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2013 Solid Waste ReportFebruary 20, 2014 Kalispell City Council Drawer 1997 Kalispell, MT 59903 RE: Flathead County Solid Waste District — 2014 Solid Waste Report Dear Sir or Madam: Attached to this letter is the Fiscal Year End Report for the Flathead County Solid Waste District for the period of July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013. It is very important to the District to inform our constituents within the County of the state of our solid waste operation. Our continuing goal is to provide environmentally sound and cost effective refuse collection, disposal and recycling opportunities. We hope you find this report useful to inform interested parties within our communities as to our mission and operations. If you require any more information, please contact me at 406-758-5773. Respectfully, Jim Chilton Operations Manager Flathead County Solid Waste District enclosure FLATHEAD COUNTY SOLID WASTE DISTRICT 4098 Highway 93 North 0 Kalispell, Montana 59901 • (406) 758-5933 • fax (406) 758.5918 • trash@flathead.mt.gov #, f or 0 Flathead County Solid d District 2013 SolidWadeReport C The Flathead County Solid Waste District was created by the Flathead County Commissioners on December 2, 1968 by Resolution 78. Currently the Board consists of representatives from the Cities of Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls. Two seats are occupied by Members -at -Large, one seat is occupied by an appointed member of the City /County Health Board and the remaining seat is occupied by a County Commissioner. Flathead County Solid Waste District Board Members Hank Olson, City of Kalispell; Greg Acton, City of Whitefish; Lorin Lowry, City of Columbia Falls; Wayne Miller, Board of Health; John Helton, Member -at -Large; Alan Ruby, Member -at -Large; and Gary Krueger, County Commissioner. Mission Statement The Board of Directors and the employees of the Flathead County Solid Waste District provide environmentally sound and cost-effective refuse collection, disposal and recycling opportunities for Flathead County residents and businesses. Our facilities are a major part of the economic and environmental infrastructure of Flathead County. Long range planning and fiscal integrity ensures decades of capacity with minimal financial impacts to Flathead County citizens. Contact I of or mat ion The Flathead County Solid Waste District is comprised of a central landfill and eleven transfer sites. Flathead County Solid Waste District 4098 Highway 93 North Kalispell, MT 59901 406.758.5910 406.758.5918 (fax) trash@flathead.mt.gov Web Site http://flathead.mt.gov/waste/ Pe r sonne I The District ended FY13 with a staff of 18.4 full time equivalent employees: 5.65 county matrix and 12.75 union employees. The only changes in staffing occurred as a result of the retirement of an operator. The weekend operator moved into the full-time operator position, the part-time monitor/operator took his position and a new part-time Columbia Falls monitor/operator was hired. The District continues to utilize both the weekend driver (30 hours per week) and the part-time Columbia Falls container site monitor in a "call -in" capacity which continues to reduce overtime costs. Employee training and safety continues as a high priority. In addition to annual hazardous waste training, monthly safety meetings were held covering a wide range of topics including: safe driving, safe backing, handling difficult loads, nuclear medical waste, scavenging, fill sequence plan, equipment safety water truck, landfill fires, methamphetamine waste, communicating with drivers, road safety and slips/trips/falls. In FY13 safety meetings were expanded to include wellness education provided by Flathead County Health Department employees. The District also provided audiogram screenings and respirator fit tests. Landfill Office Landfill Operations Total tonnage disposed of at the Flathead County landfill between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013 was 95,277 tons, an increase of 3.16% over FY12. WASTE TO LANDFILL 95500 Ma-95,277 Tons 95000 94500 94000 93500 93000 92500 92000 91500 91000 90500 FY11 FY12 FY13 'q&l The primary components of the waste stream included mixed waste and construction debris. In FY13, 76,786 tons of mixed waste was landfilled, of which 46% was disposed of by commercial haulers, 11% by municipal haulers, 11% by private citizens and 32% was hauled by FCSW from the container sites. WASTE STREAM SOURCE Pia MI%ED WASTE 75,785.53 Tom Private Citizen 11% 10 Puce Haulers 45% Municipal Haulers 11% Construction debris comprised 18% of the waste stream with 16,855 tons disposed of in FY13. There was 1,126 tons of brush diverted and chipped for use on the landfill. There were 8,581 tires removed and disposed of by a private tire landfill at a cost to the District of $13,488. Batteries (750), oil (4,800 gallons), and anti -freeze (1,100 gallons) were all accepted for recycling. Refrigerators (1,811) and other appliances (3,811) contributed to the 639.66 tons of white goods which were baled and removed. The District received revenue totaling $91,341 from batteries ($2,740), oil ($2,825) and white goods ($85,776). Equi pme rt Equipment capital purchases in FY13 were a Blizzard snow plow ($7,995), John Deere 700H dozer drive rebuild ($26,124), CAT 826 compactor wheels and tips ($25,812) and a John Deere 700 grader ($25,000) which was purchased from the Road Department. Repair costs for both landfill and container equipment were up 19% and 64% respectively from FY12. The increase in container equipment was due to a greater number of costly repairs to aging equipment. With the increase in refuse hauled from the green box sites, the District plans to budget for a new garbage truck in FY14 and another in FY15. $300.000.00 $250,000.0C $200,000.0C $150,000.00 $100,000.00 $50.00C 00 EQUIPMENT REPAIR AND TIRE EXPENSES FY11 F'r12 FY13 0 CONTAINER EQUIPMENT REPAIR ■ LANDFILL EQUIPMENT REPAIR Landf ill Facilities Approximately 275 acres have been permitted for waste management activities with the completion of the South Area Landfill Expansion Project. The North Area Landfill consists of 105 acres and is the current operating area. The South Area Expansion encompasses the remaining area owned by Flathead County and was approved for disposal operations by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in the spring of 2006. The south area landfill has 18.1 million cubic yards of available airspace. The first lined cell was approved for use in 2002 by the DEQ. Two subsequent liner projects (Phase II -A and Phase III) have been constructed and approved for disposal activities by the DEQ. Construction of Phase IV -A was completed and became the active working cell in August, 2011. Disposal activities continued in Phase IV -A through the fiscal year. The north landfill area has approximately 2.91 million cubic yards of gross capacity remaining at the end of FY13. The District utilized approximately 160,665 cubic yards of airspace during the fiscal year. The site effective density was calculated to be 1,208 lbs/cubic yard. This number represents the total waste deposited in the landfill divided by the gross airspace utilized (refuse and cover soil). The goal established for the site as set by the Board of Directors was 900 lbs/cubic yard. In FY13 30,600 cubic yards of soil were utilized for the Phase IV cover operations. This translated to a refuse to soil ratio of 4.3:1 for the year. The site is balanced at a 3:1 ratio so the utilization of gross airspace was exceptional. Fencing and liner sand were included in the $65,015 the District spent on landfill capital expenditures. Portable wind fencing was purchased at a cost of $5,465 which significantly reduced the volume of litter blowing off the landfill. The District spent $26,306 installing permanent fencing of the former Flathead Wood Recycling property with the remainder of the project budgeted for completion in FY14. Liner sand was purchased for $33,243.78 to provide a protective barrier between the trash and the liner. Landfill Gas System The landfill gas system operated well throughout the period. Approximately 227,890,000 standard cubic feet (scf) of landfill gas were removed from the landfill and burned at the gas to energy facility. This facility, operated by Flathead Electric Cooperative, produces power from the landfill gas produced by decomposing refuse. Maximum energy output is 1.6 megawatts for the system when the landfill produces enough gas, which will occur in future years as the landfill grows. Currently the system is producing about 1.1 Megawatts every day. On average, this is enough energy to power 1200 homes in Flathead County. No emissions from the system exceeded permit levels and no operating violations were received from the DEQ. The landfill is currently in excellent standing with the DEQ regarding both the operations of the solid waste license and the air quality permit. Corrective actions, required under the direction of the DEQ regarding the groundwater contamination from the "old" portion of the landfill, appear to be having the desired effects. The landfill gas extraction system, the up -gradient ground water diversion system and the surface water diversion system have decreased the levels of contaminate concentrations to acceptable levels at the relative point of compliance (groundwater monitoring wells at the sites perimeter). The District continued to perform semi-annual groundwater monitoring through the fiscal year. The District completed two of three projects to mitigate surface water from infiltrating into the perched groundwater aquifer. The District diverted the surface water from Phase IV -A and IV-B down a HDPE lined ditch to the north storm water pond. Also in FY13, four groundwater extraction wells were drilled in the northeast portion of the landfill. After finding no water, these wells were not developed. G Container Sites Eleven refuse drop off sites serve residents throughout the County. A total of 24,822 tons was hauled from the container sites to the landfill by District trucks, an increase of less than 1% in tonnage compared to FYI 2. This was the first year to show an increase in container site tonnage since FY07. Consolidation of the container sites continued with consolidation of the east corridor sites and the construction of the new Red Rock/Essex site. Abuse of the sites by commercial and out -of -county residents and disposal of hazardous material continues to be a problem at the unmanned sites. As the only staffed site, Columbia Falls continues to receive positive public response due to the cleanliness of the site, improved recycling and elimination of salvagers. The cardboard compactor has greatly increased hauling efficiency making the recycling of the material cost effective for the District and improved public utilization by increasing storage capacity. The District incurred expenditures of $11,233.43 to clean-up and dispose of chromic acid left at the Lakeside container site. Recycling Program The District requested proposals for the recycling program with only Evergreen Disposal/Valley Recycling submitting a proposal. Valley Recycling continues to haul and process the recyclable materials collected at the drop-off sites on a month -to -month contract while the District re-evaluates the future direction of the program. Current sites with recycling opportunities are: Ashley Lake, Bigfork, Coram, Columbia Falls, Creston, Somers, Lakeside, Super One, Albertsons, Kalispell Army Navy and the landfill. Recycle bins were removed from Flathead High School, Kalispell Middle School and Glacier High School in FY13 at the request of the schools. Materials accepted are: plastics no. 1 & 2, cardboard, newspaper, office paper, shredded paper, magazines, tin and aluminum cans. The total amount of recycled material for the fiscal year for this program was 1,198 tons. SITE RECYCLING MATERIAL FYI 3-1,198 I.I-.--I LIES PI`STIC TIRLIIE:I I1II11 4% 14n f'v cARo�9 AAR NEWSPAPER ,.,h The District incurred $212,495 in expenditures and received $123,278 in revenue from the program for a loss of $89,127 and a cost per ton of $71.55. Increases in hauling and handling costs combined with lower commodity prices contributed to the second greatest fiscal year loss in the program's 16 year history. Collection Events The District continues to provide opportunities for residents and businesses to properly dispose of unwanted hazardous materials. The monthly Household Hazardous Waste collection accepted 2,860 gallons of materials from 169 Flathead County residents. Materials accepted include oil -based paints and stains, pesticides, herbicides, poisons, mercury and other common household chemicals. The District paid disposal costs of $20,055.15 to an out-of-state hazardous waste firm to dispose of the materials. HAZARQOU 5 WASTE COLLECTION FY13.2,660 Gallons ONIORING 30L103 it FLAMMAB LE3 11i MI3C CORR03NE3 50°d IOi PA1NT 21% The tenth annual Commercial Hazardous Waste Material Collection was held at the landfill in May. Twelve registrants (schools, municipalities, contractors and businesses) disposed of 2,287 pounds of material. Material disposed included the following: paint related materials; automotive fluids (fuel, oil and grease) and filters; chemicals; cleaners; batteries; aerosols; and lamps. Permanent pharmaceutical collection receptacles were installed in the Columbia Falls and Whitefish police stations in addition to the receptacle located in the lobby of the Justice Center in Kalispell. These receptacles collected 351.7 pounds of prescription drugs which were reported to the State of Montana by the Flathead County Sheriff's Department and disposed of in the lined cell at the landfill. Apo Sharps can safely be disposed of during landfill hours of operation in the red Sharps Disposal bin located at the landfill. Plastic sharps disposal containers are available at the landfill or at the Flathead County Health Department. Refrigerator Decommissioning Program The District continued to assist Flathead Electric Cooperative (FEC) with management of the Refrigerator Decommissioning Program. This energy efficiency measure was implemented by FEC in February 2012 as an incentive to encourage homeowners to recycle older working appliances and replace them with more energy efficient units. In FY13 District staff tested 176 units to determine eligibility for the $50 FEC rebate. Ik J unk Vehicle Program The Flathead County Junk Vehicle Program is funded by a grant provided by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and administered by the District. The grant is funded by a fee assessed on vehicle licenses and distributed to each county based on vehicle numbers. The amount of this year's grant was $127,954.86 which is utilized by the District to provide free pickup and removal of vehicles and to enforce the Montana Motor Vehicle Recycling and Disposal Act (75-10-501, MCA) in Flathead County. While higher metal prices have significantly reduced the number of vehicles retrieved, the District continues to process and inspect junk vehicle complaints throughout Flathead County in addition to inspecting all licensed wrecking facilities annually for compliance with all state statutes. Projects in Progress/ Completed Olney Site In May the bid for construction of the Olney site container site was awarded to LaSalle Sand and Gravel for $190,184.80. Construction of the new site began in FY13 with completion scheduled for completion in FY14. The District spent $35,957 in FY13 on engineering, surveying and electric installation. Red Rocks Site (Essex) In June the East Corridor container site construction bid was awarded to Paveco, LLC for $273,038.00. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the fall of FY14 with the site scheduled to open in the spring. In FY13, the District spent $81,331 for land purchase, site preparation and engineering. Phase IV -A Phase IV -A is still the active working area of the landfill. The District worked unilaterally with SCS Engineering on the installation of new horizontal gas collection lines in Phase IV -A. Basin Pond Repair LaSalle Sand and Gravel and Lange Containment completed installation of the head walls and liner repair of Pond 93 in order to keep the pond from leaking. Cost of the project was $43,781.03. As the first of three projects to mitigate surface water from infiltrating into the perched groundwater aquifer, the District diverted the surface water from Phase IV -A and IV-B down a HDPE lined ditch to the north storm water pond. LaSalle Sand and Gravel completed construction for $25,050.00. Monitor Well Installation Four groundwater extraction wells were drilled in the northeast portion of the landfill as the second project to mitigate surface water from infiltrating into the perched groundwater aquifer. After finding no water, these wells were not developed. Total expenditures for this project were $9,380.00. The third project (North Pond Liner) is scheduled for construction in FY14. Roadside Litter Reduction Program Flathead County Ordinance No. 8 requires loads to be secured or covered to prevent littering with fines associated with the ordinance up to $200 per offense. The District continued the media campaign (a billboard located on Highway 93 South and radio advertising) to educate the public regarding the requirements to secure their load and to reflect the District's commitment to reducing roadside litter throughout Flathead County. The District appreciated the efforts of the Flathead County Sheriff's Department and Montana Highway Patrol to educate the public regarding the ordinance. Don't Risk The $ 200.00 Fine! Keep Fathead County Cleary... Financial Summary The Flathead County Solid Waste District, an enterprise fund, operates under a combination system of an annual assessment ($80.73 per household) and a pay -as -you -throw (PAYT) tipping fee ($31.05 per ton) for commercial customers. Businesses throughout the county are charged the annual assessment with a multiplier based upon the volume they produce and report to the District in a biennial volume study performed by the District. If information is not supplied by the business, the Flathead County Solid Waste District Board of Directors has determined a multiplier for the different types of businesses throughout the county. District revenues are generated by refuse fees, tipping fees, sale of recycled commodities and interest earnings. Total District revenues for the year were $6,250,955. Primary components were residential and commercial refuse assessments ($4,909,587); tipping fees ($1,000,014); white goods, battery and oil recycling ($91,341); and recycling program ($123,278). Investment earnings ($32,078); transfers from the expansion ($33,244) and land purchase ($30,576) trust accounts and miscellaneous revenue make up the remainder of the revenue. FY23REVENUE $6,250,955 Recycling Interest Tr a It T ransfe rs Accounts Rec wahle 16% pl`idx - ents 2il,2%, 0 1 FY13 EXPENDITURES $6,934,699 Land Purchase Trust personnel Closure Trust � t uppl Caplta10utla F—dCharges S% 5% Operating fund cash balances at the end of the year were: $4,047,846 (Operational Cash) and $2,433,948 (Reserve for Equipment Replacement). Trust account balances were: $7,683,315 (Closure/Post-Closure), $8,235,475 (Liner Expansion), $1,768,094 (Landfill Property Acquisition), and $245,533 (FEC Improvement/Gas-to-Energy project). Expenditures for FY13 totaled $6,934,699 which included trust transfers of $1,222,902 (Liner Expansion); $648,426 (Closure/Post-Closure); $400,000 (Landfill Property Acquisition); and $30,000 (FEC Improvement/Gas-to-Energy project). The District continued to provide a $4,000 Sharps Disposal Grant to the Flathead City County Health Department for the purchase of sharps disposal containers. The landfill cost per ton for the year were $29.28, down from FY12. Goals for FY13 The Board of Directors has created a set of goals to help define the direction of the District and provide a goal list for the Director to achieve during the coming fiscal year(s). The goals were broken down into duration categories to help further define the Districts direction. The following goals were established by the FCSW Board in June 2011. Annual Goals (Current Fiscal Year) 1. Fiscal year report to summarize all District activities 2. Minimum landfill effective density 1,000 lbs/cy 3. Refuse truck average of 7+ tons/load from April thm Sept and 6.5+ tons/load Oct thru March 4. Overall annual review of District financial status a. Residential/commercial assessment and gate fee review 5. Community Education a. Continue Waste Not Grant, school tours, media releases, radio spots and litter reduction campaign b. Continue household hazardous waste, electronic, pharmaceutical and commercial small quantity generator hazardous waste events 6. Employee Development and Safety Training a. Professional development for management staff b. Solid waste based monthly training for operational staff Short Term Goals (2 years of less) 1. Fulltime staffing at Coram, Somers and Creston container sites (as financially feasible with Commissioner approval) 2. Utilization of Class III/IV landfill area when construction volumes warrant 3. Strategic Plan implementation a. Pursue purchase of land in southwest corner of south area landfill or property west of Prairie View Road b. Container Site consolidation 1. Bigfork and Lakeside elimination 2. Purchase and construction of Highway 2E corridor site (Red Rocks Pit — Canyon area) 4. Landfill entrance improvements a. Facility sign and regulatory signs at gate Long Term Goals (more than 2 years) 1. Strategic Plan Implementation 2. Increase aesthetics and buffering of container sites by use of screening, fencing, vegetation or soil berms wherever feasible 3. Weigh station scale house improvements and installation of outbound scale when necessary 4. Close District facilities (landfill and container sites) on all County recognized legal holidays and also close all facilities on Sundays