01-03-1985 Council Packet Special Meeting

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The act incorporates the familiar policies of reduction in waste generation and separation and recovery of materials and energy. It mandates coordination of solid waste management among political subdivisions and sets the objective of orderly, deliberate development and financial security of waste facilities. Subsequent amendments have further defined the legislative directive, explic- itly specifying that planning for solid waste management must require the most feasible and prudent reduction in both the need for and the practice of land disposal of mixed municipal solid waste. IF CURRENT PRACTICES CONTINUE FUTURE LAND DISPOSAL NEEDS Land disposal has been the primary method of managing the reaion's mixed munici- pal solid waste for a number of years. Figure 2-2 shows the receiving rates from 1972 through 1983, about a 39 percent increase over the 12-year period. The reported receiving rates have not been constant over this period. Some leveling and reduction occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s. These changes are believed to reflect response to economic difficulties the region experienced that resulted in less waste generation. Other factors that could affect these receiving rates are inconsistent reporting methods and hauling waste into or out of the Metropolitan Area. If current practices continue through the year 2000 (reliance on landfills and no increase in waste reduction and resource recovery), about 34 million tons of waste will have to be landfilled (see Table 2-2). The region's operating landfills have enough capacity to dispose of about 12 million tons of waste material or 15,000 acre-feet of landfill space (see Table 2-3). The remaining 18 million tons would have to be disposed of in new land disposal facilities. About 23,000 acre-feet of new disposal capacity would be needed, possibly requiring development of more than 15 new landfills. Some would have to be operating before the end of the aecade. CONSEQUENCES Land Use During the process of identifying potential new landfill sites, citizens and public officials repeatedly voiced their concerns over the impact landfills could have on land use. Neighboring properties could be adversely affected, property value lessened, tax base damaged. Difficulties in identifying pro- ductive end uses for landfills would disrupt local development and land use plans. Most potential sites are located in outlying parts of the Metropolitan Area, many on prime agricultural land. Taking such sites out of production poses a serious conflict with longstanding regional policy fostering preservation of agricultural lands. Public Health and Environmental Hazards The health and environmental consequences of land disposal of waste have been increasingly documented in recent years. Damages can occur in the form of sur- face and groundwater contamination, air pollutant emissions, fires, explosions, food chain contamination, noise and odors. 14