To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Transportation and Public Works
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz 707-481-0124
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): All
Title:
Title
Master Operations Agreement - Annual Update to the Board
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Accept the annual report for the period April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc.
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Executive Summary:
Staff is recommending that the Board accept the annual report from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc. (“Republic”). Under the terms of the Master Operations Agreement (MOA), Republic is required to present an annual report on the progress made toward achieving the goals established in the Master Operations Agreement, including diversion goals, greenhouse gas reductions, commercial food waste program diversion, and any new activities and/or programs in the MOA. This staff report summarizes the data made available by Republic, which is available in its entirety in Attachment 1 (Annual Report).
Discussion:
The Master Operations Agreement (MOA) is the product of a three-year County City Solid Waste Advisory Group collaborative process between the Cities, the County and a diverse group of public stakeholders. The Board of Supervisors launched the public process in December 2009 to build consensus regarding Sonoma County’s long-term solid waste and recycling strategy. The provisions of the MOA were carefully crafted to accomplish fundamental goals to create a system that provides:
1. Increased diversion; decreased landfill disposal.
2. Public ownership for “local control;” private operations for “economic efficiencies.”
3. No pre-set volume (put-or-pay) disposal commitments, which supports increased diversion and local flexibility.
4. Long term liability relief for closure, post-closure, and unforeseen environmental liabilities at the Central Landfill site.
5. A sustainable rate model that works with high levels of waste diversion.
6. In-county landfill to end reliance on outhaul export of Sonoma County trash.
7. Quantifiable greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions.
8. Ongoing funding for education, household hazardous waste, and other programs.
9. Ongoing funding source for closed county landfill sites.
On April 1, 2015, the MOA became effective, and Republic began operating the County solid waste facilities. Section 11.9 of the MOA requires Republic to submit an annual report to the County and present a report to the Board of Supervisors on the progress made toward achieving the goals established in the MOA. Republic’s full report for the 2019-2020 period is attached hereto.
Progress Toward MOA Goals for 2019-2020
Diversion
The annual diversion goal of 67,000 tons became effective June 1, 2018, once the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) had been operational for one year. The MRF is a plant that receives, separates, and prepares recyclable materials for marketing to end-user manufacturers.
Total diversion tonnage was 43,289 this year as compared to 50,088 tons during the prior year. As required by the MOA, Republic met with the County to discuss why the goal was not met. Republic will provide an action plan that will outline how they will meet the target goal next year.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reductions
Total GHG emissions during calendar year 2019 were 77,277 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide equivalent, which represent an increase of 9,792, or 14.5% from 2018. The primary contributor to the GHG emissions increase at the landfill is due to the construction of 16 additional gas extraction well. The construction of the MRF and other recycling efforts continue to help divert and reduce the amount of waste disposed at the landfill, thus minimizing the amount of methane gas generated at the landfill.
Commercial Food Waste Program
The Commercial Food Waste Program offers businesses an option to divert food waste for composting at no additional charge. The program is funded through the collection of disposal fees at Central Landfill or County Transfer Station. 7,148 tons were diverted through the Program during April 1, 2019 - March 31, 2020, up from 5,879 tons during the prior year. During that same time, 386 businesses implemented composting programs, which directly attributed to the increase in diverted tons. The Program is promoted by a 9-member “Waste Zero Team” via newsletters, social media, brochures, and other targeted outreach efforts.
Healdsburg Transfer Station Recycling Capacity Increase
Although Recycletown at the Healdsburg Transfer Station closed its doors to public drop off of reusable items in late 2019, the site now provides for additional recycling capacity. Best Management Practices have also improved storm water quality at the site.
Staff recommends the acceptance of the annual report as it provides a progress update to the Board on requirements set forth in the MOA. Requirements include: meeting waste diversion targets, GHG emissions reduction efforts, the commercial food waste program, and other recycling efforts.
Prior Board Actions:
09/24/19 Board received annual report for the period April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc., required under the terms of the Master Operations Agreement.
05/02/17 Board received annual report for the period January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc., required under the terms of the Master Operations Agreement.
07/19/16: Board received annual report for the period April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016 from Republic Services.
03/01/16: Board approved the Second Amendment to the Master Operations Agreement (MOA) to allow full access to the reuse area at the Sonoma Transfer Station and for reimbursement of up to $500,000 to Republic for purchasing and installing storm water equipment.
03/03/15: Board approved the First Amendment to the MOA, the Landfill Settlement Agreement between the County and the Cities, the Limited Term Indemnity Agreement with Republic Services Related to Composting Operations, and the Joint Defense and Indemnity Agreement with Sonoma County Waste Management Agency.
10/26/10: Board approved developing a regional long-term solid waste option.
12/8/09: Board approved and authorized relate of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Short-Term Transfer Station Operations, Transportation and Disposal Services
Fiscal Summary
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FY 19-20 Adopted |
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FY 21-22 Projected |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
The annual report serves as an update to the Board on progress made by Republic toward achieving the goals established in the Master Operations Agreement. There are no financial impacts to County nor General Fund.
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Annual Report
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
Master Operations Agreement;
1st and 2nd Amendment to the Master Operations Agreement