Explanation
BACKGROUND
This resolution declares the City of Columbus's support for the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio's (SWACO) Solid Waste Management Plan Update ("Plan Update") for the period covering 2011 to 2025. The Ohio Revised Code requires State solid waste management districts to periodically update their Solid Waste Management Plans to include a description of programs and projections for generation, recycling, and disposal over the planning period. The Plan Update is a blueprint for managing the waste stream, facilities and program activity in SWACO's district, and provides an assessment on achieving statewide recycling and waste reduction goals.
The planning process for the Plan Update was launched in April, 2009. SWACO staff hired a plan consultant, GT Environmental, to assist them in the development of the Plan Update. SWACO & GT Environmental spent the next 15 months reviewing the current plan, updating District information, and compiling the data into a draft Plan Update. The draft Plan Update was submitted to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) for review and comment in July 2010. SWACO received comments from the Ohio EPA in September 2010 and made necessary changes to the draft Plan Update based on Ohio EPA recommendations.
The draft Plan Update in its entirety has been posted on the SWACO website since March 3, 2011. SWACO held a 30 day public comment period from March 3, 2011 to April 3, 2011. SWACO then held a public hearing on April 7, 2011, for interested residents, businesses, or political jurisdictions to provide comments. The SWACO Board of Trustees adopted the draft Plan Update on May 3, 2011.
SWACO is seeking approval from this Council on the district Plan Update. Without approval from the City of Columbus City Council, this plan cannot be submitted to the Ohio EPA for final approval. A plan that is not accepted by legislative authorities representing a combined population of at least sixty percent (60%) of the Solid Waste Management District total population becomes one that the Ohio EPA could rewrite and possibly dictate programming that might be unacceptable or disadvantageous to Columbus businesses or residents.
Title
To approve the Solid Waste Management Plan Update for the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) as a guide for the management of solid waste and waste reduction activities within the District.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus is located within the jurisdiction of the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO); and
WHEREAS, the SWACO Board of Trustees prepared and adopted the Solid Waste Management Plan Update in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Sections 3734.53, 3734.54, and 3734.55; and
WHEREAS, SWACO has provided a copy of the Solid Waste Management Plan Update for ratification to each of the legislative authorities of the District; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus must decide whether it approves of said Solid Waste Management Plan Update within 90 days of receipt of the final draft of the Solid Waste Management Plan Update; and
WHEREAS, after review and consideration by the Department of Public Service, it is necessary to adopt the Solid Waste Management Plan Update in order to comply with the provisions of Ohio Revised Code Sections 3734.53, 3734.54, and 3734.55, and to approve or reject said plan within 90 days of receiving it; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. The City of Columbus approves the SWACO Solid Waste Management Plan Update.
SECTION 2. The Clerk is hereby directed to send a copy of this resolution to: SWACO, 4239 London Groveport Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123.
SECTION 3. That it is found and determined that all formal actions of this City Council concerning and relating to the adoption of this resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Council and of any of its committees that resulted in such formal actions were in meetings open to the public in compliance with all legal requirements including Sections 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.
SECTION 4. That this resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.