Accomplishments & Priorities - Semiannual Report
California Integrated Waste Management Board
July 2001 - December 2001
- Energy
- Cross-Media Initiatives
- Loans/Grants
- Site Cleanup
- Public Awareness
- Integrated Education
- Waste Diversion/Waste Prevention
- Market Development
- Facility Permitting/Enforcement
- Waste Tires and Special Waste
The mission of the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) is to reduce waste, promote the management of all materials to their highest and best use, and protect public health and safety and the environment, in partnership with all Californians.
In light of our ever-demanding energy situation, the CIWMB has targeted conversion technologies as a mechanism that will not only reduce the overall volume of unused organic materials sent to local landfills, but also provide a new source of fuel for the generation of electricity in California. This increase in energy production and the development of other emerging technologies and landfill-to-gas generation will aid in California’s energy diversification goals.
Accomplishments
1. Conversion Technologies: (Non-combustion processes that can convert post-recycled solid waste residuals into energy, alternative fuels, and other products.) In response to CIWMB’s direction in May 2001 to initiate a number of efforts to encourage conversion technology development, staff completed the following tasks:
· Submitted a grant program budget change proposal to assess environmental and economic lifecycle costs and benefits. The proposal also assessed feedstock compatibility with technologies in small-scale demonstration projects.
· Made presentations to the Regional Council of Rural Counties, the League of California Cities Environmental Policy Council, the Solid Waste Association of North America, the Southern California Association of Governments, the Southern California Waste Management Forum, and others.
· Participated in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research renewable energy financing team discussions.
· Provided assistance on financing opportunities and permitting issues to several project proponents.
· Developed a draft issue paper on regulatory issues related to the permitting of conversion technologies.
Priorities
1. Conversion Technologies: Staff will continue implementing board members’ direction through activities such as:
· Planning a workshop and vendor show at WasteCon, the national conference of the Solid Waste Association of North America, in Long Beach in October 2002.
· Planning a workshop on conversion technology-related environmental issues at the California Resource Recovery Association annual meeting in July 2002.
· Working with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research on renewable energy and alternative fuel production financing opportunities.
· Planning a January 2002 workshop on regulatory issues on the permitting of conversion technologies.
· Discussing an interagency working group with appropriate agencies.
· Meeting with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory on possible cooperative research efforts.
· Continuing to assist project proponents on financing and permitting issues.
Historically, federal, State, and local environmental agencies have been organized on the basis of single environmental media-such as air, water, and land. By fostering cross-media coordination, we can pioneer innovative solutions and reap long-term benefits for the environment. By partnering with local government, private businesses, and product manufacturers, we can further promote and exercise product stewardship, address environmental justice, minimize pollution and waste generation, and safely manage unavoidable discards.
Accomplishments
1. Electronic waste (e-waste) and Product Stewardship: Staff focused on three major areas to address e-waste: participated in the national electronic product stewardship initiative with the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC); collaborated with DTSC on regulations and outreach to affected groups; and developed information on reuse, recycling, and disposal options for e-waste within the CIWMB to address local government needs. The information is available on the board’s Web site at www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Electronics/, including a new Electronic Product Management Directory that provides a searchable database of facilities within counties that collect specific types of electronic equipment for reuse or recycling. Board member Michael Paparian represents California in advocating the State’s interests in the ongoing e-waste dialog at the National Product Stewardship Institute (NEPSI).
2. Nonpoint Source Pollution: Nonpoint source pollution of surface and groundwaters remains one of the most challenging environmental problems in the state. The CIWMB has promoted sustainable landscaping and agricultural practices that accomplish multiple cross-media objectives, including landfill diversion, increased efficiency of water use, erosion control, and decreased runoff.
· The CIWMB has received draft reports on two board-sponsored projects on the use of mulch in hillside vineyard erosion control.
· The CIWMB received a Pollution Prevention Incentives for States (PPIS) grant for $50,000 from the U.S. EPA for landscape design/water use guidelines. The grant will also provide distribution of educational materials in the North Natomas area of Sacramento. The materials will promote environmentally beneficial landscape management practices that conserve water, minimize nonpoint source pollution, and reduce the generation of green waste.
· The CIWMB participated in working groups on manure and biosolids management that have nonpoint source pollution aspects.
3. Landscape Management Outreach Programs: The board has funded several projects that promote the adoption and use of resource-efficient landscaping practices, including:
· Partnerships with local government on projects in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento River Delta, Inland Empire, and Orange County that reduce green waste, conserve water, and minimize nonpoint source pollution. Two workshops held in Lodi-“Surviving the Changing Laws of Landscape Maintenance,” on September 11, 2001, and “Pesticide/Greenwaste Reduction Using Integrated Pest Management,” on November 28, 2001-drew more than 150 professional landscapers.
· The North Natomas project in Sacramento County that focuses on developing landscape design/water use guidelines for this new community. The project involves distributing educational materials on environmentally beneficial landscape management practices that prevent stormwater pollution from toxic chemicals, prevent runoff and conserve water, and reduce the flow of green waste debris into the storm drain system.
· The Capitol Park project in Sacramento explores the use of resource-efficient landscaping practices in this unique and highly visible environment. The project will assess landscaping practices, including irrigation, fertilization, pruning, pesticide usage, types of equipment used, and green material generation. A landscaping guidelines manual will be developed and used to train park staff.
· Cooperative activities with various agencies and organizations enable staff to leverage efforts and continue promotional activities. An example of such a partnership is the cooperative effort between CIWMB and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) encouraging landscape practices that reduce green waste and minimize nonpoint source pollution.
4. Landfill Study: CIWMB’s contractor, GeoSyntec Consultants, completed two phase 1 tasks: the draft checklist of federal, State, and local environmental regulatory requirements (task 1); and the draft comprehensive inventory of more than 240 municipal solid waste landfills (task 2). The checklist was sent to key constituencies and interested parties for review and comment and posted on the CIWMB Web site. A final version of the checklist is anticipated by March 2002. A draft version of the inventory will be posted on the CIWMB Web site sometime in March 2002 for review and comment.
5. Environmental Justice: At its October 2001 board meeting, the board adopted a plan to implement a variety of action items related to environmental justice. The recommended action items included the following:
· Where appropriate, incorporate environmental justice provisions into loan and grant contract agreements and require applicants to self-certify adherence to environmental justice principles.
· Ensure outreach to diverse groups and populations, Native American tribes, and community development organizations-including those in rural communities-where possible in CIWMB grant, loan, and educational programs. Promote recycling partnerships between these groups.
· Promote CIWMB Web site and staff technical assistance available to schools, State agencies and facilities, and community development groups.
· Prepare training session on environmental justice for recycling market development zone administrators.
Priorities
1. E-Waste and Product Stewardship: CIWMB will hire a contractor to develop detailed background material, gather data, and develop recommendations for the California Product Stewardship Initiative Support Project. This initiative will include soliciting input from local government and State agency stakeholders related to their costs and concerns regarding e-waste management. Other e-waste initiatives will include:
· Collecting additional information on electronic equipment reuse and recycling organizations to be included in the materials collection database. This information will augment data already on the CIWMB’s Reuse Web site.
· Providing continued assistance to electronic equipment recycling businesses through the Recycling Market Development Zone program to help them expand or site new facilities in California.
· Supporting local governments in efforts to expand e-waste collection programs through the CIWMB’s household hazardous waste grants.
2. Nonpoint Source Pollution: The CIWMB will finalize reports on hillside vineyard erosion control and disseminate the findings to vineyard operators and local governments around the state. It also will continue to coordinate with the SWRCB on finalizing the State’s nonpoint source pollution plan; seeking funding for related erosion control, biosolids, and manure management projects; and implementing the new PPIS grant.
3. Landscape Management Outreach Programs. CIWMB-funded landscape management programs will continue. With continued funding beyond fiscal year 2002-03 uncertain, there is an increased need to develop partnerships with other agencies and private organizations to promote the use of resource-efficient landscaping practices.
4. Landfill Study: CIWMB’s contractor will continue work on the landfill study. Upcoming work includes collecting data related to landfill performance and recommending 40-plus landfills to include in additional study. Work will also include assessment of the effectiveness of current regulations for more than 50 landfills, an evaluation of solid waste landfill regulations from selected states and countries, and emerging technologies that could improve the regulation of California landfills.
CIWMB uses a variety of funding opportunities to assist public and private entities in the safe and effective management of the waste stream. Grant and loan programs support public education; waste reduction; market development; load checking; and household hazardous waste or special waste collection, recycling, and reuse projects.
Accomplishments
1. Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) Loan Program: During the last half of 2001, a loan of $400,000 was approved for a recycling business in the Merced RMDZ that takes a variety of recycled plastics and produces recycled-content pipes and fencing. The project will divert 5,000 tons/year from disposal and create 12 new jobs. CIWMB also awarded a contract to a consulting firm to identify leveraging options to increase funds available for recycling businesses.
2. Household Hazardous Waste Grants: CIWMB awarded $3 million in grants to 16 local governments to develop programs to manage household hazardous wastes. Priority was given to grant applications that proposed permanent collection facilities.
3. Used Oil Block Grants: CIWMB awarded $11.4 million to local jurisdictions to implement used oil collection and recycling programs. These grants are non-competitive and available to all California cities and counties based on population.
4. Enforcement Assistance Grant Program: The enforcement assistance grant program provided $1.5 million to local enforcement agencies to assist enforcement program implementation. Rulemaking was initiated on the process for this program.
5. Playground Grant Program: CIWMB adopted final regulations for the administration of its playground safety and recycling grant program in July 2001. The grants fund the purchase of new playground equipment with high recycled material content.
Priorities
1. RMDZ Loan Program: With assistance from a contractor, staff will identify the best leveraging options to secure long-term funding for the RMDZ loan program. Once identified, staff will take immediate steps to implement these options. CIWMB will focus on funding additional loans for recycling businesses. Approximately $9.6 million remains available for new loans in fiscal year 2001-02.
2. Reuse Assistance Grants Program: Staff will present recommendations for the third cycle of reuse assistance grants to the board and recommend awarding $250,000 for an estimated five to seven projects.
3. Green Building Contracts: Funds are now available to provide green building contracts to local government and State agencies. These funds advance sustainable building concepts and products and the incorporation of used and waste tires in building and educational projects throughout the state. Requests for proposals will be distributed in January 2002; contracts should be finalized by the second quarter.
4. Used Oil Opportunity Grant: In October 2001, CIWMB approved the scoring criteria and evaluation process for opportunity grants in FY 2001-02. The scoring criteria emphasize local government need for the project, proposed methodology, evidence of a recycled-content purchasing policy, and detailed budget proposal. In addition, preference is given to grantees that did not receive funding in the last opportunity grant cycle (FY 1999-2000) and to those proposing to establish or expand a program to collect used oil and/or filters from curbside, boaters, or agricultural sources; or proposing establish an oil collection/education program targeting a non-English speaking and/or underserved population. (See criteria at: www.ciwmb.ca.gov/agendas/mtgdocs/2001/12/00006952.doc. Staff will seek board approval to award approximately $5.8 million in competitive grant funds in April 2002.
5. Enforcement Assistance Grant Program: Staff will release two notices of funds available early this year for the enforcement assistance grant program, allowing grantees to apply for two grants simultaneously. This process is being undertaken to adjust our local enforcement agency (LEA) grant timelines with the California’s fiscal year timeline.
Cleaning up and preventing the illegal disposal of municipal solid wastes and tires is a continuing challenge for local government. Board-funded cleanup and enforcement grants provide additional resources for cities and counties to remove threats to public health, safety, and the environment created by illegal sites in urban and rural areas across California.
Accomplishments
1. Solid Waste Site Cleanup Program: In October 2001, the board approved five cleanup projects totaling $1.68 million. Two of the projects significantly expand CIWMB’s assistance to southern California jurisdictions in cleaning up stormwater-derived trash and other pollutants contaminating urban streams and beaches. These projects include:
· Matching grants to the City of Malibu for the Malibu Lagoon restoration project ($500,000.)
· City of Santa Monica for the Centinela project ($750,000).
2. Closed, Illegal, and Abandoned Sites: The board’s closed, illegal, and abandoned (CIA) sites unit completed preliminary investigations and prioritization of more than 500 burn dumpsites in California. Approximately 50 of these sites were prioritized for further detailed investigation and cleanup based on site information and LEA inspections. All sensitive land use properties on or adjacent to the sites were identified. This effort significantly enhances progress of the Cal/EPA burn dump work group to facilitate regulation and cleanup of burn dumps. The CIA unit has also made significant progress on specific CIA site enforcement and investigation cases requested by LEAs needing assistance.
Priorities
1. Solid Waste Site Cleanup Program: Three projects will use board contractors to clean up illegal disposal sites, including the Crevasse Site (Los Angeles County), Fagundes Dairy (Fresno County), and the Table Bluff Reservation (Humboldt County). The Table Bluff project is an innovative partnership between the CIWMB and the Table Bluff Indian Tribe that will help the tribe correct long-standing solid waste problems. CIWMB will clean up multiple dumpsites in support of the tribal government, which has recently established solid waste services, enforcement, and recycling programs.
2. Farm and Ranch Cleanup Grant Program: CIWMB will implement an expanded plan to market the availability of funds under the program.
An integral part of the CIWMB’s goals and mission is the promotion of statewide public information and educational outreach activities. The Office of Public Affairs promotes the board’s waste diversion goals by gaining public acceptance and promoting the long-term benefits of conserving resources. The office also promotes sustainability to the public, the media, and other interested groups. By communicating with the press, conducting outreach services, providing editorial services for all board publications, and maintaining graphic design, videotape production, and editorial facilities, this office also serves as the appointed gatekeeper for all information posted on the CIWMB Web site.
Accomplishments
1. 50 Percent Diversion Mandate: Media requests related to the diversion mandate were sporadic and handled on an ongoing basis. CIWMB developed a plan to disseminate information about board consideration of local jurisdiction diversion rates and related approval and compliance actions. The plan is to be implemented in February 2002.
2. Video Production Unit: CIWMB’s Office of Public Affairs has built a post-production edit suite designed to produce broadcast quality television. Projects completed or nearing completion include the Recycled Product Trade Show, the Cal/EPA open house, the Governor’s tenth anniversary visit, Disney’s Environmentality program, the Conversion Technologies Forum, an AB 75 workshop, several CalMax connection of the year awards, the deconstruction of buildings at Treasure Island, the border tour in Mexico, and a matching cleanup grant to the City of Malibu for restoration of wetlands.
Priorities
1. Video Production Unit: Future projects include designing a new Web page to contain all CIWMB’s video productions and links to stories on all board programs and Web-casting all internal board workshops, training sessions, and eventually board meetings.
2. Media Relations: Priority in the CIWMB’s media relations effort will be focused in a number of areas, including the Recycled Product Trade Show set for early April at the Disneyland Hotel, and the CIWMB 2001 strategic plan adopted in November 2001. Also included will be the results of local jurisdiction activities to comply with the California Integrated Waste Management Act (AB 939, Sher, Chapter 1095, Statutes of 1989 as amended [IWMA])-requiring 50 percent diversion of waste from landfills.
By providing educational curricula and hands-on training workshops to teachers on the topic of waste prevention, CIWMB is committed to creating environmentally literate student/citizens that are able to understand and balance economic interests and environmental sustainability. Activities aimed at promoting educational partnerships at the local level-and teaching respect for the environment and the value of conserving natural resources-are accomplished within the framework of California’s State environmental education standards.
Accomplishments
1. Interactive Web Site: CIWMB completed the interactive and animated Web site on vermicomposting, featuring “Vermi the Worm.” The site is connected to the California content standards for third graders, but younger and older students can use it also. The site is located at www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Vermi/.
2. Environmental Education: The Office of Integrated Education has been officially codified with the enactment of Chapter 926, Statutes of 2001 (SB 373, Torlakson).The bill also requires several other education-related activities. Included in the bill’s mandates are the following requirements:
· In concert with the State Board of Education, establishing environmental concepts in the science frameworks through the California Education Code.
· Establishing an environmental ambassador pilot program that promotes sustainable school programs, coordinated instruction with on-site action programs, service learning partnerships, and assessment of the impact of these programs on student achievement and resources conservation.
· Developing and implementing a unified education strategy on the environment for elementary and secondary schools.
· Developing a teacher training plan for the unified education strategy and accompanying materials.
· Developing models and schools waste reduction tools.
· Evaluating implementation of school waste reduction and recycling programs in California schools.
· Creating a grant program for schools and school districts to implement integrated environmental education and integrated waste management practices.
3. Border Education: CIWMB is overseeing development of an anthology of environmental issues identified as priorities by an advisory group of teachers from Mexico. The first unit on natural resources has been written and will be field tested in early 2002. A translation firm has been selected to work on translating the lessons from English to Spanish. Upon completion of the anthology, a teacher training workshop will be held to introduce and distribute a final product to Mexico’s teachers.
4. Statewide Strategic Plan for Environmental Education: Twelve listening sessions and follow-up reports from each session have been completed. The final report with recommendations is being prepared. A rollout plan will be devised and carried out in 2002 by the California Department of Education.
5. California Science Teachers Association Curriculum Project (CSTA): This is a continuing priority. The Office of Integrated Education has formed a partnership with CSTA to develop Internet-based integrated waste management units. The first unit under development deals with composting. The unit will include connections to the California content standards for sixth grade.
6. K-12 Alliance Partnership: CIWMB continues to work closely with the K-12 Alliance on implementation of a professional development program for teachers for the CIWMB’s Earth Resources-A Case Study: Oil curriculum. Approximately 40 facilitators have been trained as “ER Facilitators.” ER workshops having taken place to train classroom teachers on strategies for using the curriculum in their classrooms. This is a continuing priority for the program.
Priorities
1. California Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Partnership: To the extent possible, the unit will provide direct links to CIWMB Web sites like the Profiles pages and other appropriate sites students where can access information, conduct research, and download literature for use in completing exercises as part of the lesson plan. The first unit will be field-tested in spring 2002.
2. Environmental Education: CIWMB will plan and implement activities mandated by SB 373. The first step is to form advisory committees for two major components of the bill, which are to develop a unified education strategy and to implement a grant program for county offices of education, school districts, and schools. These advisory committees will help to define and develop the contents and criteria of each component, respectively. Work will begin in January 2002 with an education consultant to assist with the unified education strategy and development of the final product that is targeted for completion in December 2002.
3. Cal/EPA Integrated Education Effort: To achieve the unified education strategy contained in SB 373, the Office of Integrated Education will align the education efforts of Cal/EPA’s boards, departments, and offices into an integrated, cohesive education program. The program will provide maximum resource efficiency and begin looking at a “systems approach” to our educational services and products.
4. K-12 Alliance Partnership: This continuing priority will result in two important outcomes. Forty new Earth Resources facilitators have already been trained, and about 14 more will soon receive training. This will result in a new pool of facilitators. Approximately 500 classroom teachers will have received the hands-on ER training by June 2002.
Waste Diversion/Waste Prevention
By conserving resources through waste prevention, reuse, and recycling, local jurisdictions are closing in on California’s 50 percent diversion goal. CIWMB is a leader in this effort, providing training and technical assistance, introducing model programs for food management and composting, disseminating tips on source reduction to State agencies and businesses, and encouraging incentives for “green” development and a sustainable future in California.
Accomplishments
1. Food Scrap Management: Nearly 16 percent of California’s waste stream consists of food scraps. As many jurisdictions, institutions, and commercial businesses plan food diversion programs, staff continues to develop resource and educational tools to help them divert this material. Recent CIWMB accomplishments include the following:
· Added new information to the Food Scrap Management Web page for animal feed and renderers describing three commercial compost technologies.
· Conducted two regional food scrap diversion workshops for local government, private businesses, schools, and other organizations in Thousand Oaks and San Jose serving five counties. Attendees learned decision-making tools and best management practices for handling food scraps and the potential for further development of the existing regional food management infrastructure.
· Assisted City of San Diego with a food compost technology presentation for a city-sponsored food diversion workshop.
· Participated in an online food diversion forum panel for the National Recycling Coalition.
· Presented food diversion management strategies at the annual EnviroFair in San Diego.
· Coordinated and arranged a new demonstration site in Davis for the Earth Tub (an in-vessel food composter owned by the CIWMB) with the City of Davis and Davis Co-op.
2. Annual Business Waste Reduction Recognition Sets Participation Record: The board-administered Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP), which recognizes the immense voluntary efforts private businesses make towards local diversion goals, set a record for participation in 2001. With more than 2,300 individual awards bestowed upon outstanding California businesses, this year’s efforts resulted in a 25 percent increase from the previous record-setting year.
3. Compost/Mulch Source List: The annual update to this list identifies businesses that market organic material products in California. Applications were mailed to 260 established businesses requesting current and accurate information about primary distribution points for their products, feedstock used, annual production, and products available. The list enables potential buyers of bulk organic materials to search by county or region.
4. Electronic Annual Reporting: Every city and county must annually prepare and submit a report providing information on waste diversion within its jurisdiction during the previous calendar year. This report includes information about waste diversion programs implemented and discontinued, as well as the annual diversion rate. The Electronic Annual Reporting system is now widely used for this purpose by local jurisdictions with almost 95 percent of the 449 jurisdictions filing their reports electronically.
5. Biennial Review of Jurisdictions’ Progress in Implementing Diversion Programs and Time Extensions for Local Diversion Programs: Since July 2001, board staff has completed nine 1997-98 biennial reviews for source reduction and recycling elements/household hazardous waste elements. To date, the board has been informed that at least 88 applications for time extensions for meeting the 50 percent diversion requirement will be submitted.
6. Completion of SB 2202 Report: Recommendations from the SB 2202 (Sher, Chapter 740, Statutes of 2000) working groups on improving the diversion rate measurement system, along with recommendations from CIWMB staff, were included in a draft report and made available for 30-day public comment in August 2001. Based on public comments received, the draft report was revised in September and October 2001. CIWMB approved the final report in November 2001. The report to the Legislature will be filed by January 2002.
Priorities
1. Implementation of State Agency Diversion Program: Staff will be focusing on a greater level of outreach services to State entities by providing technical assistance to help them meet the 25 percent and 50 percent mandated goals. CIWMB has developed an awards program as required under AB 75 to recognize exemplary State agency efforts. Distribution of brochures and applications was completed in November 2001; applications will be due in January 2002. As envisioned, the program will be very similar to CIWMB’s existing Trash Cutters awards program that recognizes innovative local government diversion efforts. Additionally, a new Web-based reporting capability has been implemented to allow the State organizations and agencies to electronically submit their annual reports. CIWMB held a series of six workshops to explain the annual reporting requirements and to describe how the newly developed electronic submittal system will make compliance with the law easier and more efficient.
2. Food Scrap Management: Staff continue to develop resources and market outreach efforts which include:
· Conducting at least four food scrap diversion workshops serving 14 counties.
· Coordinating food scrap sessions at the 2002 Biocycle magazine West Coast conference in San Francisco.
· Developing an Access database on jurisdictions and private entities with food scrap management programs. Records in the database can provide examples of specific programs based on location, types of technologies or processes implemented, diversion rates, economics, and contact information.
· Continuing to develop outreach materials including case studies, fact sheets, and reference materials. Creating a local food diversion resource guide as a template for regional food diversion efforts.
· Continuing to maintain and update the Food Scrap Management Web site (www.ciwmb.ca.gov/FoodWaste/).
3. Annual Business Waste Reduction Recognition to Celebrate 10th Anniversary: The CIWMB-administered WRAP program, which recognizes the immense voluntary efforts private businesses make to local diversion goals, will enter into its tenth year in 2002. Building on a record-setting year in 2001, the WRAP program will begin recognizing improvements to business waste reduction efforts-steps that go beyond adopting a recycling program. While still aiming to increase the number of businesses that apply for the program, emphasis will be on enhancing the quality of both the information secured through the application and the programs being featured. The award application cycle runs from April 1 through June 30.
Market demand for recycled-content products is essential to the success of recycling and waste reduction programs. The CIWMB’s market development goals are designed to encourage markets for secondary materials generated in California. Through the efficient collection and processing of recycled materials, along with the commitment from manufacturers to use recycled-content feedstock, the board continues to promote the development of high-quality and value-added recycled-content products (RCP) for the California marketplace.
Accomplishments
1. Organics: The CIWMB is actively engaged in many key regulatory issues related to organic materials management. These include responding to the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s proposed rule 1133 on composting and coordinating this response with the composting industry. Rule 1133 could have devastating effects on IWMA diversion efforts. Collecting scientific data on compost facility emissions was initiated in the last months of 2001 to enable the CIWMB and the district to develop a rule that protects air quality without compromising IWMA mandates. The CIWMB also conducted several workshops on alternative daily cover (ADC) issues, received the first draft of a board-sponsored research study on the use of wood ash to control odor problems at composting facilities, and approved initiation of the formal rulemaking process to amend composting regulations.
2. Nursery Compost Use: In conjunction with the California Association of Nurserymen and the California Cut Flower Commission, CIWMB surveyed more than 100 wholesale nurseries in California about compost use and perceived barriers to increased use. A fact sheet based on the survey results was developed. Approval was obtained from organizers to include a session on nursery compost use at the March 2002 Biocycle magazine West Coast conference.
3. California Heartland: KVIE-TV (Sacramento public TV) developed shows on several recycling-related themes for the fifth season of California Heartland: agricultural oil recycling, holiday recycling, River Cats baseball team recycling, make your own compost pile, Sea World recycling, tire recycling, and fair recycling. Web hits from the California Heartland Web page to the CIWMB Web page increased about 25 percent, to a total of 95,000 hits. In November, the board approved funding sponsorship of the sixth season of California Heartland.
4. State Agency Buy Recycled Campaign (SABRC): The SABRC annual reports have been submitted by State agencies to the board for fiscal year 2000-01. Preliminary numbers indicate that 115 out of 144 State agencies submitted reports indicating $260.3 million in total reportable purchases, of which $216.6 million was spent on recycled-content products. While the ratio of reports submitted has declined from 111 out of 137 in FY 1999-2000, the reported figures have improved dramatically, up from $210.8 million of total reportable purchases and $167.2 million of RCP purchases.
5. Recycled Product Trade Show: Preparations for the 3rd Annual Recycled Product Trade Show are in full swing. The show management contract has been awarded to the Association Resource Center, the manager for the past two shows. The show will take place at the Disneyland Hotel on April 4 and 5, 2002. The exhibitor prospectus will be distributed in December. A number of outreach efforts are underway to attract exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees to the show.
6. Rigid Plastic Packaging Container Regulations: The board prepared emergency regulations to enhance compliance with the rigid plastic packaging container (RPPC) program. The regulations allow companies that package products in RPPCs to more effectively plan their future compliance with the RPPC law by giving them advance notice of a potential compliance option. These regulations were filed with the Office of Administrative Law on September 17, 2001.
7. Plastic Trash Bag Report: CIWMB prepared a report to the Legislature on the plastic trash bag law. CIWMB surveyed plastic trash bag manufacturers, prepared a report of the findings, and made recommendations on requirements to use recycled plastic in trash bags. Plastic trash bag manufacturers and wholesalers are required to use at least 10 percent recycled plastic in their trash bags or 30 percent recycled plastic in all of their other products.
8. Implementation of Executive Order D-16-00: The Sustainable Building Task Force obtained Governor’s Office approval for its strategy, the Blueprint. CIWMB monitored progress of assignments by task force members and created a Sustainable Building Task Force Web site (www.ciwmb.ca.gov/GreenBuilding/TaskForce/). Completed action items include the following tasks:
· Conducted training sessions for the Department of General Services and other State entities.
· Drafted performance standards for State buildings and assisted with the development of a Best Practices Manual for schools (through the Collaborative for High Performance Schools).
· Developed a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) supplement for California State facilities (performance standards). Developed reference specifications for State buildings incorporating environmental performance standards.
· Developed a checklist of Department of Finance-approved green building features that are attached to each DGS architecture and engineering contract for new construction.
· Encouraged the ongoing activities of the California Green Building Collaborative, a network of local governments with green building activities.
9. Plastics “White Paper:” CIWMB held issue-framing sessions for several stakeholder groups, including environmental organizations, waste management firms, beverage and container manufacturers, and recycling market development zone administrators. These framing sessions will be used to prepare a background paper for two statewide workshops to be held in the spring of 2002.
10. Develop Key Organics Partnerships: Several projects were initiated in the latter half of 2001 that involved multiple parties. For example, CIWMB is working with SWRCB, the Department of Water Resources, and U.S. EPA on projects concerning resource-efficient landscaping practices to reduce green waste, conserve water, reduce pesticide use, and minimize nonpoint source pollution. Other projects include working with CalTrans to increase the agency’s procurement of urban-derived compost and mulch for erosion control and working with the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) and industry on eliminating persistent herbicides in compost. Virtually every project involves multiple parties and partnerships.
Priorities
1. Organics Regulatory Issues: CIWMB leadership will continue to be critical in responding to South Coast Air Quality Management District’s proposed rule 1133 on composting. The CIWMB will initiate and complete a contract designed to provide additional emissions testing data for analyzing impacts of the proposed rule and will continue to coordinate with the composting industry and local jurisdictions on the proposed rule. The board will consider recommendations from the alternative daily cover (ADC) workshops described above. The primary areas to be discussed include, but are not limited to: a local enforcement agency advisory on proper ADC use, improvements to the disposal reporting system, and how to assess the impacts of ADC use on compost markets. Depending on board direction, this could result in subsequent ADC-related work. The board will continue the rulemaking process to amend composting regulations and conduct a new round of training for local enforcement agencies and compost operators in spring 2002. The board also will continue to monitor the issue of persistent herbicides in compost, and work with herbicide manufacturers, the composting industry, and the DPR to resolve outstanding problems.
2. Biennial Infrastructure Survey: The CIWMB completed the very first survey of California’s compost- and mulch-producing industry in 2001. In October 2001, the board allocated additional funding to conduct a follow-up survey in 2003 (in conjunction with a survey on the impacts of alternative daily cover use on compost markets).
3. Nursery Compost Use: The CIWMB will conduct the March 2002 nursery compost use workshop at Biocycle magazine’s West Coast conference. This workshop will bring composters and wholesale nursery operators together to discuss compost characteristics required by nurseries for their specialized growing regimes. As part of the workshop preparation, the board will prepare a short article based on the nursery survey discussed above for inclusion in the February 2002 issue of Biocycle.
4. External Grant Funding Pilot Project: As part of the pilot program, CIWMB will target a select number of external grant programs, systematically solicit and select partners from local jurisdictions and the business sector, and assign staff to work with each selected partner to develop grant applications. A key feature of the program is that the external grant program would award funds directly to the selected partner(s) for a specific project. CIWMB would not be a recipient of grant funds, nor would it be a party to the grant.
5. Develop Key Organics Partnerships: CIWMB will continue to develop partnerships with government and industry entities promoting the use of urban compost and mulch products. CIWMB will work with CalTrans and the compost industry to track compost and mulch procurement by CalTrans.
In addition, CIWMB will pursue a partnership with the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) to provide educational materials that promote resource-efficient landscape management practices to their membership. CIWMB has reached an agreement with CLCA to conduct a resource-efficient landscape seminar at CLCA’s 2002 annual landscape industry show in Long Beach. Topics include compost use in landscape applications, water-efficient irrigation, and proper pruning techniques.
CIWMB is also pursuing options to fund a project with Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, to develop a sustainable environmental design education program. The program would serve as an education module in university degrees and building and landscape architecture industry continuing education programs. The proposed focus will be to design buildings and landscapes that conserve energy and water, prevent waste and pollution, and provide markets for recycled building and landscape products.
6. State Agency Buy Recycled Campaign (SABRC): CIWMB will continue its increased outreach efforts to the largest procuring agencies with the goal of capturing $1 million in total reportable purchases for fiscal year 2001-02. CIWMB has established a goal of 90 percent of agencies reporting, in addition to an increase in the total number of agencies included in the SABRC. Additionally, CIWMB will focus much attention on increasing Department of General Services’ role in the SABRC. Specifically, CIWMB will look for an increase in number of RCPs available on statewide contracts, increased use of the recycled-content certification form, and increased SABRC presence in DGS trainings, outreach, Web site, promotional activities, and publications.
7. Recycled Product Trade Show: The 3rd Annual Recycled Product Trade Show will be held at the Disneyland Hotel on April 4 and 5, 2002. CIWMB established a goal of increasing exhibitor participation from 124 booth spaces to 175, receiving $20,000 in sponsorship revenues, and exceeding 2,000 attendees for the two-day event.
8. Plastics “White Paper:” CIWMB, in cooperation with the Department of Conservation, is developing an issue paper, or “white paper,” to systematically analyze the manufacturing, use, disposal, and recycling of plastics in California. The white paper will develop innovative solutions for overcoming obstacles faced by local jurisdictions, waste haulers, and recyclers attempting to collect more plastic from the waste stream, and by manufacturers wanting to use more postconsumer resin in products and packaging. This will help CIWMB refocus its efforts in the management of plastics from rigid plastic packaging containers to all types of plastics within the waste stream. The ultimate goal is to increase the recycling of plastic, increase the use of recycled plastic, and conserve resources.
9. Plastic Trash Bag Report Workshops: CIWMB will hold workshops to solicit comments from trash bag manufacturers and other stakeholders regarding the recommendations in the Plastic Trash Bag Report.
10. Rigid Plastic Packaging: CIWMB will conduct rigid plastic packaging container law compliance certifications for 2000 and 2001. These certifications will determine whether regulated companies complied with the rigid plastic packaging container law in those years. CIWMB will also conduct a survey of plastic processors, in cooperation with the Department of Conservation, in order to calculate the 2001 recycling rates for all rigid plastic packaging containers (RPPC) and for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) RPPCs. The rates will be considered for adoption in July 2001. Regulated companies may use these recycling rates to comply with the law in 2002.
11. Implementation of Executive Order D-16-00: This order provides a solid foundation of lasting institutional changes in the way the State designs, constructs, operates, and renovates buildings. Significant updates of Blueprint action items include the pre-approved checklist of green building features approved by the Department of Finance, the LEED Supplement for California State Facilities, and the Reference Specification for Energy and Resource Efficiency. It also includes updating the Web site and filling in gaps as new information becomes available. The training program will continue educating building project teams about sustainable building materials and practices with in-depth trainings on selected topics. CIWMB will also work with the Department of Finance and Department of General Services to foster the use of life-cycle costing, which is essential for justifying the higher initial costs of some sustainable building practices. New activities include tracking long-term performance and developing an annual report.
Facility Permitting/Enforcement
The Integrated Waste Management Act mandates diversion of recyclable materials from the waste stream and the safe handling and disposal of all nonhazardous solid waste. The CIWMB, in partnership with local governmental agencies, is responsible for regulating the operations of solid waste facilities. It also administers remediation programs for orphaned, illegal, and abandoned dumpsites.
Accomplishments
1. Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) Training: More than 200 attendees participated in the 5th Annual LEA/CIWMB Partnership Conference. Sessions ranged from e-waste to conversion technologies, and all of the sessions received very high marks. LEAs and CIWMB took advantage of networking time to solve problems, share successes and obstacles, and enhance their partnership. CIWMB also provided basic compost training for interested CIWMB and LEA staff in July (Riverside/San Diego counties), August (south San Francisco Bay counties), and November 2001 (south San Joaquin counties).
2. Bureau of State Audits Report: At the request of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, the Bureau of State Audits (auditor) conducted an audit of the CIWMB’s oversight of the State’s solid waste landfills. The audit report, released by the Auditor on December 11, 2000, contained 16 recommendations. In a 60-day report to the auditor, the CIWMB included a schedule and protocol for follow-up on each of the report’s recommendations. The CIWMB has completed the six-month and one-year report on this issue and has addressed all 16 recommendations.
3. Rulemaking: The following rulemaking is in progress:
· Process for board withdrawal of approval of local enforcement agency designations; public hearing scheduled for January 22, 2002.
· LEA enforcement assistance grants.
· Nonhazardous, nonputrescible industrial solid wastes; proposed permanent regulation approved for 45-day public comment period by the CIWMB. (www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Rulemaking/NonHaz/)
· Compostable organics: CIWMB conducted numerous informal workshops and meetings with interested parties, including industry, LEAs, and other State agencies, to obtain consensus on proposed regulatory language and help resolve issues raised. CIWMB obtained approval to start the formal 45-day process for the compostable material regulations in August 2001.
The following rulemaking has been completed: permit enforcement emergency regulations.
4. Financial Assurance: CIWMB updated financial assurance mechanisms for 181 solid waste landfills and major waste tire facilities based on the current inflation factor. Staff is taking enforcement action against one operator who failed to provide adequate environmental liability insurance. Culminating a five-year effort, the board approved changes to the financial assurances regulations, which impose strict conditions on captive insurance used as a financial mechanism for landfill closure.
5. Landfill-Gas-to-Energy Task Force: In October 2001, CIWMB conducted a landfill-gas-to-energy workshop at the Cal/EPA headquarters building. The purpose of the workshop was to facilitate the concept of using landfill gas in California as a renewable energy source. More than 125 people attended the workshop from industry, local government, energy companies, and consultant firms. Cal/EPA Secretary Winston H. Hickox presented keynote remarks. U.S. EPA’s landfill methane outreach program organized the workshop with significant staff technical support from the CIWMB, the Air Resources Board, SWRCB, and the California Energy Commission. These agencies continue to collaborate on a landfill-gas-to-energy task force that was convened last December. CIWMB provided presentations in two areas: identification and evaluation of potential solid waste disposal sites with significant potential for new or expanded landfill-gas-to-energy projects; and presentation of CIWMB efforts to facilitate bioreactor landfill technology, which could increase landfill gas production 5 to 10 times over that of a conventional landfill.
Priorities
1. Training: CIWMB is coordinating a variety of LEA training sessions that will include best management practices for compost facilities; load checking for operators and inspectors; closed, illegal and abandoned site assistance; and understanding Cal OSHA and recognizing CCR, Title 8 violations.
2. Rulemaking:
The following rulemaking efforts will continue:· Process for board withdrawal of approval of local enforcement agency designations. CIWMB staff anticipate concluding this rulemaking in the first half of 2002.
· LEA enforcement assistance grants. Staff tentatively anticipates concluding this rulemaking in the first half of 2002.
· Tire Monofills, www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Rulemaking/Monofill/ (ongoing effort).
· Construction, demolition, and inert debris www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Rulemaking/CDMater/ (ongoing effort).
3. LEA Evaluations: CIWMB will be completing the LEA evaluation process and finalizing evaluation results for the following jurisdictions: Los Angeles County, Humboldt County, Monterey County, Kern County, the City of San Jose, San Diego County, and Amador County. CIWMB will monitor LEA compliance with evaluation work plans that address performance issues identified in LEA evaluation results for the following jurisdictions: Alameda County, Imperial County, San Benito County, Tulare County, and San Luis Obispo. CIWMB anticipates that some additional LEA jurisdictions will require monitoring once their evaluation results are finalized. In February 2002, evaluation staff will present to the board an LEA evaluation status update for the period ending December 31, 2001.
4. LEA Outreach and Issue Research: CIWMB is working with other Cal/EPA entities, the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and university contacts on various issues including potential bioaerosols in composting, sudden oak death, and avian and potential animal product composting. CIWMB Staff is also providing technical support to the board’s markets division in the area of conversion technologies.
5. Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Compostable Materials: CIWMB continues efforts to coordinate with industry, LEAs, and local and State government agencies in developing best management practices and odor mitigation measures to satisfy the requirements of SB 675. Odor-based BMPs must integrate feedstock handling with composting methods to promote a greater degree of aerobic activity. Operators have contributed valuable insights with their varied operations.
6. Universal Waste Rule/Cathode Ray Tube (UWR/CRT) Working Groups Support: CIWMB continues to participate on the UWR and CRT working groups and to facilitate resolution to LEA questions regarding these issues.
7. Compostable Material Regulations-Next Steps: While conducting fiscal impact statement (FIS) data analysis with ARB staff, board staff is concurrently compiling FIS documentation for approval by the Department of Finance and Cal/EPA before forwarding the regulatory package to Office of Administrative Law to start the formal 45-day rulemaking process in early 2002.
8. Landfill-Gas-to-Energy Task Force: The task force will continue to work to resolve issues related to expansion of the state’s landfill-gas-to-energy infrastructure.
The CIWMB is responsible for the safe management of more than 36 million waste tires generated, imported, and stockpiled annually in California. The five-year plan for the elimination of waste tires requires that CIWMB undertake cleanup activities for illegal tire sites, upgrade the waste tire hauler program, stimulate market activities, and implement a tire disposal fee for each new tire sold in California. The CIWMB’s used oil recycling program also encourages motorists to “close the recycling loop” by recycling their used motor oil and using re-refined oil in their vehicles.
Accomplishments
1. Five-Year Plan. As directed by Chapter 838, Statutes of 2000 (SB 876, Escutia), CIWMB developed a five-year plan for the waste tire recycling management program to be submitted to the Legislature by July 1, 2001. On March 20, 2001, the board approved the plan for submittal to Cal/EPA, the Governor, and the Legislature. In August, revisions were made to reflect changes in the fiscal year 2001-02 State Budget Act on personnel allocations. The plan includes the following elements, with funding allocations and performance criteria for each:
· Enforcement and regulations relating to waste and used tires storage.
· Cleanup, abatement, or other remedial actions related to tire stockpiles.
· Research that develops and promotes alternatives to the landfill disposal of tires.
· Market development and new technology activities for used tires and waste tires.
· The waste and used tires hauler program and manifest system.
One of the major steps in the process of implementing the waste tire plan is the development and implementation of the waste tire manifest tracking/monitoring system. The CIWMB has conducted four workshops for affected parties to present a draft of the manifest system, which yielded many helpful suggestions. The CIWMB is now able to proceed with the development and testing of the new manifest tracking/monitoring system.
CIWMB approved awards for three of six grant programs described in the waste tire plan and revised criteria for a fourth. The grants awarded included:
· Waste tire cleanup grants.
· Waste tire enforcement grants.
· Local government waste tire education and amnesty day grants.
2. Remediation of Illegal Sites:
· Westley Tire Fire Site-CIWMB, working with DTSC, completed the development of a remedial action plan necessary to clean up the Filbin tire fire site in Westley. Characterization of the extent of the contamination from oil and ash residues has been completed. The five-year plan approved by the board allocates $10 million for the remediation of this site over the next three years. A contract has been awarded to Sukut Engineering, Inc. to perform the work.
· Tracy Tire Fire Site-CIWMB is working with U.S. EPA and other Cal/EPA entities to develop a site characterization plan that will identify the extent of the contamination from oil and ash residues at the Royster tire fire site in Tracy. The five-year plan approved by CIWMB allocates $7 million for the remediation of this site over the next three years.
3. Do-It-Yourselfer (DIY) and Used Oil Disposal Study: The Public Research Institute (PRI) of San Francisco State University completed a research study in November 2001 (through an interagency agreement) that provides general information about the oil disposal behavior and attitudes of California residents who change their own automotive oil-the do-it-yourselfers. The research also focused on the media use, as well as message and incentive receptivity of the DIYs.
Priorities
1. Five-Year Plan: CIWMB will implement the provisions of the five-year plan, including addressing staffing needs, managing various contracts, implementing priorities for cleanup set in the plan, and awarding and administering grants under the six grant programs.
2. Remediation of Illegal Sites:
· Westley Tire Fire Site-CIWMB will continue implementation of the remedial action plan and the cleanup of the Filbin tire fire site in Westley.
· Tracy Tire Fire Site-Characterization efforts commenced in July 2001. Once this characterization work is completed, CIWMB will work with U.S. EPA and other Cal/EPA entities to develop a remedial action plan for this site. The board will award a contract and begin implementation of the remedial action plan and the cleanup of the site.
3. Waste Tire Recycling Conference: CIWMB has entered into an agreement with California State University-Sacramento to work in partnership with the International Tire Recycling Association to sponsor a conference in March.
4. DIY and Used Oil Disposal Study, Further Analysis and Research: The November 2001 PRI study updated information about the characteristics and habits of California residents who change their own automotive oil. Additional analysis of the survey data is needed to define this target group and to help refine outreach strategies. It will help the CIWMB to better define and understand the target audiences for its outreach efforts, and to design more effective outreach tools and messages to encourage behavioral change. The survey data will also yield more accurate estimates of the used oil recycling behavior of California do-it-yourself oil changers and improved methodologies for obtaining such estimates. A contract for this project should be awarded in winter 2002.
5. Used Oil Recycling Forum: CIWMB will sponsor a statewide used oil forum in January 2002 to support local government and nonprofit grant mangers. The forum fosters information sharing on successful used oil recycling programs. It also enhances regional partnerships and facilitates networking, which is essential to the growth and continued success of the used oil recycling program.
6. Technical working groups:
· California Resource Recovery Association, Household Hazardous Waste Technical Council-CIWMB participates in this ad hoc household hazardous waste group that studies extended producer responsibility issues that includes CRTs and e-waste. In 2002, this group will begin examining issues related to paint.
Household Hazardous Waste Standardization Committee-CIWMB participates in this national committee, whose goal is to develop a cost calculator to compare the costs and efficiencies of various household hazardous waste programs.
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