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infoCycling, Summer 2005 infoCycling, Summer 2005 |
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In this issue:
Waste reduction—Get in the gameThere’s a new game in town. Or rather, there are some new rules for venues and events that host the games. Chapter 879, Statutes of 2004 (Montanez, AB 2176) addresses waste reduction at large venues and events. Beginning July 1, 2005, large venues and large events (as defined in Public Resources Code section 42648) in each city and county must plan for solid waste reduction and annually report their progress in implementing their plan upon request of the local agency (city or county) in which they are located. Local agencies are in turn required to report to the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) on the top 10 percent of those venues and events. The reports are based on the amount of solid waste generated, starting with the 2005 reporting year. In addition, when issuing a permit to a large venue or large event, local agencies must provide the venue or event with information to assist them in reducing waste. To review all the provisions of the law as chaptered, see the bill. The CIWMB is also required to join the game by providing technical assistance and tools to assist local agencies, venues, and events with their waste diversion program planning and reporting. The Large Venues and Events Waste Reduction Model Ordinance and General Plan Language is a tool to assist local jurisdictions wishing to adopt an ordinance or general plan provisions addressing waste reduction at venues and events. Existing local ordinances provided the basis for developing the model documents. Peer review and a public comment workshop provided CIWMB staff with valuable input in finalizing the documents that were adopted by the CIWMB on June 14, 2005. The models include a variety of provisions covering special events; venue facility operations; and venue facility design, construction, and demolition. These provisions will be useful to the widely varied conditions throughout the State. The model documents are intended as a starting point. Jurisdictions are encouraged to adapt the models to locally reinforce State requirements or add additional local requirements to further bolster waste diversion. Development and approval is all done at the local level. Visit the Ordinances and Policies as Tools to Encourage Implementation web page for a link to the CIWMB model ordinances and other useful information. To learn a new game, you read the rules: in this case the legislation. But sometimes you wonder how the game really should be played. You may be asking questions such as “What is a large venue?”; “Do I report on the top 10 percent of venues and events combined or the top 10 percent of each?”; “What if my local agency is part of a regional agency?” You are not alone. To answer these and other questions, the CIWMB has posted frequently asked questions and answers on its Waste Reduction at Venue Facilities and Large Events website. Or, you contact Debra Kustic. Waste outflow and inflow mapsThe CIWMB has updated the waste outflow and inflow maps to reflect year 2003 disposal data. Waste outflow maps present a picture of where a county disposed of its waste in 2003, including waste disposed within the county, in other counties, and/or exported out of state. Waste inflow maps show where a county received waste in 2003: from within the county, from other counties, and/or from out of state. The year 2003 waste outflow and inflow maps for each California county can be accessed on the CIWMB’s California Counties Disposal Destination Data web page. In addition, you can access waste outflow and inflow maps for the years 1999 through 2002 from this web page. If you have questions regarding the waste outflow and inflow maps, contact Peter Staklis. Construction and demolition reuse and recyclingThe CIWMB knows the importance of diverting construction and demolition (C&D) materials. In fact, the CIWMB website contains a wealth of information to assist jurisdictions, businesses, and others in diverting C&D waste through reuse and recycling. CIWMB web pages contain information on setting up a C&D diversion ordinance, establishing C&D recycling programs, and obtaining grants and loans. Other valuable information relating to C&D diversion can be found as well. Some of the information available on the website is described below. Local government model C&D diversion ordinance and local C&D diversion ordinancesThe CIWMB collects information regarding local jurisdiction programs and offers specific services related to C&D recycling and reuse. In March 2004, as required by Chapter 501, Statutes of 2002 (Kuehl, SB 1374), the CIWMB adopted a model C&D diversion ordinance based on input from local jurisdictions, the League of California Cities, the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), C&D recyclers, Regional Council of Rural Counties, waste haulers, and construction and demolition industry representatives. Jurisdictions who believe a C&D diversion ordinance would fit their needs and circumstances are encouraged to use the model as a tool to draft their own custom C&D diversion ordinance. Local jurisdictions are not required to adopt their own C&D diversion ordinance, nor are they required to adopt the CIWMB's model C&D diversion ordinance. However, if C&D is a significant portion of their waste stream, then it is a good idea to consider diverting the C&D materials from the local landfill. One way to mandate that C&D materials are diverted is through an ordinance. The model C&D diversion ordinance is available on the CIWMB Model Construction and Demolition Diversion Ordinance web page. For more information on SB 1374, see the bill. Local government C&D diversion informationThe CIWMB recently created a new web page to assist jurisdictions in
establishing C&D recycling programs. In addition, the web page will help
jurisdictions that have C&D recycling programs already in place target
additional C&D recycling programs. This web page was designed to be used in
conjunction with the CIWMB model C&D diversion ordinance, and it will also
assist jurisdictions who want to establish their own ordinance.
Information can be accessed on the CIWMB’s Local Government C&D Diversion Informational Guide web page. CIWMB C&D-related grants and loansThe Sustainable Building competitive grants provide funding to local government for funding projects that use sustainable building practices. To date, a total of $1,527,996 has been awarded. Grant funding through fiscal year 2007–08 is now only available through the Tire Recycling Program’s Five-Year Plan. These funds are available for sustainable building grants and contracts to advance and market building products made from California’s waste tires. The Reuse Assistance grants program is a competitive grant program that provides incentives for local public agencies to promote and apply the concept of reuse to their business communities. C&D specific reuse or recycling grants were awarded in the following fiscal years: 2003–04 for $138,336; 2002–03 for $104,979; 2001–02 for $136,185; and 2000–01 for $148,352. The RMDZ Revolving Loan Program provides direct loans to eligible businesses and nonprofit organizations that manufacture recycled raw materials, produce new recycled products, or reduce waste resulting from the manufacture of a product. These loans promote market development for postconsumer and secondary waste materials. Since 1994, the RMDZ Revolving Loan Program has funded 20 loans to businesses for C&D-related projects for a total of $13,076,108. Only three businesses processed C&D materials other than inert (asphalt and concrete) debris. Additional CIWMB C&D web resourcesConstruction and Demolition Debris Recycling contains information and links to web pages such as the 1999 waste characterization study, C&D materials, the C&D Debris Recyclers database, regulations, green building design and construction (sustainable building) resources, and C&D-related events or workshops. C&D Recycled-Content Building Products contains a link to the Recycled-Content Products Directory, which has lists of manufacturers or distributors of recycled-content building products. Contact informationFor additional information on C&D ordinances and the C&D Diversion Information web page, contact Terri Edwards. For more information on the grants and loans available, go to the CIWMB’s Grants and Loans web page. CIWMB contact and application information are included with each individual grant or loan. KidMAXThe California Integrated Waste Management Board’s (CIWMB) Materials Exchange Program (CalMAX) identifies listings for customers who prefer to target their materials to schools. These listings are called KidMAX. The CIWMB asks that all items offered in KidMAX are free. For more information about KidMAX and to search for KidMAX listings in CalMAX on line, go to the KidMAX for California's Schools web page. You can also contact Diana Rivera for additional information. Cal/EPA’s Environmental Management System and new mascotThe California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) is implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) at its Sacramento headquarters—the first State agency in California government to do so. The EMS is based on the voluntary International Standard, ISO 14001. Cal/EPA is part of the wave of successful EMS implementation by leaders in local, state, and federal government organizations across the U.S. Local and regional government interest in environmental management systems currently is concentrated in port authorities, water and wastewater departments, and solid waste management departments. At the State level, interest has primarily centered on environmental and transportation departments. Many branches of the federal government are implementing an EMS. Some of these federal agencies include NASA, the U.S. Postal Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Departments of Energy, the Interior, Commerce, and Defense. EMS implementation is recognized also by many successful private sector businesses as an important management tool. An EMS is an integrated set of management processes designed to continually improve the ability of an organization to achieve its environmental and related business goals. The EMS approach reflects the “plan-do-check-advance” cycle of continual improvement and incorporates root cause analysis. Government agencies operate more efficiently and perform better when they use a proactive rather than a reactive approach to environmental management. No more “re-inventing the wheel” for processes that should be routine, and stakeholder confidence increases as performance becomes more consistent. Leaders in governmental organizations have observed the following benefits:
The boards, departments, and offices of Cal/EPA are implementing the environmental management system to make their business operations more consistent with the agency’s mission of environmental protection and leadership in this area. Environmental performance objectives include:
Achievements at headquarters include platinum certification to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System® for existing buildings and procurement of “greener” copier/printer paper through coordinated orders. The change in paper amounts to an annual savings in greenhouse gas emissions of 30 percent. For Cal/EPA’s part, this is equivalent to removing 15 cars from service. Using 100 percent postconsumer recycled content means no trees are cut down, and specifying processed chlorine free paper reduces the industrial release of chlorinated organic compounds in the environment. By coordinating paper orders, the number of truck deliveries was reduced from more than 30 to 5 or 6 per year. Stay tuned for future improvements. In short, we are “makin’ it easy to be green!” Cal/EPA recently adopted Eubie Green as the EMS mascot. The “spokesfrog” helps to remind all Cal/EPA employees and guests to work green, travel green, and buy green. More on Cal/EPA’s EMS can be found on the California Environmental Protection Agency website. Direct questions and suggestions on Cal/EPA’s EMS to the EMS Technical Coordinator, Renée Lawver. Reuse assistance grantsThe California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) allocated $250,000 for the fiscal year 2005–06 cycle of the Reuse Assistance grants to provide incentives for local public agencies to establish new or expanded reuse opportunities in California. All cities, counties, and regional agencies that develop and implement waste reduction programs pursuant to the requirements set forth in Public Resources Code section 40900 are eligible to apply individually or regionally and may partner with any entity (for instance, business, nonprofit). Questions must be submitted in writing and received by the CIWMB on or before September 30, 2005. For more information on the grants, or to download the grant application, visit the Reuse Assistance Grants web page orcontact Sarah Weimer for additional information. Applications must be postmarked on or before Thursday, October 27, 2005, and mailed to the address below:
Resources available in the Local Government Assistance LibraryLocal Jurisdiction Sample Documents web pageThe CIWMB Local Government Assistance Library’s website includes the Local Jurisdiction Sample Documents web page. Sample documents under the following topics can be found on this web page:
Some of the documents can be accessed electronically from this web page, while others can be obtained in hard copy format only. The CIWMB is working toward converting all documents listed on this web page to online documents. The CIWMB recommends that jurisdictions use most of these documents as a starting point and modify them to meet local circumstances. This article highlights two jurisdiction’s documents related to improving the accuracy of the disposal reporting system (DRS). Two of these sample documents we are highlighting are Riverside County’s agreement for disposal tracking system requirements and Sacramento County’s DRS ordinances. Both of these documents relate to improving the accuracy of the DRS for these jurisdictions. Riverside County agreement for disposal tracking system requirementsRiverside County’s agreement with its transfer stations for disposal of solid waste specifies tracking system requirements. These tracking requirements provide more timely and accurate DRS data to the disposal facilities and to the county. In addition, the tracking requirements allow the county and affected jurisdictions to more closely monitor the allocated tonnages and investigate any discrepancies. The agreement’s language relating to the tracking requirements is below. "VENDOR shall operate a tonnage tracking system that will determine on a daily basis the amount and origin of generation for the entire waste stream delivered to COUNTY landfills. The tonnage tracking system shall be fully compatible with the COUNTY'S current system. VENDOR shall provide COUNTY with monthly reports broken down by the origin of generation for the waste stream (including source separated and other diverted recyclables reported separately) delivered to the Facility and all disposal sites within fifteen (15) days of the end of the calendar month, and a year-end report that displays all data broken down by month along with a year total for the calendar year. The format of said reports shall be approved by the COUNTY." The Riverside County Agreement for Disposal of Solid Waste can be accessed electronically on the CIWMB’s Local Government Assistance Library website. For further information on the agreement, contact Riverside County Waste Management at (951) 486-3200. Sacramento County DRS ordinancesThe unincorporated area of Sacramento County along with the Cities of Sacramento and Citrus Heights make up the Sacramento Regional Solid Waste Authority (SWA). The SWA implemented local ordinances relating to the DRS. These ordinances are briefly discussed below.
Ordinance Numbers 9 and 12 relate to local enforcement agency regulated solid waste facilities located within the SWA Region and require those facilities to collect daily origin information and report this information to SWA staff on a quarterly basis. Sacramento County staff serves as SWA staff as well as the “Agency,” as defined in section 18801(a) (1) of Title 14 CCR, Division 7, Chapter 9. This daily origin information is reported quarterly by the facility operators on electronic forms created by SWA staff. Residential and self-haul origin data is reported together in one column and commercial solid waste origin data is reported in a separate column. Ordinance Number 14 relates to the regulation of franchised commercial haulers in the SWA Region for the collection of commercial solid waste. Among other requirements, Ordinance Number 14 requires franchisees to report origin and destination information to SWA staff on a quarterly basis using electronic forms created by SWA staff. The franchisees report individually using their own dispatch records as a basis for the origin determination. Multi-jurisdictional front loader collection routes are evaluated quarterly on a volume-collected basis by jurisdiction. Those volumes are then converted to a percentage of front loader waste per jurisdiction. The percentages are then applied to the total front loader waste taken to each solid waste facility during that quarter. The SWA Ordinances can be accessed electronically on the CIWMB’s Local Government Assistance Library website. For further information on these ordinances, e-mail Doug Kobold, Sacramento County, or cal him at (916) 875-7087. Contact informationIf the document you are interested in reading is not available electronically, if you would like to submit your local documents to the library, or if you have any suggestions on how to improve the library, please contact John Duke. Be sure to check out the Local Government Assistance Library for a multitude of other resources. Plastic Debris, Rivers to Sea conferenceAt the September 7–9, 2005, Plastic Debris, Rivers to Sea conference in Redondo Beach, we will bring plastic industry representatives together with trash and recycling program managers, zero waste advocates, storm water program managers, and marine debris experts. By bringing everyone together to understand the scope and impacts of the problem, this conference offers the first opportunity for California to begin to envision how to stop the flow of plastic debris and trash to the marine environment. Sessions will focus on reducing the contributions of trash and debris caused by littering, proliferating waste generation, and industrial discharges from plastic manufacturing and resin transport. The wide array of local and international speakers will provide a diversity of perspectives on the research and policies needed to solve these problems. This conference will provide an update on the latest storm water and solid waste management techniques and invite participants to join together in problem-solving dialogues oriented to collaborations between industry, government, and the environmental community. If you have questions about the conference, e-mail Miriam Gordon, Conference Coordinator, at the California Coastal Commission, or call her at (415) 904-5214 or contact Christine Flowers at the CIWMB. Compost workshop"The Compost Solution" collaborative workshop on September 12, 2005, at UC Riverside will address how to use more recycled organics (mulch and compost) to solve many of California's environmental, landscape, agricultural, and watershed management problems. This workshop is a first-ever collaboration between multiple public, private, research, and educational institutions, targeted at bringing together many of the people and entities who generate, manufacture, recycle, market, distribute, regulate, and use recycled organics (for mulch and compost). If you have questions regarding "The Compost Solution" workshop, please contact Ken Decio. 2004 electronic annual report for local governmentIn September 2005, the CIWMB will mail password letters to each jurisdiction with annual reporting responsibilities. Any local government representative who does not receive a password letter and who has not begun work on the CIWMB 2004 electronic annual report (EAR) should contact their Local Assistance and Market Development representative. In September 2005, California jurisdictions will be able to submit 2004 data about their solid waste diversion programs and planning documents for the EAR. The CIWMB and reporting jurisdictions must wait for other agencies to release adjustment factor data before activation of the diversion rate calculator and completion of EARs. The CIWMB expects that complete employment and taxable sales information will be available by the end of the year. At that point, CIWMB staff will update the online diversion rate calculator. Once that is done, the CIWMB will let all jurisdictions know that the calculator is available and what the final filing date for the 2004 EAR will be. Jurisdictions with Board-approved SB 1066 Time Extensions or Alternative Diversion Requirements are typically required to file an update report around the same time as they file their EAR. To do that, jurisdictions use the CIWMB’s web-based “E-1066” electronic update system, which uses the same password as the EAR and has a similar look and feel. Local government representatives who have questions about the E-1066 should also contact their Local assistance staff representative. The E-1066 can be found on the CIWMB website. Section C-EZLast year the CIWMB introduced Section C-EZ, which streamlined the reporting of diversion program status and tonnage information. While Section C-EZ remains available, the Local assistance staff wants all jurisdictions to make an extra effort this year to ensure that their diversion program listing and notes are complete and current. Diversion program implementation is the cornerstone of the CIWMB’s biennial review. Solid evidence of comprehensive diversion program implementation may allow the CIWMB to make a “good faith effort” finding even when a jurisdiction’s diversion rate is less than 50 percent. Whether or not you use Section C-EZ, all EAR filers should take great care this year to add new or overlooked solid waste diversion programs, delete discontinued programs, and add notes to their existing diversion programs. Critical focus areas are construction and demolition programs and ordinances, procurement policies and practices, and any other program which has seen significant change or challenge. If you have recently switched from a source-separated curbside recycling program to single-stream collection, please update the program notes for your existing curbside program. Of course, the CIWMB also wants to hear about your other innovations and successes. Additional requirements related to annual reportingLast year, the State Legislature passed Chapter 879, Statutes of 2004 (Montanez, AB 2176), which requires a local agency to provide waste reduction information when issuing a permit to operators of large venues and large events. The jurisdiction must now determine the top 10 percent of large venues and large events within its boundaries, based upon the amount of solid waste generated. The 2004 EAR inquires about how your jurisdiction will accomplish these mandates. Next year, jurisdictions will begin reporting program information and tonnages for solid waste disposal and diversion at those top 10 percent of large venues and events, as required by Chapter 879. EAR factNinety-nine percent of all California jurisdictions use the EAR to meet the annual report requirements of Public Resources Code section 41821. That’s because the EAR—now in its fourth year—is faster, easier, and less expensive than any other method. Contact informationLocal government representatives should contact their Local assistance staff representative if they have questions regarding the EAR. A list of Local assistance staff representatives is available on the Local Assistance Contacts web page. Editor’s noteI hope you enjoyed this edition of infoCycling. In the fall 2005 edition, look for an article on the disposal reporting system regulations. Please contact me with suggestions on articles you would like to see included in infoCycling and announcements of events in your jurisdiction or at your State agency. You can e-mail me or reach me at (916) 341-6240. Your comments and suggestions on infoCycling are always welcome! Tracy |
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Last updated: December 28, 2007 Local Government Central http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/LGCentral/ Larry N. Stephens: lstephen@ciwmb.ca.gov (916) 341-6241 |