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 si...
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