Hawaii Lawmakers Pass Bill Blocking Oahu Landfill Expansion

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Hawaii state lawmakers have passed a bill that would block the planned expansion of the landfill used for large commercial projects including the demolition of Aloha Stadium and Honolulu’s rail system. PVT Land Co. countered that the measure could force the company to raise disposal fees and stop accepting some material. The site in the community of Nanakuli is the only landfill on Oahu allowed to accept material from commercial construction and demolition projects.

The bill would require at least a half-mile (0.8 kilometers) buffer zone around residences, schools and hospitals for the construction, modification or expansion of a waste or disposal facility. The bill would also prohibit the location of a disposal facility in a conservation district, except under emergency circumstances. Democratic Gov. David Ige has until Sept. 15 to veto bills, but must notify lawmakers of his intentions by Aug. 31.

The Nanakuli landfill dates to the early 1980s and has an estimated five years of remaining capacity. PVT also contends a prohibition on expansion could cause cleanup difficulties if Oahu is hit by a major hurricane. The facility is designated to receive most debris from catastrophic hurricane damage. “With this bill, there would be no place for the disaster debris to go for recycling and disposal,” the company said.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantage.com