FINAL MINUTES PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY SOLID WASTE CITIZENS ADVISORY GROUP (SWCAG) MEETING JULY 20, 2017 AGENDA TOPICS

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1 OPENING: Mr. Tom Smith called the meeting of the Solid Waste Citizens Advisory Group to order at 7:30 p.m. ATTENDANCE: SWCAG Present: Mr. Harry Glasgow, Mr. James Gestrich, Ms. Jo McCabe, Mr. Joseph Chisholm, Ms. Joan Moon, Ms. Jane Wyman, Mr. Richard Arvin, Mr. William T. Lewellen, Mr. Ned Greene, Mr. Bryan D. Roberts, and Mr. Lou Balboni (via telephone). Absent: Ms. Cheryl Abram, Mr. James Huisenga, and Mr. Albert E. Brooks. Guests: Mr. Steven Markman, and Mr. Steven Gestrich. Solid Waste Staff: Mr. Tom Smith, Mr. Scott Kleinfeld, and Ms. Amy Zitzmann. AGENDA TOPICS APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Mr. Tom Smith proposed a motion to approve, which was then properly seconded by the members and it was approved to adopt the draft minutes of the June 15, 2017 SWCAG meeting. INTRODUCTION OF NEW SOLID WASTE SUPERINTENDENT Mr. Tom Smith introduced the new Solid Waste Superintendent, Mr. Scott Kleinfeld, to the Solid Waste Citizen s Advisory Group. Mr. Kleinfeld greeted the committee and proceeded to give a bit of background information regarding his career and experience. Having grown up in Michigan, Mr. Kleinfeld has spent the last three years managing a landfill in Georgia. His career spans 27 years in the Solid Waste field. He most recently was a cleaner for Waste Final July 20, 2017 meeting/sk 1

2 Management, based out of South Carolina. This position required him to clean up landfills in disrepair. These landfills can range in size, with the last landfill he worked at being relevantly similar in size to the landfill here in Prince William County. Mr. Kleinfeld has experience working with recycling, composting, disposal and trucking. Mr. Kleinfeld also stated that he has worked for the state of Michigan, which is of great pride to him; he served as a consultant opening and closing landfills. Mr. Joe Chisholm welcomed Mr. Kleinfeld to Virginia and asked if he was ever involved in waste conversion. Mr. Kleinfeld stated that he was not familiar with waste conversion, but very involved in waste diversion. Mr. Chisholm then asked Mr. Smith if he had been able to show Mr. Kleinfeld the recent proposals for the waste conversion project. Mr. Smith stated that this was still Mr. Kleinfeld s first week, so they have not gotten to that just yet, but yes, he would inform Mr. Kleinfeld and get him up to speed on that quickly. Mr. Chisholm then asked Mr. Kleinfeld s first impression of the landfill and if he has come across any landfills similar to the Prince William County landfill. Mr. Kleinfeld replied that he has managed a range of landfills. Landfills accepting 5,500 tons of refuse a day to landfills accepting 800 cubic yards a day. Mr. Kleinfeld said that this landfill compared to the last landfill that was comparable, is much busier. County landfills that he has worked with in the past have dealt with only commercial refuse and did not allow the public to come in. Mr. Kleinfeld feels that this landfill is in great shape; although he does see some improvements that need to be made. He plans to take things slow, see how the landfill operates and then start to make changes as needed in a couple of months. Mr. Lou Balboni asked if Mr. Kleinfeld has worked with any organization that looks similar to the Solid Waste Citizens Advisory Group, or has been involved with a citizens group. Mr. Kleinfeld stated that when working the state of Michigan, he briefed their committee and a Board oversaw his work. Ms. Moon asked Mr. Smith if he had explained to Mr. Kleinfeld the history of the landfill and how the SWCAG committee began. Mr. Smith replied that he had not gotten to that yet, but would go over it with Mr. Kleinfeld at some point later on. Ms. Moon stated the Landfill Oversight Committee began in The County began talking about expanding landfill to the end of their properties. At that time, the landfill was a hole in the ground, where you drove up dumped your stuff and a bulldozer covered it. The County took the land in 1989 and since then, the Solid Waste Citizen Advisor Committee and Landfill Oversight Committee have now combined. Ms. Moon has been on the Citizens Oversight Committee and now as a member of SWCAG; she stated she has retired two landfill managers. She continued by saying that they (SWCAG members) took an interest, and although it was tough for a while, they finally saw that the County would help and trust was gained. Ms. Moon reinforced that the Final July 20, 2017 meeting/sk 2

3 SWCAG is here to help, but want help from the County and landfill in return. Ms. Moon stated that we have got to stop burying refuse. Mr. Kleinfeld responded saying that he is a big supporter of local people helping the landfill and vice versa. He is here to help and assist in any way he can. His door will always be open. Mr. Kleinfeld is a big advocate of trying to find new ways of reduce the volume of refuse coming in. Whether it be through recycling, or composting; he is always looking for new ideas. He continued by saying that the landfill he just left in South Carolina had a technology center that was focused on leachate treatment and bettering the water management in the landfill. Mr. Ned Greene stated that he is glad Mr. Kleinfeld is here, as he can see that he s highly qualified for the job. He went on to say that Lake Montclair is nearby and that Mr. Smith has been dedicated in helping to keep the lake clean. Mr. Greene looks forward to working with Mr. Kleinfeld and Mr. Smith in the future regarding the lake and community. PROJECTS UPDATE Covanta Facility Fire Update/ Fairfax Refuse Exchange Update: Mr. Smith informed the group of the progress being made in regards to the Covanta fire incident in February of In total, Fairfax County brought in 27,361 tons of trash this fiscal year (July 2016-June 2017). Most of which came in after the fire. Before February, Fairfax had only brought in about 5,000 tons of trash. Mr. Smith then stated that during the first seven months of the 2017 fiscal year (July 2017-Feb 2017) Prince William County haulers brought 21,120 tons of trash to Fairfax County. Currently, Fairfax County is still brining in refuse, about 2,000 tons a week, with the most activity taking place in the later part of the week (Wednesdays-Saturdays). According to Fairfax County, they hope to have Covanta operating again in September (now December). However, this may be a soft start where the facility won t be fully operational until the end of the year. Mr. Smith stated that the Fairfax County Fire Marshal s office is keeping a very close eye on things and includes the installation of a new fire suppression system; as they do not want another fire. This down time also allows maintenance to be completed, so that when the facility does reopen it will be running smoothly with minimal problems. As for the dollar amounts, Fairfax County has paid Prince William County $870,000 for the refuse they have brought in this year. Including the yard waste, the amount increases to $1.4 million dollars. Prince William County has paid $740,000 for the trash that was taken to Fairfax County. Mr. Roberts asked if that money received from Fairfax County goes into the General Fund. Mr. Smith replied that the money does not go into the General Fund. This revenue covers the cost of processing the trash and is placed in the Solid Waste fund. Final July 20, 2017 meeting/sk 3

4 Changes to Refuse Section of County Code Update: Mr. Smith stated that Mr. Scott MacDonald and Solid Waste staff have been attending meetings regarding the County Code update. Mr. Smith reinforced that the County is considering a requirement of mandatory pickup and separation of yard waste (leaves and grass). A final draft is slated to be completed in August, which will then be sent out for review. Mr. Smith said that he hopes to take this to the Board this fall. He continued by saying that the refuse haulers have indicated that they need at least nine months to get their trucks and staff prepared for the change. As it looks right now, the mandatory pickup of yard waste will begin in the fall of Mr. Roberts asked if this pickup would include leaves that are collected in plastic bags. Mr. Smith answered that the recommended Code changes state that the leaves be collected either in a separate container or in paper bags. Waste Conversion Proposal Review Update: Mr. Smith informed the committee that they have received three proposals regarding the waste conversion project. The sub-committee should have received copies of these. Mr. Smith stated that two interviews have already been conducted; with the last interview happening next week (July 24-July 28, 2017). All three proposals are very interesting. He would like to meet with the sub-committee to have a briefing in order to discuss the different options of each and to discuss things more freely. Mr. Smith asked those on the sub-committee if they would be available in mid-august to meet with everyone answering, yes. Mr. Smith said that he would send out an in the near future regarding the details for this meeting. In summary, Mr. Smith reiterated that these are new technologies that will cost money and likely require an increase in fees. The Board will have to make the final decision regarding spending more now to save more in the future. Mr. Smith is hoping to have a decision on the direction of the waste conversion project by the end of August. General Projects Update: Mr. Smith informed the group that the wetlands project is complete. We are currently in maintenance mode. Virginia Waters and Wetlands is scheduled to come back in the fall and replant what has died. Mr. Smith said that we are monitoring and maintaining as required by the wetlands permit. The liner project, Cell D, is 99% complete. Mr. Smith, Mr. Kleinfeld, and the contractor will have their final walk through next week. DEQ s plan permit review is coming out next Thursday Final July 20, 2017 meeting/sk 4

5 to do an inspection. DEQ has to approve the liner work before we can begin to put garbage on the area. Mr. Markman asked how the roads were leading back to that area. Mr. Smith replied that building new roads are always tricky. In the beginning we are only able to send certain types of trucks into the area. He reinforced that we just have to be extra careful. Mr. Smith informed the committee that recently we have been having some problems with our pump stations. They seem to be clogging up a lot. Mr. Kleinfeld is aware we are trying to resolve that. We have a flush truck coming in to flush the sumps and are investigating the problem. Mr. Smith thinks these issues might have had something to do with construction of Cell D; as the systems all tie together. He promises to get the issue resolved quickly. Mr. Smith then discussed a new project: honeybees. Ms. Cindy Smith from George Mason University has been interested in having bees at the landfill. A local beekeeper along with Keep Prince William Beautiful submitted a grant to Lowes stating that they wished to have honeybees at the Prince William County Landfill and they were awarded a $20,000 grant. Mr. Smith stated that a location has been chosen in the wetlands area. This project will not cost the County money and the beekeeper will take care of everything on their end. Mr. Roberts asked if a water source was nearby the chosen location. Mr. Smith answered, yes. Mr. Kleinfeld stated that the plan is to have two hives and the beekeeper will grow the bees this winter. Starting in August, County staff will plant wildflowers and native plants for the bees. Mr. Markman asked if there was a specific reason the location was picked. Mr. Smith replied that the location does not have a lot of activity, it is near the wetlands, and is far enough away from the day-to-day operations. The location was picked as part of a joint effort with the beekeepers. Mr. Roberts asked if this would be something the schools could become involved with. Mr. Smith stated that it was discussed that it would be good to have the kids come out and see it, but we did not want them too close where you can disturb the bees. Moving on to the solar project, Mr. Smith stated that the economics of that project have changed. The rate that NOVEC is charging the County for power has gone down; as have the credits for solar power. We have since updated our model and it has been sent to the contractor to see if they can lower their price. Currently, they are looking it over with their investors to see if it is possible to lower the price and make it economically viable. The economics of this project are not as favorable as they were two years ago. Mr. Smith recently held a meeting regarding the proposed Eco-Park Learning Center with Virginia Tech and George Mason in attendance. They presented a model of the building and a draft video presentation. Both of which are very impressive. The Solid Waste Division is trying to develop this media, so that we are able to go out and present it to the community and start fundraising. Mr. Smith is hoping to meet with County Executive, the Prince William County Final July 20, 2017 meeting/sk 5

6 Park Authority and others to present the project and see if things cannot move forward. Mr. Glasgow asked if this project was referenced in last year s budget. Mr. Smith answered that yes, this project is part of the Capital Improvements Plan. This is part of the Eco-Park. Mr. Roberts asked if there was a dollar amount associated with this project. Mr. Smith stated that there is no money currently in the CIP for construction of the building. There is money for planning and small projects, such as the trails. Mr. Smith hopes to lessen the County cost of the building by having State and private funding. Mr. Smith has also talked to some members of the Board of County Supervisors about the Learning Center; they all seem excited about the concept. Finally, Mr. Smith directed the committee s attention to the organics project at Balls Ford Road. Mr. Smith met with Freestate Farms and they are currently obtaining final financing for the project. Mr. Doug Ross states that if everything goes well, construction will start in September. As for now, the holdup is getting the money. Mr. Chisholm asked if the committee could receive a tour of the facility. Mr. Roberts thought the tour was to be of American Recycling Center. Mr. Smith stated that a tour of both facilities can be scheduled and possibly even combine it with the groundbreaking ceremony when the organics project begins operation. CITIZEN TIME Mr. Balboni stated that he would like to invite the beekeeper to a SWCAG meeting in the future to learn more about the bee project. He also stated that a new telephone system should be considered as he unfortunately experienced a dropped call in tonight s meeting. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Smith adjourned the meeting at 8:35 pm and Mr. Balboni took leave over the phone. The annual Landfill Appreciation picnic will be held on September 21, 2017 at 6:30 pm in the Landfill HHW Warehouse. Final July 20, 2017 meeting/sk 6