The Solid Waste Section welcomes citizen feedback about waste management. This quarterly update is part of our effort to encourage this dialogue. Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Contact us at (919) 733-0692 or visit us online at http://www.wastenotnc.org

In its latest session, the General Assembly removed the sunset from the State White Goods program (House Bill 1854) but made no other changes. Before October 1, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will present its annual report on the scrap tire and white goods taxes to the General Assembly. The Solid Waste Section is currently soliciting comments on these issues. If you would like your comments considered, forward them to Paul Crissman at paul.crissman@ncmail.net.

As of September 1, 2000, there were 40 lined, municipal solid waste landfills (MSWLF) operating in North Carolina. We also issued a permit to construct the Chambers Development MSWLF in Anson County. This new, privately owned and operated regional landfill is currently under construction.

Permitting activity was intense for existing MSWLF's, with twenty-two permits issued in only eight months. Most permits were to construct and operate additional landfill phases. These numbers indicate that over half of all existing MSWLF's have engaged in some permitting activity.

Devastation from the last few years’ has taught some unforgettable lessons. We have seen what hurricanes can do and need to take all necessary precautions when planning solid waste programs to protect the health and environment of our citizens. Recent updates for local solid waste management plans required all communities to acknowledge disposal capacity and plan for disaster debris management.

Policies established for "temporary" storm debris storage must be adhered to not only for environmental and public health reasons, but also for FEMA reimbursement. The policies deal with site selection and approval, the segregation and treatment of various waste types and the final disposition of waste. Division of Waste Management personnel must approve all temporary staging and storage sites before they accept waste. Contact the Division of Waste Management regional office nearest you for assistance with site selection, coordinating with other agencies and getting sites approved without unnecessary delay.

1. Contact your Solid Waste Section representative for site selection assistance.
2. Solid Waste Section representatives evaluate temporary disaster debris sites using Division of Waste Management rules and policies.
3. Solid Waste representatives will coordinate with other state agencies for site approval.
4. All temporary sites with public access must be staffed to ensure only appropriate waste is accepted.
5. Yard waste, tires and white goods must be separated for disposal at permitted facilities or recycling centers.
6. All temporary debris sites will be closed after use to adhere to Disaster Debris Cleanup Guidelines.

For more information about the Division of Waste Management, including personnel, regional office locations, disaster debris management and other programs, visit us online at http://www.wastenotnc.org. Visit before the next storm and get acquainted with all our information and disaster policies.

For additional assistance contact Philip Prete at (919) 733-0692 x 252 or phil.prete@ncmail.net.

Many North Carolina counties and municipalities have web pages with excellent information on solid waste programs. Visit some of the addresses below to see what local governments are doing to address their solid waste issues, including waste reduction tips.

http://www.ci.asheville.nc.us

http://www.townofcary.org/depts/pwdept/faq.htm

Town of Cary

http://www.ci.eden.nc.us/solidwaste.htm

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