Waste Citizen Advocacy Network

The second forum on "Dealing With Waste in a Sustainable Community" was held on February 26th at Willamette University School of Law.

Dr. Paul Connett, world-renowned expert on incineration and the negative effects of their emissions spoke about zero waste and sustainable practices. He emphasized the need to reduce waste generation at the source. Recycling and reusing materials is essential to reduce the amount of waste that will need to be disposed of in other ways. He recommends taking the residual materials after extensive recycling and putting it through a biodigester and then landfilling the small amount that remains. This means that the maximum use can be gleaned from the waste materials and as little as 10% put in a landfill. Dr. Connett says that the technology is readily available, clean and energy efficient. In addition to these efforts Dr. Connett proposes that the community work on analyzing where the waste comes from to see if alternative materials can be used or non-recyclable materials eliminated. If you can't use it, don't use it. A research consortium could be created utilizing local college students, private enterprise and government leadership to investigate ways to reduce waste and generate jobs on a local level.

Jeff Hahn of Covanta Energy Corporation talked about the history of the waste to energy facility at Brooks operated by them through a contract with Marion County. The plant was built over 10 years ago and has been upgraded for emissions controls. They consistently exceed the federal and state guidelines for emissions. He feels that the incinerator has done what the county residents had hoped by eliminating the need for a new landfill. The plant generates enough electricity for 6,000 homes. The Company monitors both the incinerator and the ash monofill for pollution. The capacity of the incinerator is limited and Marion County already sends about 50,000 tons of waste to the Coffin Butte landfill near Corvallis. He said that a third burner could be added to the existing facility. However, the contract with Marion County would need to be extended.

Following their presentations, the speakers answered questions from the audience.

The two forums are being aired on CCTV at www.cctvsalem.org

The final forum will be March 26, 2009 at Willamette University School of Law room 201 at 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. No registration is required and is free and open to the public.

The topic will be an overview of the Marion County Solid Waste Management Plan (MCSWMP) by Jeff Bickford and Doug Drennen of JR Miller Associates. They will also explain the recommendations that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee is making to the Marion County Board of Commissioners in April. The Plan is designed to set the policies for the next 5- 10 years.

Also on the agenda will be an overview of the two-year study on Solid Waste in Marion and Polk Counties conducted by the League of Women Voters of Marion/Polk Counties. They will give their reactions to the MCSWMP and other observations about management of municipal waste in both counties.