Coastal voices: A rational approach to waste

Well, there they go again! I have been reading with interest the latest “flap” about the Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority. As a past District 3 supervisor (1991-94), the first chairperson of the Authority and member of the Solid Waste Task Force since its inception, I feel an obligation to clear up some inaccurate collegial facts.

With the formation of the Inter-governmental relations committee in 1991, the County of Del Norte and the City of Crescent City officially began discussions regarding, among other things, the cease and desist order at the Crescent City Landfill. The county had just signed an agreement with a private contractor to build, own and operate a Material Recovery Facility. The existing “hauling franchise” was collecting all revenues at the landfill.

The prevailing attitude was that the community was at significant financial risk from the state-mandated cease and desist order, the risk was shared between the city and county, the recently signed MRF agreement was not the best mechanism to deal with the situation, control of revenues at the landfill was needed, and for our community to best respond to existing, pending and future state and federal laws and mandates regarding the handling, recycling and disposal of community “wastes.”

Formation of the Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority was and remains the most rational approach!

As to the supposed “assumption of the liability of the landfill by the Authority,” I would look to Board of Supervisors Resolution 97-110, a resolution applauding the efforts of all involved in getting the cease and desist order lifted at the Crescent City Landfill, owned by Del Norte County, which states in part: “Whereas, in 1992, Del Norte County and the City of Crescent City formed a joint powers authority called the DNSWMA, in part, to deal with the cease and desist order.”

Nowhere in that resolution or in other resolutions, proclamations, declarations or whatever was it stated or implied that the Authority could or would assume landfill liability. It was recognized in 1992 and should be recognized now that the Authority remains the best vehicle our community has for dealing with solid waste issues.

The questions raised by Gerry Hemmingsen and many other questions besides have been asked and answered during the numerous Solid Waste Task Force meetings over the past years. There are many responsible citizens who volunteer their time to their community who have spent many hours delving into the intricacies of a very complex issue.

I might add that the discussions regarding mandatory garbage collection, recycling, responsibility for the waste stream, and mandatory individual responsibility in solid waste management, were particularly robust and productive.

Some of the Task Force’s recommendations are reflected in recently passed ordinances regarding our community fight against blight. Other recommendations will be seen in the new collection franchise and the Request for Proposals for collection. Solid Waste Task Force meetings are posted and public. There are also public hearings with reasonable public participation at those hearings.

As I close, I am reminded of some words of wisdom from my departed friend and colleague, Ken Hollingsead: “If you want to know the truth, follow the money.” One very significant fact that has not been mentioned much is the expiration and renewal of the franchise for collection of solid waste within the County of Del Norte. This is an exclusive franchise and is worth many millions of dollars.

Participation in responsible solid waste management is not voluntary for any of us. We have an effective, efficient tool to manage our obligations. We are at a particularly vulnerable time. Unity of purpose will serve us best.

Let’s use our energies to create a franchise agreement that will assist us in meeting our responsibilities. Let’s enforce the new ordinances that require property owners to take responsibility for the solid waste materials on or from their properties.

Let us make sure this is an open, fair, competitive process that encourages responsible bidders for the exclusive collection franchise.

Clarke Moore is a Crescent City resident and an alternative energy consultant.