Board Approves Revised Landfill Permit in Marin County: Redwood Landfill to increase recovery, recycling, and composting at facility

SACRAMENTO--The California Integrated Waste Management Board approved a revised solid waste facilities permit Dec. 16 that will greatly expand recovery, recycling, and composting capabilities at the Redwood Landfill in Marin County.

The approved permit, along with its Environmental Impact Review (EIR), is a precedent-setting document with defined conditions to operate under strict environmental guidelines. Byproducts of the landfill, including greenhouse gas emissions, will be monitored by an independent third-party inspector who is required to report the findings to the county, the landfill operator, and CIWMB.

"The Marin County Local Enforcement Agency, Waste Management Inc., the California Integrated Waste Management Board, and the citizens of Marin have been working hard for nearly a decade to ensure this facility is able to meet the demands of the community while protecting the environment," said Board Chair Margo Reid Brown. "The Board understands the environmental concerns of local residents and will continue to work closely with the Local Enforcement Agency and the operator to ensure safe and proper oversight of the Redwood Landfill."

The landfill operator first proposed changes to the existing solid waste permit in 1998. An environmental review and consideration of proposed modifications have been under way since 1999.

Earlier this year Marin County Environmental Health Services certified the application and EIR to the Local Enforcement Agency for submission to the Board, which found it to be in compliance with all applicable legal requirements and approved the permit on a 5-0 vote.

Under State law, local officials are responsible for determining where landfill facilities will be built and the conditions under which they will operate. The Waste Board gives final approval if it determines that the permit complies with all State and federal health and safety laws.

Redwood Landfill historical background dates:

1958 Marin County use permit issued
1978 Solid waste facilities permit issued
1995 Solid waste facilities permit revised
1996 Registration permit for composting issued
1998 Application for permit revision submitted
1999-2008 Project modifications and environmental review
2008 Application and final environmental impact review completed
Dec. 2008 Waste Board approved revised permit

For more information on the Board's efforts, go to www.ciwmb.ca.gov.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is the state's leading authority on recycling and waste reduction. It promotes reducing waste whenever possible, managing all materials to their highest and best use and protecting public health and safety and the environment.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is one of six boards, departments, and offices within the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA).

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