The Solid Waste Reduction and Management Task Force discussed public forums held to gather input on waste management options for Northampton. Key discussion points included concerns about narrow streets being accessible to trash trucks, the need to set timetables and recycling goals, and where the city's trash will go once nearby landfills close. The Task Force also addressed questions raised at the forums on topics like how dumpsters for community projects would be funded after the landfill closes and whether waste could be restricted just to city residents. Members reviewed correspondence received and sought any additional information needed to make recommendations.
Solid Waste Task Force: Draft Minutes of 1/3/11Adam Cohen
The Solid Waste Reduction and Management Task Force met on January 3, 2011. Members discussed presentations from waste and recycling haulers, debated the merits of various collection systems like PAYT and drop-off centers, and prioritized goals like reducing waste and costs. Education was identified as important to ensure the public understands recycling programs and options. The Task Force looked to learn more about food waste collection and other communities' experiences with incentives and opting out of curbside service.
I. Krissy Waterman gave a speech about how littering is a serious problem in Indiana and proposed solutions to address it. Indiana ranks as the third dirtiest state and littering harms wildlife and costs taxpayers money.
II. Krissy proposed two solutions - making household cleanups of a one mile radius mandatory once a year and allowing inmates to participate in litter cleanup. Both would reduce costs and increase responsibility and environmental health.
III. A cleaner environment would benefit the economy, wildlife, and quality of life. Individual actions like not littering and community cleanups can make a significant impact on reducing trash.
Energy Vision Report: Tomorrow’s Trucks: Leaving the Era of Oil BehindMarcellus Drilling News
A 72-page report published by the nonprofit Energy Vision detailing how the "refuse sector" (i.e. garbage trucks) in the Northeast are making the change to clean-burning natural gas. The report looks closely at NYC, Long Island and NJ.
This document discusses stormwater management requirements for MS4 permit holders, including both traditional municipalities and non-traditional entities like universities and transportation agencies. It provides an example of how the Barr Lake and Milton Reservoir Watershed Association engaged the public through an educational campaign involving 9-foot drinking straw installations near water bodies. This novel approach helped raise awareness of how rainwater runoff can impact drinking water sources. The document also notes challenges non-municipal permit holders face in implementing certain compliance practices, like enacting local ordinances, which municipalities can do but other entities cannot.
Public transportation is important because it provides economic and environmental benefits. It enhances opportunities for jobs and a better quality of life while saving fuel and reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. Using public transit also saves individuals money and reduces gasoline consumption compared to personal vehicle usage.
Swim Drink Fish's submission on Preserving and Protecting our Environment for...LOWaterkeeper
This submission outlines Swim Drink Fish's six recommendations to the Government of Ontario for its provincial environment plan and a model sewage-alert policy.
The remunicipalization of parisian water servicesUniSA_CCWPL
This article discusses the remunicipalization of water services in Paris in 2010. It analyzes why public authorities returned to a public management model after having a public-private partnership. Key reasons included the promotion of revisited public-private partnership models by international institutions and the rise of a new political vision among local authorities regarding their role in water services management.
Drought risk and resilience decision support - Chris Hughes, Arup, at IWA 2019The Resilience Shift
Chris Hughes, drought specialist at Arup, has written a guest blog for the Resilience Shift. In it he discusses some of the ways cities might better prepare for drought and resilience to water scarcity. Chris spoke about the work of his team recently at the IWA Conference on Efficient Water Management in Manila in January this year and referenced the Resilience Shift, and its work on the City Water Resilience Approach and online collaboration tool. You can see his presentation here.
Solid Waste Task Force: Draft Minutes of 1/3/11Adam Cohen
The Solid Waste Reduction and Management Task Force met on January 3, 2011. Members discussed presentations from waste and recycling haulers, debated the merits of various collection systems like PAYT and drop-off centers, and prioritized goals like reducing waste and costs. Education was identified as important to ensure the public understands recycling programs and options. The Task Force looked to learn more about food waste collection and other communities' experiences with incentives and opting out of curbside service.
I. Krissy Waterman gave a speech about how littering is a serious problem in Indiana and proposed solutions to address it. Indiana ranks as the third dirtiest state and littering harms wildlife and costs taxpayers money.
II. Krissy proposed two solutions - making household cleanups of a one mile radius mandatory once a year and allowing inmates to participate in litter cleanup. Both would reduce costs and increase responsibility and environmental health.
III. A cleaner environment would benefit the economy, wildlife, and quality of life. Individual actions like not littering and community cleanups can make a significant impact on reducing trash.
Energy Vision Report: Tomorrow’s Trucks: Leaving the Era of Oil BehindMarcellus Drilling News
A 72-page report published by the nonprofit Energy Vision detailing how the "refuse sector" (i.e. garbage trucks) in the Northeast are making the change to clean-burning natural gas. The report looks closely at NYC, Long Island and NJ.
This document discusses stormwater management requirements for MS4 permit holders, including both traditional municipalities and non-traditional entities like universities and transportation agencies. It provides an example of how the Barr Lake and Milton Reservoir Watershed Association engaged the public through an educational campaign involving 9-foot drinking straw installations near water bodies. This novel approach helped raise awareness of how rainwater runoff can impact drinking water sources. The document also notes challenges non-municipal permit holders face in implementing certain compliance practices, like enacting local ordinances, which municipalities can do but other entities cannot.
Public transportation is important because it provides economic and environmental benefits. It enhances opportunities for jobs and a better quality of life while saving fuel and reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. Using public transit also saves individuals money and reduces gasoline consumption compared to personal vehicle usage.
Swim Drink Fish's submission on Preserving and Protecting our Environment for...LOWaterkeeper
This submission outlines Swim Drink Fish's six recommendations to the Government of Ontario for its provincial environment plan and a model sewage-alert policy.
The remunicipalization of parisian water servicesUniSA_CCWPL
This article discusses the remunicipalization of water services in Paris in 2010. It analyzes why public authorities returned to a public management model after having a public-private partnership. Key reasons included the promotion of revisited public-private partnership models by international institutions and the rise of a new political vision among local authorities regarding their role in water services management.
Drought risk and resilience decision support - Chris Hughes, Arup, at IWA 2019The Resilience Shift
Chris Hughes, drought specialist at Arup, has written a guest blog for the Resilience Shift. In it he discusses some of the ways cities might better prepare for drought and resilience to water scarcity. Chris spoke about the work of his team recently at the IWA Conference on Efficient Water Management in Manila in January this year and referenced the Resilience Shift, and its work on the City Water Resilience Approach and online collaboration tool. You can see his presentation here.
A rural fire station in the village of Chernayaevsky, Khabarovsk region, Russia received funding through a participatory budgeting process. Participatory budgeting allows citizens to propose projects and vote on how to allocate public funds. This fire station will help the village adapt to climate change impacts like wildfires, which are expected to increase in the region due to rising temperatures and drought.
This document summarizes issues with New York City's commercial waste industry and provides policy recommendations to address them. Specifically, it notes that commercial waste collection is inefficient, costly, and polluting. It also states that low-income communities and communities of color disproportionately bear the burden of waste handling. Additionally, it discusses how private sector waste workers face low wages and poor working conditions. The document recommends transforming the commercial waste industry through establishing an exclusive franchise system to ensure high labor, environmental, and equity standards. This would help reduce pollution and costs while creating good jobs in recycling and related industries.
Trabajo desempeñado por la firma C40, encargados en desarrollar consultorías en torno al transporte urbano, buenas prácticas y movilidad eléctrica en ciudades de la región de América Latina
This document discusses the classification of goods and resources as private, public, common, or natural monopolies based on whether they are excludable and rival. It also examines issues that can arise with the provision of public goods and management of common resources, such as the free rider problem, tragedy of the commons, and potential solutions like property rights and quotas. Specific examples discussed include surveillance satellites, fish stocks, and proposals for high-speed rail in the US.
The Tamar Catchment Plan has adopted a stakeholder-led ‘ecosystem services’ approach to catchment planning. This has involved the host organisation working with stakeholders to identify areas within the catchment which play, or have the potential to play, a particularly important role in the delivery of clean water and a range of other benefits (services) to society.
Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is an environmental charity established in 1990 to campaign for clean, safe recreational waters. SAS undertakes conservation, education, and research to protect oceans, waves and beaches. Their campaigns have addressed issues like water quality, marine litter, and climate change through community organizing, petitions, and raising awareness. SAS now mobilizes thousands of volunteers for beach cleanups and educates the public on responsible behaviors to reduce pollution and protect coastal environments.
This chapter discusses various topics related to urbanization and sustainable development:
1) More than half of humans now live in cities, and that number is expected to reach three-quarters by 2050 as large cities continue expanding rapidly worldwide.
2) Many cities face issues like overcrowding, pollution, and lack of sufficient housing as they struggle to accommodate large populations. Slums and shantytowns often form on the outskirts of major cities in developing nations.
3) The chapter explores concepts like urban sprawl, smart growth, and sustainable development - which emphasizes meeting needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.
This report summarizes interviews conducted with London residents to understand public perceptions on various topics. It was found that residents believed London's recycling system was outdated compared to other cities. While complaints were made about the lack of composting, research showed the high costs incurred by other municipalities with compost programs. Interviews also expressed that there was little to do downtown and not enough jobs for youth. However, the report found that London has a thriving arts scene and many cultural/family activities. While some perceptions were accurate, such as high youth unemployment, others did not reflect what London has to offer.
Northampton Landfill Waiver from DEP 06-23-2006Adam Cohen
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection approved a waiver request from regulatory siting criteria for a proposed expansion of the Northampton Landfill. The expansion areas are located within the Zone II of a public drinking water well and a Potentially Productive Aquifer. The Department determined that strict compliance with the criteria would result in undue hardship and not minimize adverse impacts. The waiver was necessary to accommodate the regional need for additional landfill capacity and would not diminish protection of public health, safety, or the environment.
*Non-conforming refers to properties that do not meet current zoning regulations, even though they were legally built before the regulations.
This data shows that a significant percentage of existing homes in Northampton's urban residential neighborhoods do not conform to current zoning regulations regarding minimum lot size. This suggests that the current zoning is not well aligned with the existing development patterns and densities in these neighborhoods. Updating dimensional standards could help make zoning regulations better match the traditional character of these neighborhoods and support additional compatible infill development.
Board of Health Charter Change Proposed 11-18-2010Adam Cohen
The document is an order from the City of Northampton regarding changes to the structure of the city's Board of Health. It proposes expanding the Board of Health from 3 to 5 members and changing the process for selecting members from an election by the City Council to appointments by the Mayor subject to confirmation by the City Council. This change would amend the city charter. The order cites that the Public Health needs of the city would be more effectively managed under the new structure. It then outlines the specific changes that would be made to the relevant section of the city charter regarding the Board of Health.
Proposed Language for Infill Special Permit in Northampton ZoningAdam Cohen
The document proposes language for an infill special permit in Northampton that would allow carefully planned infill development consistent with the city's comprehensive plan. It would apply in certain zoning districts and allow modifications to dimensional standards and an increase in density to permit additional units on lots through new construction or conversion of existing structures. It establishes design standards for infill development to maintain neighborhood character.
The document summarizes an assessment of youth risk and protective factors in Northampton, MA. It discusses substance use rates among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders that have declined from 2007 to 2009. It also analyzes risk factors like laws/norms favorable to drug use and parental attitudes, some of which have improved. The assessment surveyed 506 students on topics like social access to alcohol, dating violence experiences, and parent perceptions of family rules regarding underage drinking.
Neighborhood Watch: Toolkit Training Participant BookAdam Cohen
This document provides an overview of a Neighborhood Watch Toolkit training program. The training is designed to provide law enforcement officers and Neighborhood Watch liaisons with the tools and skills needed to start, build, and revitalize local Neighborhood Watch groups. It aims to empower communities by training Neighborhood Watch groups and leaders. The toolkit contains self-paced learning curriculums, workbooks, and over 20 tools to help Neighborhood Watch groups secure their communities and protect their homeland. The training utilizes lectures, discussion, and activities over 12 hours to instruct participants on using the various resources in the toolkit.
Main Street King Street Charrette Final PresentationAdam Cohen
This document summarizes a charrette for improving safety on Northampton Main/King Street in Northampton, MA. It discusses how overbuilt wide streets encourage speeding, which poses dangers to pedestrians. It presents research showing that narrowing streets from four lanes to three lanes can reduce collisions by up to 60% by calming traffic. The document proposes several designs to narrow King Street from 80 feet to 62 feet wide through road diets and paint changes to prioritize pedestrian safety and walkability while still accommodating traffic needs.
Charter Review Committee Minutes 02 March 2011Adam Cohen
The Northampton Charter Review Committee met to discuss draft reports to present to the City Council regarding revisions to the city charter. Committee members debated the appropriate scope and level of revisions, with some advocating for more substantive edits to the charter itself and others arguing that their mandate was only to review the existing charter and recommend forming a charter commission to undertake more extensive revisions. The meeting did not reach a consensus on a final report and different perspectives were presented on the level of changes needed and the committee's role in the process.
North Street Capital Project Request 18 January 2011Adam Cohen
The document is a capital project request form submitted by the Public Works Department for the reconstruction of North Street. It indicates the project would replace the existing roadway, curbing, sidewalks, and all municipal utilities including water, sewer and storm drains. It is considered a high priority that will correct safety hazards and improve efficiency by eliminating costly maintenance needs. The preliminary cost estimate for the project is $1,400,000 and it is proposed to be designed in house with construction taking place from summer 2012 to summer 2013.
Massachusetts Landfills Transfer Stations Compost Sites Jan 2011Adam Cohen
This document provides information on waste disposal facilities in Massachusetts, including landfills, transfer stations, and combustion facilities. It lists over 100 sites across many cities and towns, and provides details like operating years, size in acres, current status (open or closed), and responsible organizations (municipal, private, etc.). The sites span multiple counties and date back to the 1930s-1940s, with some remaining open and others closed as late as the 2000s.
Neighborhood Watch: Toolkit Training PresentationAdam Cohen
The document provides an overview of the Neighborhood Watch program training toolkit. It describes the program goal of empowering communities through effective Neighborhood Watch group training. It outlines the contents of the toolkit, including trainings, presentations, tools and templates. It then provides details on the basics of Neighborhood Watch, its history, benefits, and roles and responsibilities of those involved.
Solid Waste Forum Presentation 04 March 2011Adam Cohen
The document summarizes the charge and work of the Solid Waste Reduction & Management Task Force in Northampton, MA. The Task Force is developing recommendations for solid waste management following the closure of the local landfill in 2012. They are considering options like drop-off sites, curbside pickup, and combinations. They seek public input on priorities like costs, accessibility, and the environment to help decide the best path forward.
The document discusses strategies that community development corporations and cities have used to address vacant properties, which can negatively impact neighborhoods. It provides examples of efforts in Southwest Baltimore and Orange, New Jersey to transform vacant lots from eyesores into community assets. The Baltimore program turned 185 vacant lots into attractive open spaces within the first year. It also discusses the importance of partnerships between community groups and outside organizations to implement vacant lot programs and maintain properties. Converting vacant properties is presented as a way to rebuild housing markets and neighborhood pride.
A rural fire station in the village of Chernayaevsky, Khabarovsk region, Russia received funding through a participatory budgeting process. Participatory budgeting allows citizens to propose projects and vote on how to allocate public funds. This fire station will help the village adapt to climate change impacts like wildfires, which are expected to increase in the region due to rising temperatures and drought.
This document summarizes issues with New York City's commercial waste industry and provides policy recommendations to address them. Specifically, it notes that commercial waste collection is inefficient, costly, and polluting. It also states that low-income communities and communities of color disproportionately bear the burden of waste handling. Additionally, it discusses how private sector waste workers face low wages and poor working conditions. The document recommends transforming the commercial waste industry through establishing an exclusive franchise system to ensure high labor, environmental, and equity standards. This would help reduce pollution and costs while creating good jobs in recycling and related industries.
Trabajo desempeñado por la firma C40, encargados en desarrollar consultorías en torno al transporte urbano, buenas prácticas y movilidad eléctrica en ciudades de la región de América Latina
This document discusses the classification of goods and resources as private, public, common, or natural monopolies based on whether they are excludable and rival. It also examines issues that can arise with the provision of public goods and management of common resources, such as the free rider problem, tragedy of the commons, and potential solutions like property rights and quotas. Specific examples discussed include surveillance satellites, fish stocks, and proposals for high-speed rail in the US.
The Tamar Catchment Plan has adopted a stakeholder-led ‘ecosystem services’ approach to catchment planning. This has involved the host organisation working with stakeholders to identify areas within the catchment which play, or have the potential to play, a particularly important role in the delivery of clean water and a range of other benefits (services) to society.
Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is an environmental charity established in 1990 to campaign for clean, safe recreational waters. SAS undertakes conservation, education, and research to protect oceans, waves and beaches. Their campaigns have addressed issues like water quality, marine litter, and climate change through community organizing, petitions, and raising awareness. SAS now mobilizes thousands of volunteers for beach cleanups and educates the public on responsible behaviors to reduce pollution and protect coastal environments.
This chapter discusses various topics related to urbanization and sustainable development:
1) More than half of humans now live in cities, and that number is expected to reach three-quarters by 2050 as large cities continue expanding rapidly worldwide.
2) Many cities face issues like overcrowding, pollution, and lack of sufficient housing as they struggle to accommodate large populations. Slums and shantytowns often form on the outskirts of major cities in developing nations.
3) The chapter explores concepts like urban sprawl, smart growth, and sustainable development - which emphasizes meeting needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.
This report summarizes interviews conducted with London residents to understand public perceptions on various topics. It was found that residents believed London's recycling system was outdated compared to other cities. While complaints were made about the lack of composting, research showed the high costs incurred by other municipalities with compost programs. Interviews also expressed that there was little to do downtown and not enough jobs for youth. However, the report found that London has a thriving arts scene and many cultural/family activities. While some perceptions were accurate, such as high youth unemployment, others did not reflect what London has to offer.
Northampton Landfill Waiver from DEP 06-23-2006Adam Cohen
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection approved a waiver request from regulatory siting criteria for a proposed expansion of the Northampton Landfill. The expansion areas are located within the Zone II of a public drinking water well and a Potentially Productive Aquifer. The Department determined that strict compliance with the criteria would result in undue hardship and not minimize adverse impacts. The waiver was necessary to accommodate the regional need for additional landfill capacity and would not diminish protection of public health, safety, or the environment.
*Non-conforming refers to properties that do not meet current zoning regulations, even though they were legally built before the regulations.
This data shows that a significant percentage of existing homes in Northampton's urban residential neighborhoods do not conform to current zoning regulations regarding minimum lot size. This suggests that the current zoning is not well aligned with the existing development patterns and densities in these neighborhoods. Updating dimensional standards could help make zoning regulations better match the traditional character of these neighborhoods and support additional compatible infill development.
Board of Health Charter Change Proposed 11-18-2010Adam Cohen
The document is an order from the City of Northampton regarding changes to the structure of the city's Board of Health. It proposes expanding the Board of Health from 3 to 5 members and changing the process for selecting members from an election by the City Council to appointments by the Mayor subject to confirmation by the City Council. This change would amend the city charter. The order cites that the Public Health needs of the city would be more effectively managed under the new structure. It then outlines the specific changes that would be made to the relevant section of the city charter regarding the Board of Health.
Proposed Language for Infill Special Permit in Northampton ZoningAdam Cohen
The document proposes language for an infill special permit in Northampton that would allow carefully planned infill development consistent with the city's comprehensive plan. It would apply in certain zoning districts and allow modifications to dimensional standards and an increase in density to permit additional units on lots through new construction or conversion of existing structures. It establishes design standards for infill development to maintain neighborhood character.
The document summarizes an assessment of youth risk and protective factors in Northampton, MA. It discusses substance use rates among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders that have declined from 2007 to 2009. It also analyzes risk factors like laws/norms favorable to drug use and parental attitudes, some of which have improved. The assessment surveyed 506 students on topics like social access to alcohol, dating violence experiences, and parent perceptions of family rules regarding underage drinking.
Neighborhood Watch: Toolkit Training Participant BookAdam Cohen
This document provides an overview of a Neighborhood Watch Toolkit training program. The training is designed to provide law enforcement officers and Neighborhood Watch liaisons with the tools and skills needed to start, build, and revitalize local Neighborhood Watch groups. It aims to empower communities by training Neighborhood Watch groups and leaders. The toolkit contains self-paced learning curriculums, workbooks, and over 20 tools to help Neighborhood Watch groups secure their communities and protect their homeland. The training utilizes lectures, discussion, and activities over 12 hours to instruct participants on using the various resources in the toolkit.
Main Street King Street Charrette Final PresentationAdam Cohen
This document summarizes a charrette for improving safety on Northampton Main/King Street in Northampton, MA. It discusses how overbuilt wide streets encourage speeding, which poses dangers to pedestrians. It presents research showing that narrowing streets from four lanes to three lanes can reduce collisions by up to 60% by calming traffic. The document proposes several designs to narrow King Street from 80 feet to 62 feet wide through road diets and paint changes to prioritize pedestrian safety and walkability while still accommodating traffic needs.
Charter Review Committee Minutes 02 March 2011Adam Cohen
The Northampton Charter Review Committee met to discuss draft reports to present to the City Council regarding revisions to the city charter. Committee members debated the appropriate scope and level of revisions, with some advocating for more substantive edits to the charter itself and others arguing that their mandate was only to review the existing charter and recommend forming a charter commission to undertake more extensive revisions. The meeting did not reach a consensus on a final report and different perspectives were presented on the level of changes needed and the committee's role in the process.
North Street Capital Project Request 18 January 2011Adam Cohen
The document is a capital project request form submitted by the Public Works Department for the reconstruction of North Street. It indicates the project would replace the existing roadway, curbing, sidewalks, and all municipal utilities including water, sewer and storm drains. It is considered a high priority that will correct safety hazards and improve efficiency by eliminating costly maintenance needs. The preliminary cost estimate for the project is $1,400,000 and it is proposed to be designed in house with construction taking place from summer 2012 to summer 2013.
Massachusetts Landfills Transfer Stations Compost Sites Jan 2011Adam Cohen
This document provides information on waste disposal facilities in Massachusetts, including landfills, transfer stations, and combustion facilities. It lists over 100 sites across many cities and towns, and provides details like operating years, size in acres, current status (open or closed), and responsible organizations (municipal, private, etc.). The sites span multiple counties and date back to the 1930s-1940s, with some remaining open and others closed as late as the 2000s.
Neighborhood Watch: Toolkit Training PresentationAdam Cohen
The document provides an overview of the Neighborhood Watch program training toolkit. It describes the program goal of empowering communities through effective Neighborhood Watch group training. It outlines the contents of the toolkit, including trainings, presentations, tools and templates. It then provides details on the basics of Neighborhood Watch, its history, benefits, and roles and responsibilities of those involved.
Solid Waste Forum Presentation 04 March 2011Adam Cohen
The document summarizes the charge and work of the Solid Waste Reduction & Management Task Force in Northampton, MA. The Task Force is developing recommendations for solid waste management following the closure of the local landfill in 2012. They are considering options like drop-off sites, curbside pickup, and combinations. They seek public input on priorities like costs, accessibility, and the environment to help decide the best path forward.
The document discusses strategies that community development corporations and cities have used to address vacant properties, which can negatively impact neighborhoods. It provides examples of efforts in Southwest Baltimore and Orange, New Jersey to transform vacant lots from eyesores into community assets. The Baltimore program turned 185 vacant lots into attractive open spaces within the first year. It also discusses the importance of partnerships between community groups and outside organizations to implement vacant lot programs and maintain properties. Converting vacant properties is presented as a way to rebuild housing markets and neighborhood pride.
This report summarizes research on strategies for managing neighborhood open spaces and vacant lots in Baltimore and six other cities. It finds that Baltimore faces challenges in tracking, maintaining, and transferring properties to communities. However, some community groups have successfully transformed vacant lots into green spaces with technical assistance. The report recommends that Baltimore improve coordination, maintenance standards, and incentives for community stewardship to better manage open spaces.
The document discusses various topics related to waste management including:
- The major components of the waste stream in the US and methods for waste disposal like landfills and incineration.
- The benefits of reducing, reusing, and recycling waste to shrink the waste stream. Citizens can take steps to reduce waste production.
- Hazardous and toxic wastes require special handling due to their dangerous nature. Laws regulate their management and disposal.
- Emerging methods for dealing with waste include converting it to energy, composting organic materials, and cleaning up contaminated sites.
Here is a link to Vermont's Superfund Clean up Sites, the EPA actually deletes sites after a while?
Vermont's EPA Superfund Sites:
https://www.epa.gov/vt/list-superfund-npl-sites-vermont
Superfund Clean up Grants:
https://tools.niehs.nih.gov/srp/programs/index.cfm
At a city forum on the future of residential trash and recycling pick-up in Columbia, residents had mixed views on the proposed pay-as-you-throw system. While city officials believe it could help address high employee turnover rates and low recycling diversion rates, some residents expressed concerns that it may be difficult for certain groups and not reduce landfill waste as much as claimed. After presentations from both sides, an informal vote showed about equal support for and against roll carts.
The minutes summarize a meeting of the Morris County Planning Board on May 16, 2013. They begin with roll call and then describe a presentation given on Morris Habitat for Humanity by Blair Bravo and Phil Van Kirk. The presentation discussed the declining supply and increasing demand for affordable housing in Morris County. It described the work of Morris Habitat for Humanity in building and rehabilitating affordable homes. The minutes then discuss approval of previous meeting minutes, the Director's report, funds received, and future meetings. Committee reports covered topics including the wastewater management plan, watershed activities, developments under review, and recent legislation and master plans.
Sarah McLachlan produced a music video for her single "World On Fire" with the goal of donating the production costs to charities instead of spending it on the video. The $150,000 in expenses that would normally fund a video were donated to 11 charities to help over 1 million people. Examples given show how the money could fund things like girls' schooling in Afghanistan or meals for children in Calcutta. The document then discusses fair trade and focuses on exports from developing countries to developed countries for items like coffee, cocoa, and crafts. It advocates for higher prices and standards for producers. Black gold coffee is mentioned and alternative economic measures to GDP like the Genuine Progress Indicator are defined as
This document provides 10 rules for organizing effective grassroots campaigns. Rule #1 is to stand up to bullies, as some in government or development will try to intimidate and silence opposition through lies, changing meeting times, withholding information, and speaking harshly. Rule #2 is to ignore "babysitters" within volunteer groups who may try to stop you from pushing an issue. Rule #3 advises to learn all rules and regulations regarding an issue and ensure they are followed.
Suburban sprawl has led to increased driving and traffic congestion. Roads are a major subsidy for sprawl, as new roads encourage more development and induce more driving. The federal government spends over four times as much on new highways as on public transit. However, new roads do not relieve congestion and actually induce more traffic. They also encourage sprawl and damage the environment. The proposed $2.76 billion Legacy Highway in Utah would parallel an existing interstate and destroy critical habitat, yet continues to be pushed due to federal highway funding. Investing in public transit is a better solution to reduce traffic and encourage smart growth.
The Melbourne City Council conducted an experiment in democracy, convening a citizens' panel of 43 randomly selected residents to provide input on the Council's $5 billion, 10-year financial plan. Over six Saturdays, the panel heard from experts, analyzed budgets and issues, and ultimately developed 11 recommendations. These included proposed rate increases, more climate change spending, and selling non-core properties. The Council pledged a formal response and to include the panel's report in its upcoming financial plan, signaling that ordinary citizens can meaningfully contribute to complex civic issues given sufficient time and information.
The document discusses key issues in collecting municipal solid waste in developing countries. It emphasizes that local factors have a major impact on effective waste collection systems. Some of the most important local factors to consider include public attitudes and expectations, climate, and the type of waste generated. The systems designed must take these local conditions into account to be successful. A one-size-fits-all approach will often fail because waste collection must be tailored to each unique local context.
Illegal Dumping Report. Dept. of Public Services. July 2015Alex Slaymaker
The document discusses illegal dumping in Cincinnati, Ohio. It provides details on the Cincinnati Department of Public Services (DPS) which handles trash collection and illegal dumping cleanup. DPS has seen budget cuts that reduce staffing levels for collection and enforcement. The document also examines key drivers of illegal dumping like furniture disposal and tires. It analyzes dumping data and offers strategic solutions to reduce dumping like expanding the "Friday Blitz" neighborhood cleanup program.
Presentation delivered at Royal Geographical Society (RGS) Annual International Conference, August 2014.
www.rgs.org/WhatsOn/ConferencesAndSeminars/Annual+International+Conference
http://www.its.leeds.ac.uk/people/k.lucas
The document summarizes a community meeting held by the LAPD about perceptions of law enforcement in Pacoima. It discusses the history of policing challenges in Los Angeles over decades. While the dialogue at the meeting was limited, citizens and police had an opportunity to interact and gain understanding. The reality is that issues like excessive force have existed for a long time, but are now more exposed, forcing departments to improve. Overall it was a good first step, but more community input and dialogue is still needed going forward.
2013-09-17 2211Background Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is all of .docxjeanettehully
2013-09-17 22:11
Background: Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is all of the garbage, refuse, trash or junk that gets thrown away from our homes or small businesses. All of this MSW is collected and taken away. Have you wondered where it goes? In the 1950’s and 60’s it went to open dumps. In the 1970’s landfills were established but there were problems, and today there is new legislation and technology to better manage this waste.
For this assignment, you will review the history of MSW. Complete the following:
Describe an open dump. Explain the environmental problems.
Describe an early landfill. What are the problems associated with early landfills? Include a discussion of leachate, methane, incomplete decomposition, and settling.
Describe a modern landfill. What are the differences as compared to early landfills? What improvements have been made?
Choose 1 of the following landfills, and explain the innovations being implemented to make the landfill more productive and to reduce its environmental impact:
Mariannhill Landfill, South Africa
Puente Hills, California
Altamont Landfill, CA
Tessman Road Landfill, TX
Please submit your assignment.
The following rubric will be used for grading:
20%
Description and problems of an open dump.
25%
Description and problems of an early (1970’s) landfill.
25%
Description and improvements of a modern landfill.
25%
Description of the innovations found at one specific landfill.
5%
APA style research paper
For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.
Course Materials
.
A Citizen Resource Guide to Climate and Energy Policy in MinneapolisClaire Aletta Brady
The document provides information about environmental committees and climate and energy policies, ordinances, and initiatives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It includes:
1) Descriptions of the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC) and Environmental Coordinating Team (ECT), which advise the city on environmental issues. The CEAC is comprised of community members and the ECT is comprised of city employees.
2) Summaries of the city's Regulatory, Energy and Environment Committee, which develops sustainability policies, and lists some energy-related issues they discussed in 2010.
3) An overview of the city's climate and energy ordinances regulating issues like air pollution, idling, energy efficiency standards, and renewable energy.
Similar to SWTF Minutes 14 March 2011 Final Draft (20)
Owen Freeman-Daniels Campaign Brochure - July 2011 #1Adam Cohen
Owen Freeman-Daniels is running for City Councilor in Ward 3 of Northampton. He has over a decade of experience advocating for the community through various organizations. If elected, Owen will focus on supporting the arts, local businesses, and environment while ensuring affordable housing and responsible development. He will encourage open debates on issues and represent the diverse interests of the ward.
Owen Freeman-Daniels Campaign Brochure - July 2011 #2Adam Cohen
Owen Freeman-Daniels has a proven record of community involvement and leadership in Ward 3. When the community needed help with issues like house fires and forming a neighborhood watch, Owen stepped up to lead the efforts. He has also worked on numerous committees around education, the economy, zoning, and city planning. Multiple community members praise Owen for his dedication, ability to listen to all sides, and getting things done for the ward.
Arnie Levinson Campaign Brochure - May 2011Adam Cohen
Arnie Levinson is running for City Councilor in Ward 3 of Northampton, MA. He is a recently retired orthodontist who has lived in Ward 3 for 15 years. He lists his key issues as road and infrastructure repair, keeping Bridge Street School open, managing development and infill to limit impacts on neighborhoods, addressing concerns at the Fairgrounds redevelopment and Island Road, protecting the Meadows for agriculture, and advocating for public housing residents. He provides his contact information and invites people to volunteer or donate to his campaign.
The document summarizes the campaign of Arnie Levinson, who is running for City Council in Ward 3 of Northampton, MA. Levinson promises to advocate fully for the concerns of Ward 3 residents at City Hall and keep them informed through various channels of communication. Levinson criticizes his opponent's view that a councilor should remain neutral and not get involved in development projects, arguing that a councilor should publicly advocate for residents' interests. Levinson asks voters to elect him to bring balance to decision making at City Hall and ensure residents' voices are heard on important issues affecting the city.
Owen Freeman-Daniels Campaign Brochure May 2011Adam Cohen
Owen Freeman-Daniels is running for City Councilor of Ward 3 in Northampton, MA. He is a lifelong resident of Northampton who attended local schools and currently works in financial services for a local independent firm. He is involved in several community organizations in Ward 3 and the city, including the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association where he serves as Vice President. If elected, he aims to promote economic growth through small businesses and the arts, encourage sustainable land use practices, and build consensus among residents on challenging issues.
Arnie Levinson Campaign Brochure May 2011Adam Cohen
Arnie Levinson is running for City Councilor in Ward 3 of Northampton, MA. He has concerns about deteriorating road conditions impacting local businesses, keeping Bridge Street Elementary School open as an anchor for the downtown community, and ensuring new development through infill and at the Fairgrounds is managed responsibly. He will advocate for traffic calming, a resolution on Island Road that satisfies neighbors and the Marina, and improvements for residents of public housing. The document provides Arnie's contact information and invites readers to volunteer or donate to his campaign.
The document provides the election calendar for a special election to fill a vacancy for the councillor from Ward Three in Northampton, Massachusetts. It lists the important dates for the nomination process, voter registration deadlines, and dates for a preliminary election and the special election, if needed. The document also provides contact information for the Northampton Board of Registrars.
Lisa Fusco is running for City Councilor in Ward 3 of Northampton, Massachusetts. She has a background in environmental law enforcement and owns several local businesses. She is committed to sustainability, economic prosperity, and representing the views of Ward 3 residents on the City Council. She asks for voters' support on November 8th, 2011.
Transition Northampton Event 21 April 2011Adam Cohen
Transition Northampton Presents a movie and discussion event called "In Transition: From oil dependence to local resilience" on April 21st at the Florence Civic Center. The Transition movement aims to help communities creatively respond to peak oil and climate change by building a more local and resilient future. The event is sponsored by local civic and business associations and will provide information on the positive and solutions-focused Transition movement.
Gateways Beautification Committee Meeting 01 Minutes 05 April 2011Adam Cohen
The Gateways Beautification Committee met to discuss plans to improve entrance areas into Northampton. They made a preliminary list of 8 gateway locations and scheduled a site visit tour. The committee also discussed determining an overall design style, ensuring sustainability, addressing maintenance needs, and gaining community support for the project. Their next meeting will be in May to review the site visits.
Gateways Beautification Committee Meeting 01 Minutes 05 April 2011Adam Cohen
The Gateways Beautification Committee, a joint project of the city's ward and neighborhood-based groups, held its first meeting tonight, and it was a very productive session indeed. We're off to a flying start, and I'm sending along a brief summary of our discussions and decisions for your information. We have a very good core group and hope to expand it with folks who are interested in helping spruce up the gateway entrances to our city.
Here's the summary of our meeting.
Jerry Budgar
Contact Information for Our State LegislatorsAdam Cohen
The document provides information on supporting "An Act to Invest in Our Communities" through attending an upcoming hearing, calling state representatives and senators to ask for their support, getting organizations to support the Act through resolutions, and includes contact information for State Senator Stan Rosenberg and State Representative Peter Kocot.
Summary of Northampton Budget FY2012 as of 31 March 2011Adam Cohen
The document summarizes the general fund budget for fiscal year 2012. Total revenues are projected at $75.5 million, with the largest sources being taxes at $46.3 million and charges for services at $7 million. Total proposed expenditures are $77.1 million, with the largest allocations being education at $29.9 million, public safety at $11.7 million, and employee benefits at $14.9 million. The budget projects a deficit of $1.5 million.
Local taxes and charges for services saw the largest median annual increases from 2000-2011 at 5.3% each. State aid from the Cherry Sheet saw the largest median annual decrease at -9.5% per year. Interfund operating transfers saw the steepest declines with a median annual decrease of -18.6% over this period.
Northampton Budget FY2012 as of 31 March 2011Adam Cohen
This document summarizes the general fund budget for fiscal year 2012. Total revenues are projected to be $75,545,118, with the largest sources being taxes at $46 million and state revenue from the Cherry Sheet at $15 million. Total proposed expenditures are $77 million, with the largest allocations being $30 million for education, $15 million for employee benefits, and $11 million for public safety. The budget projects a $1.5 million deficit.
Memo Reprecincting Committee 29 March 2011Adam Cohen
The mayor of Northampton, MA appoints a committee to oversee redrawing the city's precinct and ward boundaries based on 2010 census data. The committee is chaired by David Stevens and includes one representative from each of the city's seven wards. They will work with the city clerk and GIS coordinator to complete a new precinct plan by May 13, 2011 for city council approval and state submission by the June 15 deadline. The new boundaries take effect on December 31, 2011.
Zoning Changes Proposal Detail 28 March 2011Adam Cohen
This document proposes revisions to Northampton's zoning regulations to facilitate higher density residential development while preserving neighborhood character. It found that the current regulations prevent adding units and lead to a loss of housing over time. Public feedback supported infill that adds units within existing structures or on owner-occupied properties. The proposal recommends allowing accessory units in garages and detached structures, revising dimensional standards, and incentivizing affordable housing.
Treasurer Charter Change Recommendation 05 January 2011Adam Cohen
George Zimmerman, Treasurer of Northampton, MA, recommends two changes to the City Charter. First, he recommends eliminating the Finance Committee approval vote on bond sales, which causes unnecessary delays. Second, he proposes increasing the contract threshold requiring approval to be consistent with state law, simplifying administration. He asks the recipient to consider these charter changes.
This document provides an overview of traditional architecture and street design principles from historical examples and experts. It discusses the importance of balancing technological advances with human-scale design. A key lesson is that public policies can shape built environments to prioritize pedestrians, bicycles, and public transit over vehicles alone. International best practices in street design manuals show how to transform auto-oriented streets into complete, multimodal corridors that support community goals.
1) Wide streets designed primarily for vehicles can encourage speeding and reduce pedestrian safety. Road diets that reduce the number of vehicle lanes have been shown to significantly reduce collisions.
2) Land use patterns that separate different types of development increase vehicle trips and miles traveled compared to mixed-use neighborhoods where daily needs are within walking distance.
3) Providing more parking than necessary encourages driving and contributes to traffic congestion as motorists circle looking for spaces. Well-designed communities with limited parking can reduce vehicle ownership and reliance.
Federal Authorities Urge Vigilance Amid Bird Flu Outbreak | The Lifesciences ...The Lifesciences Magazine
Federal authorities have advised the public to remain vigilant but calm in response to the ongoing bird flu outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.
12062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
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Recent years have seen a disturbing rise in violence, discrimination, and intolerance against Christian communities in various Islamic countries. This multifaceted challenge, deeply rooted in historical, social, and political animosities, demands urgent attention. Despite the escalating persecution, substantial support from the Western world remains lacking.
16062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
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18062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
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केरल उच्च न्यायालय ने 11 जून, 2024 को मंडला पूजा में भाग लेने की अनुमति मांगने वाली 10 वर्षीय लड़की की रिट याचिका को खारिज कर दिया, जिसमें सर्वोच्च न्यायालय की एक बड़ी पीठ के समक्ष इस मुद्दे की लंबित प्रकृति पर जोर दिया गया। यह आदेश न्यायमूर्ति अनिल के. नरेंद्रन और न्यायमूर्ति हरिशंकर वी. मेनन की खंडपीठ द्वारा पारित किया गया
Why We Chose ScyllaDB over DynamoDB for "User Watch Status"ScyllaDB
Yichen Wei and Adam Drennan share the architecture and technical requirements behind "user watch status" for a major global media streaming service, what that meant for their database, the pros and cons of the many options they considered for replacing DynamoDB, why they ultimately chose ScyllaDB, and their lessons learned so far.
Slide deck with charts from our Digital News Report 2024, the most comprehensive exploration of news consumption habits around the world, based on survey data from more than 95,000 respondents across 47 countries.
projet de traité négocié à Istanbul (anglais).pdfEdouardHusson
Ceci est le projet de traité qui avait été négocié entre Russes et Ukrainiens à Istanbul en mars 2022, avant que les Etats-Unis et la Grande-Bretagne ne détournent Kiev de signer.
ग्रेटर मुंबई के नगर आयुक्त को एक खुले पत्र में याचिका दायर कर 540 से अधिक मुंबईकरों ने सभी अवैध और अस्थिर होर्डिंग्स, साइनबोर्ड और इलेक्ट्रिक साइनेज को तत्काल हटाने और 13 मई, 2024 की शाम को घाटकोपर में अवैध होर्डिंग के गिरने की विनाशकारी घटना के बाद अपराधियों के खिलाफ सख्त कार्रवाई की मांग की है, जिसमें 17 लोगों की जान चली गई और कई निर्दोष लोग गंभीर रूप से घायल हो गए।
15062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
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17062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
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13062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
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लालू यादव की जीवनी LALU PRASAD YADAV BIOGRAPHYVoterMood
Discover the life and times of Lalu Prasad Yadav with a comprehensive biography in Hindi. Learn about his early days, rise in politics, controversies, and contribution.
1. CITY OF NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Solid Waste Reduction and Management Task Force
Meeting Minutes
Meeting Date: Monday, March 14, 2011
Committee Members Present: Terry Culhane, Board of Public Works; Mark Carmien, Co-Chair;
Wendy Foxmyn, Co-Chair; Marianne LaBarge, Ward 6 Councilor; Mimi Odgers, Water Not Waste;
Donna Salloom, Board of Health; Rosemary Schmidt, Board of Public Works.
Staff Present: Jim Laurila, City Engineer; Karen Bouquillon, Solid Waste Supervisor; David
Veleta, Assistant Environmental Engineer; Arlene Miller, Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection Municipal Assistance Coordinator.
Others Present: A sign-in sheet was not circulated at this Task Force meeting.
Wendy Foxmyn called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Public Comment
Richard Guzowski expressed his hope the Task Force “got it” from the two public forums. He said
the Task Force was stuck in a “decision paralysis” and questioned when the group would have
enough information to recommend closing the drop-off centers or go to curbside collection. He
advised Locust Street should remain open, and to forget everything else with the exception of
expanding the City’s waste reduction efforts. He encouraged the Task Force to stop going around in
circles and take a straw vote…in secret if need be.
Review/Acceptance of 3/7/11 Minutes
Mark Carmien questioned whether he had seconded the minutes or not on 3/7/11. When the video
of the meeting is available, this will be checked and corrected if necessary. Terry Culhane moved to
accept the minutes and Marianne LaBarge seconded the motion. The 3/7/11 minutes were accepted
by consensus. Note: the agendas, minutes and all resources distributed to the Task Force are
posted on the Solid Waste Reduction & Management Task Force website at
http://www.northamptonma.gov/solidwaste. The Task Force also has a Google Group at
http://groups.google.com/group/solid-waste-reduction--management-task-force?hl=en.
Discuss Public Forums
There were 92 attendees at the 3/7/11 forum and 70 at the 3/11/11 forum, with some overlap of
participants. W. Foxmyn said both had gone very well. M. LaBarge said it was critical for her
decision-making process to hear from the taxpayers, noting there was a greater diversity of
comments at the second forum. Mimi Odgers said it would have been valuable to have held public
forums prior to the start of the Task Force meetings; there were many ideas raised that the Task
Force hadn’t talked about. In response to one of her examples (e.g., problems with narrow streets),
T. Culhane and W. Foxmyn agreed trash trucks can handle narrow/dead end streets. M. Odgers
disagreed, saying narrow streets get narrower in the winter, and trash gets buried by the snowplows.
2. M. Carmien said whatever recommendations are made, they will not be the last incarnation. New
technologies are constantly evolving, costs change, awareness about consumerism and waste
minimization will increase, etc. He thought a chipper/shredder going around the City was a great
idea.
M. Odgers said timetables and goals need to be set. While the City is in the trash business, there is
no incentive to push recycling, and this will change.
W. Foxmyn read questions that had been posed at the public forums for further consideration by the
Task Force:
What recyclables make money for the City?
T. Culhane said while it is true recycling makes money, overall it is still an expense. However,
recycling is not as expensive as disposal. Karen Bouquillon agreed, and added that the City is
guaranteed $15.67/ton for recyclables sent to the Springfield MRF, and there is also a revenue
share. The City is currently receiving $46.43/ton for MRF recyclables.
Where will Northampton’s trash go after the landfill closes?
Arlene Miller responded that there are several local landfills (Granby, Chicopee and South Hadley),
but all of these are slated to close in the near future. Covanta has waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities
in Springfield and Pittsfield. Allied Waste ships waste to OH and SC from a transfer facility in
Indian Orchard. Many local transfer stations are shipping waste to Seneca Falls NY (near
Syracuse). There is also a Wheelabrator WTE facility in Millbury. She said the waste at WTE
facilities is screened for radioactive waste, incineration reduces the volume of waste by 80%, and
metal is taken out at the back end. In Springfield the residual ash is landfilled at Bondi’s Island.
The tip fees at WTE facilities are generally at market rate, but there’s a difference between
contracted rates vs. spot market rates. M. Carmien said where Northampton’s trash is going should
be advertised at the transfer stations and on billboards. A. Miller explained the City’s trash might
go to points A, B, C and then D; the destination may be constantly changing. W. Foxmyn noted
that in terms of environmental justice, it is a catch 22 if people are living anywhere near these
disposal facilities. Donna Salloom said some things are easier to write into an RFP (e.g., including
the use of non-motorized collection vehicles), but requiring the use of a specific disposal facility
was more difficult to control. Jim Laurila said as a baseline, the City could require proof that the
disposal facility(s) are permitted/certified/licensed by the State and Federal agencies. The City
could also specify WTE only, landfilling only, or in-State only. He added when waste generation
decreases (due to a variety of causes, including a poor economy), WTE facilities get preference
because they must operate at or near capacity. M. Carmien said the Task Force was charged with
making recommendations about waste collection options, not disposal options.
How would dumpsters that the City currently provides for volunteer/community cleanup projects be
paid for once the landfill closes?
T. Culhane said the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund (SWEF) will decrease when the landfill closes,
and that City programs would have to generate a healthy surplus to continue to provide these types
of services. He added stark choices may need to be made in the future. J. Laurila said the answer to
that question could not be determined now; it will depend on the availability of employees,
2
3. equipment and revenues at that time. M. Odgers stated the SWEF could be flush with cash if the
City would move ahead with solar power at the landfill- we are missing the boat by waiting. M.
LaBarge stated that Option 1 is huge for the public. At last Friday’s forum, one of the participants
talked about managing dog waste. She though it was a good idea to organize cleanup days and have
the barrels picked up by the City.
Why can’t the remaining capacity of the landfill be restricted to Northampton residents only?
T. Culhane replied the landfill is regulated by State and Federal agencies as a regional facility; the
landfill is permitted to accept 50,000 tons per year (TPY), but there is a breakeven point somewhere
around 40,000 TPY. The landfill would be operating at a loss at less than that. Certain financial
obligations have to be met. He said Northampton’s facility is “a little hobby landfill; they don’t
come smaller than ours.” Roe Schmidt added if the landfill served only Northampton, it would be
very expensive or perhaps not feasible at all. M. Odgers said the City received funds from the State
to build a regional landfill in the 1990’s. J. Laurila cleared up confusion about where the
community host fee comes from, saying that these funds are transferred from the SWEF to the
City’s general fund.
Why can’t the Locust Street Transfer Station be the one to remain open for Options 3 or 4 (which
propose that only Glendale Road remain open)?
J. Laurila said the Task Force could discuss this as an option. There are pros and cons- the Locust
Street site is centrally located, but it has more limitations than Glendale Road. R. Schmidt added
there is not enough room at Locust Street to handle difficult to manage waste, and there is a lot
going on at the DPW yard already.
In what way is a City curbside collection a pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) system?
T. Culhane said different size totes and unit-based bags for overflow could be used. A. Miller
added that PAYT bags could also be used exclusively.
Why is there not an option 5 that closes both transfer stations and lets residents rely on the Valley
Recycling facility?
M. Carmien stated Valley Recycling remains an alternative for anyone, under all of the options
under consideration.
D. Salloom offered a summary of the correspondence that had been sent to the Task Force to date:
(2) commitment to maximizing reduction, recycling and diversion of waste from the waste stream,
(3) support of Pay-As-You-Throw; (1) bags to be purchased at local stores; (1) multiple local
"neighborhood” recycling centers; (1) increase from serving 1-4 units to 1-5+ units; (1) any
municipal plan should include organics (compost) collection; (2) divert reusable and salvageable
items; (1) need-based discounts; (2) support for citywide composting; (2) concern about bears and
other animals; (9) support for Pedal People, non-motorized options; (1) disposal of pet waste; (2)
favor Option 2; (1) favor Option 3.
D. Salloom noted 50% of the City’s residents currently have curbside collection, but they were not
represented at the public forums. The word got out to residents that use the drop-off centers, but not
to others. T. Culhane said thousands of people are voting for curbside by spending $400/year or
more on this service. M. Carmien stated that it was not mutually exclusive.
3
4. W. Foxmyn asked, “What additional information do we need to make a decision?” R. Schmidt
suggested knowing more about air quality; could the impact of service by a single hauler be
compared to the impact of having six haulers? After some discussion, W. Foxmyn said it was a safe
assumption that multiple haulers would emit more pollution than a single hauler. M. Odgers added
having a single hauler would not eliminate all of the other haulers.
W. Foxmyn said one thing that came through in the hearing is people don’t like change. This
suggested to her that phasing in an implementation plan over time might make the most sense.
Changes to Table 1
M. Carmien explained that the “1 person household” had been changed back to “senior household”,
and why the trash generation rates of the different size households wasn’t linear. A. Miller pointed
out that DEP has a bunch of numbers, and the household generation rates should not be interpreted
too scientifically. They should be used in a more general way by asking, what do you generate?
Discussion topics
M. Odgers asked if CPA money could be used for developing the MassHighway site, and the
answer was no, because it is not related to historic/housing/recreational/open space criteria. T.
Culhane said if the State handed over the deed tomorrow, the costs to prepare the site could easily
reach $1million (building teardown, pavement, traffic control, salt shed, access roads, etc.). He said
the DPW is continuing to pursue it, hopefully with fewer restrictions and liabilities. J. Laurila
agreed it would be costly to acquire it; there is an old landfill that needs to be capped on the site,
and the City doesn’t have the money to cover these costs. R. Schmidt said the site was not a
relevant option at this time; and there was no surety it will be in the future. M. Carmien stated the
City’s Reuse Committee identified it as an ideal site for a reuse facility (to be called the “Re-Bay
Center”). M. Odgers pointed out the concept of a resource recovery park has a lot of public support.
R. Schmidt asked if the Task Force could recommend waste reduction, organics diversion (etc)
without getting into specifics about how these would be implemented. D. Salloom replied whatever
the Task Force decides to do, that a strong message must be to increase recycling and reduce waste
in easy, simple ways. To be feasible, it must be cost-effective and financially self-supporting.
Unit-based pricing accomplishes all of these goals.
W. Foxmyn referred the Task Force to the document David Starr had prepared, which provided
more specifics about waste reduction, education and other initiatives. M. LaBarge agreed with D.
Starr’s suggestions. J. Laurila mentioned the BPW had appointed a Solid Waste Action Committee
(SWAC) 1-1/2 years ago, with an ongoing charge to increase public education and outreach efforts.
R. Schmidt spoke briefly about what the SWAC is working on, and she mentioned David Starr
serves on this committee as well.
M. Odgers referred to K. Bouquillon’s idea to issue an RFP for an organics processing facility at the
landfill, favoring anaerobic digestion systems. She asked why the City had returned the DEP grant
to process source-separated organics (SSO’s) at the landfill several years ago. J. Laurila reviewed
the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission’s project that is attempting to address the region’s need
for SSO processing capacity. K. Bouquillon said the City never accepted the DEP grant funding
4
5. because the landfill expansion project was moving forward on the same parcel that was needed for
the composting operation, and the window of opportunity closed too quickly. M. Odgers stated
organic materials are heavy to move, and any processing facility should be in a more central
location.
Related to the issue of discounts, there was consensus the Task Force recommend that a system of
needs-based (not age-based) discounts be formulated. M. Carmien stated the Mayor was not aware
of any existing program in the City that could be used for this purpose, and any new discount
program should not increase administrative burdens.
Difficult to manage wastes (bulky items or materials that cannot fit into a bag or barrel, waste
prohibited from disposal, hazardous wastes, etc.) were discussed. M. Carmien noted these would
have to be managed one way or another under all 4 options. M. Odgers questioned whether the City
was covering the cost of recycling electronics at the landfill, and M. Carmien said there if the costs
are too high, the risk of illegal dumping increases. A. Miller explained that the electronics recycler
the City uses is on the State Contract for Universal Wastes. M. Carmien distributed a handout about
the Basel Action Network and his intention to make a recommendation to the City about using a
vendor that is a certified “e-steward”.
M. Carmien asked why the population served was defined as 1-4 family units. J. Laurila replied
this was not a recommendation; it was used a basis for calculating costs and it is the population that
is most commonly served by municipalities. A. Miller said historically, curbside programs funded
by taxes served 1-4 family units for financial reasons. The larger units were treated as commercial
businesses. User fees make it possible to include larger units and condominiums, because they pay
their fair share. W. Foxmyn noted her condominium association pays $135/year for weekly
collection of trash and recycling, and A. Miller said Longmeadow is about the same. J. Laurila said
the more diverse the population served, the more complicated it becomes to offer appropriate
services (e.g., carts vs. dumpsters, pickup frequencies, etc.). W. Foxmyn suggested opening up
services beyond 1-4 family units would increase participation. S. Salloom said haulers are already
competing for multifamily dwellings and condominiums. Roger Guzowski said different trucks are
used for commercial collection services. A. Miller said any contactor would have to provide
residential and commercial services if the municipal buildings and schools were included in the
contract. T. Culhane suggested a curbside contract could start with 1-4 units and larger units could
be phased in.
Future agenda items, planning concluding steps
W. Foxmyn asked the group again, “What additional information do we need to make decisions?”
M. Odgers said a [silent] straw vote should be taken at the next meeting to determine which
collection option should be pursued, then proceed to make decisions about difficult to manage
wastes and waste reduction. She said Task Force members should be prepared to list their top
options at the next meeting. She said the majority should rule, and a minority report was a
possibility.
R. Schmidt stated monetary costs are not the only costs to be considered. The public’s support for
keeping the Locust Street facility open and their concern for the environment are diametrically
5
6. opposed when the monetary and environmental costs associated with thousands of cars driving there
on a regular basis is taken into account.
W. Foxmyn said the Task Force hasn’t discussed curbside collection (pros and cons, environmental
benefits, impacts etc.), and requested that this be on the agenda at the next meeting.
M. Carmien said at the next meeting, the group should be prepared to reach consensus on which of
the options to recommend, and start addressing ancillary recommendations that will set the bar for
the BPW in terms of waste reduction. Earlier in the meeting, W. Foxmyn had said Robert’s Rules
might be used for voting decisions because consensus might not be achievable.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm.
(These meeting minutes were prepared by Karen Bouquillon based on hand written notes taken
during the meeting and reviewed/edited by Co-Chair Carmien. Meeting attendees are asked to
review this summary to make sure it is an accurate reflection of meeting discussions. The minutes
can be amended per vote of the committee members.)
6