Minutes - Board - 2013-01-10 X54,SAN!7:44)
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COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT
MINUTES OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPECIAL MEETING
JANUARY 10, 2013
CALL TO ORDER The Board of Directors of the Costa Mesa
Sanitary District met in special session on
January 10, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. at 628 W. 19th
Street, Costa Mesa.
ROLL CALL DIRECTORS PRESENT: James Ferryman, Art Perry, Mike Scheafer,
Robert Ooten, Jim Fitzpatrick
STAFF PRESENT: Scott Carroll, General Manager; Noelani,
Middenway, Deputy District Clerk; Rob
Hamers, District Engineer; Javier Ochiqui,
Management Analyst; Elizabeth Pham,
Management Intern
OTHERS PRESENT: Dean Ruffridge, CR&R; Mike Silva, CR&R;
Paul Relis, CR&R; David Ronnenberg,
CR&R; Jim Mosher, Newport Beach
Resident
PUBLIC COMMENT
Director Fitzpatrick commented that he would like to have a more robust agenda
providing a detailed explanation of the agenda items to be discussed during the
meeting.
Mr. Dean Ruffridge, CR&R, introduced the presentation on waste conversion
technologies. He noted that CR&R has been cognizant of the District's Strategic
Planning process. He introduced Mr. Mike Silva who would provide the presentation and
noted that CR&R's objective was to describe the technologies available to the District
on waste conversion technologies that would achieve the District's goal of zero solid
waste.
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 2
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPECIAL MEETING
HELD JANUARY 10, 2013
Mr. Silva discussed the challenges and reasons that are driving conversion
technologies, which include the increase of landfill tipping fees, successful organic
separations, landfill bans of food waste and alternative daily cover, increase in energy
costs, product demand, public and political support.
He went on to discuss and provide detail on the processes of pyrolysis, gasification,
thermal de-polymerization, acidic hydrolysis/fermentation, aerobic and anaerobic
digestion.
Mr. Silva provided extensive detail on the anaerobic digestion process and noted that
this technology is very popular in Germany and Switzerland for its ability to create
natural gas and energy. He discussed the benefits of anaerobic digestion and felt that
this process would ultimately lead the country towards energy independence.
Discussion followed regarding the permitting and engineering process of the anaerobic
digestion technology in the United States. Mr. Silva commented that this technology
currently exists in Europe and indicated that CR&R will be the first to build a plant of its
size in the United States.
Mr. Paul Relis provided history on how CR&R chose anaerobic digestion technology
and further discussed the plant permitting process in the City of Perris.
Discussion followed regarding the timeline of availability of this technology. Mr. Silva
indicated that CR&R projected that it will become available during the first quarter of
2014.
Further discussion ensued regarding the byproducts of anaerobic digestion, the amount
that is used and the projected value.
Director Fitzpatrick requested confirmation that there is an ongoing discussion between
the District and CR&R regarding the nickel value of the recyclables.
General Manager Carroll confirmed that the discussion is occurring.
Director Fitzpatrick complimented CR&R on utilizing industry leading technology. He
questioned where the District would take part in the anaerobic digestion process.
Mr. Ruffridge noted that CR&R has determined to move forward with the anaerobic
digestion process without any formal commitment from the District. He further added
that CR&R is presenting this technology to other organizations and indicated that there
is high interest from other large cities in signing on to the project.
Discussion followed regarding the cost per ton rate savings for the first cities that sign
on to the project.
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 3
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPECIAL MEETING
HELD JANUARY 10, 2013
General Manager Carroll questioned what other technologies are being utilized by other
haulers.
Mr. Silva responded to Mr. Carroll's question and indicated that the two processes are
either aerobic or anaerobic digestion.
Mr. Jim Mosher provided public comment regarding grease disposal, energy production,
and the end result of the carbonated water that is produced.
Discussion followed regarding carbon dioxide (CO2) being released into the
atmosphere and whether or not the anaerobic digestion process produces less CO2
than other technologies.
Mr. Silva noted that the anaerobic digestion process captures Methane gas and allows
the CO2 to be released into the atmosphere to be recycled by nature.
Director Scheafer questioned the California laws to be passed banning organics in the
landfill and landfill capacity in Southern California.
Discussion followed regarding the tonnages received by various landfills in Southern
California, the import rate, and the daily percentage of tonnage expected to be
anaerobically digested.
Director Perry questioned if the District had enough green waste to achieve the 75
percent diversion by year 2020.
Mr. Ruffridge confirmed that there is enough to achieve an 83 percent diversion by
2020.
Mr. Carroll suggested that another special meeting be held to discuss the zero waste
plan, identify goals, and determine the desired outcome to be achieved.
Discussion followed regarding the timeframe to determine the District's involvement in
the anaerobic digestion process, and creating a partnership with the City of Costa Mesa
to achieve the diversion rate.
There were no additional questions or comments and the report was accepted.
ADJOURNMENT
President Ferryman adjourned the meeting at 11:08 a.m.
Art Perry J les Ferryman
Secretary P sident