaba @co.hawaii.hi.us; Goodale, Gregory; Peters, Linda; Torigoe, Ivan; Chin -
Chance, Chris
Subject: TESTIMONY - BILL 286 DR 2 9/19/12 COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA ITEM
Importance: High
TESTIMONY FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
RE BILL 286, DRAFT 2
SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 COUNCIL MEETING
CHAIR YAGONG AND HAWAI'I COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS,
Information pertaining to available disposal and recycling options for commercial used cooking oil waste (UCO) and
commercial fats, oil and grease waste (FOGs) was recently brought to the Department of Environmental
Management's (DEM) attention. This information has led to several items of concern which if not addressed will
negatively impact the County's current Solid Waste management practices and commercial businesses that either
generate or haul UCO and FOGs waste.
DEM understands the intent of the proposed code amendment prohibiting dumping of commercial cooking oil
waste and commercial FOGs at County Solid Waste facilities in order to promote recycling and reduce the
materials entering the landfills. However, DEM believes that the items of concern should be addressed through
further discussion and thought before final approval of this legislation.
Items of concern to DEM:
1. Lack of State Department of Health Permitted Facilities and capacity on this island to convert commercial
UCO waste or commercial FOG waste, or both into biodiesel or renewable fuel, compost or other
marketable product. Recent information indicates that there is one facility currently pursuing a permit to
convert both commercial UCO and FOG waste but this has not happened yet. In addition, there is one
facility on this island that is permitted to receive only UCO from commercial sources and process it into
biodiesel though their permitted capacity is limited.
2. Absence of competition due to a very limited number of facilities who are permitted to process commercial
UCO and FOGs waste. This can be perceived as the County favoring a particular business.
3. Lack of a facility for the disposal of unwanted and non - recyclable commercial UCO waste and FOG waste
prior to conversion once the County Landfill is not allowed to accept this material. Currently, the West
Hawai'i Sanitary Landfill (WHSL) is the only facility permitted to accept FOGs for disposal.
4. Haulers and generators of UCO waste and FOG waste may not have been informed of this legislation that
prohibits commercial UCO and FOGs waste to the County Landfill. This could have an impact on their
business practices if they need to consider disposal /recycling alternatives.
Potential Problems that may arise as a result of this legislation:
1. To DEM's knowledge, there are no facilities on the West side of the island pursuing the status of a
"permitted recycling facility ". The limited location, capacity and the availability of this service for users on
both sides of the island could result in increased transportation costs for haulers.
9/18/2012
Comm. ' o, $00.3
Ref. To: enfea atmiei
Ref. Date SEP 19 7919
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2. Discontinuing the solidification operation for unwanted and non - recyclable commercial UCO waste and FOG waste
at the (WHSL) may result in direct dumping of UCO and FOG waste into the County landfill and transfer stations.
3. Pursuant to current County Code, the County Wastewater Treatment Plants do not accept FOG waste from haulers.
The options for the haulers are to bring this waste to the solidification operation at the WHSL. Discontinuing the
solidification operation may likely result in illegal dumping.
DEM Recommendation prior to finalizing this legislation:
1. The legislative branch should contact the affected haulers of UCO and FOG waste to see how this legislation will
affect their activities and business and provide a report of findings.
2. Wait until additional permitted recycling facilities capable of processing both UCO and FOGs are established on
both sides of the island before prohibiting UCO and FOG waste drop -off at the WHSL.
3. Request input from the Environmental Management Commission.
4. Consider separate legislation for UCO and FOGS as they are different commodities and have different permit
requirements when it comes to source, collection and processing parameters. Based on current information, the
volume of UCO entering the landfill is minimal and the volume of FOGs is much greater.
5. Consider legislation to include other wastes that would have a greater impact on our island like paper, green waste
& food waste.
Thank you for allowing us to testify on this legislation. If you have questions or need additional clarification, please don't
hesitate to contact me.
DORA BECK, P. E.
ACTING DIRECTOR
Sharron Henry
Secretary to the Director
County of Hawai'i
Department of Environmental Management
Mailing Address: 25 Aupuni Street
Physical Address: Puainako Town Center,
2100 Kanoelehua
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: 808.961.8083 or 808.981.8398
Fax: 808.961.8086 or 808.981.2092
Email: schenry(c�co.hawaii.hi.us
cohdem(a�co. hawaii. hi. us
http: / /www.hawaiicounty.gov /environmental - management
Havvai'i County is an equal opportunity provider and employer
9/18/2012