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1992 Solid Waste Management Plan
0 Primed an Recytiad Papa 1992 WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND WASHINGTON COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS June 22, 1993 Board of County Commissioners Richard E. Roulette, President Ronald L. Bowers, Vice President Linda C. Irvin -Craig John S. Shank Gregory I. Snook Washington County Planning Commission Bertrand L. Iseminger, Chairman Donald E. Zombro, Vice -Chairman Ronald L. Bowers, Ex -Officio Robert E. Ernst, II Carol Johnson Bernard Moser Donald Spickler Washington County Solid Waste Advisory Committee James Black, Chairman C. Irvine Cather, Jr. Vice Chairman John Clapper Margaret Comstock James Mosher Harry Reynolds Linda Smith Ralph Young Carl Weaver Planning Staff Robert C. Arch, Planning Director Stephen T. Goodrich, Senior Planner Lisa Kelly Pietro, Project Planner Debra A. Brewer, Planning Draftsman Deborah S. Kirkpatrick, Administrative Secretary Solid Waste Department Staff Robert Davenport, Director of Solid Waste Harvey Hoch, Recycling Coordinator Steven Zies, Operations Manager Donna Fuss, Administrative Secretary Donna Forsythe, Secretary I December, 1992 BOARD OF WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND BOARD OF WASHINGTON COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND 4io Richard F. Roulette, President Ronald L. Bowe , Vice -President Linda C. Irvin -Craig ohn S. Shank Gregory I. Shook ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Verna Brown, Administrative Secretary - Fire and Rescue Communications Roderick MacRae, Director - Washington County Health Department Paul Prodonovich, Director - Washington County Department of Permits and Inspections TABLE OF CONTENTS Definitions j Introduction vii Chapter I Goals, Objectives, and Policies 1 Federal, State and Local Controls 5 Government Structure 6 Chapter II County Zoning Requirements 9 County Population 9 Federal and Local Facilities Map 11 County Plan 12 Chapter III Basis for Data 15 Waste Inflow and Outflow 19 Waste Collection Systems 19 Waste Acceptance Facilities 21 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter IV Landfill Assessment 27 Proposed Landfill and Rubblefill 30 Site Evaluation for Future Landfills 32 Source Separation, Resource Recovery 54 Asbestos 61 Spillage 62 Siting Regulations 63 Incineration, Medical and Hazardous Waste 63 Chapter V County's Plan of Action 65 Methods of Financing 70 Landfill Cost Data 71 Projected Closure Date 72 Recommendations 73 Appendix A 75 Reference Sources 81 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEFINITIONS Commercial Waste - Materials generally discarded from wholesale, retail, or service establishments such as office buildings, stores, markets, theaters, hotels, and warehouses. Greenbox Facility - A location where Washington County residents may drop their household waste into bulk container which is then transported to the appropriate landfill or recycling facility. Hazardous Waste - Waste which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics may pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of or otherwise managed. Incineration - An engineered process involving combustion to thermally degrade waste materials. Industrial Waste - Materials generally discarded from industrial operations or derived from manufacturing processes. Institutional Waste - Materials generally discarded from schools, hospitals (nonmedical waste), prisons, and public buildings. 1 Leachate - The fluid stream resulting from precipitation percolating through a pile or cell of solid waste and which contains water, dissolved solids, and decomposition products of solids. Maryland Recycling Act Recyclables - Those materials not categorically excluded under the definition of Maryland Recycling Act Solid Waste Stream that are recycled. Maryland Recycling Act Solid Waste Stream - Garbage or refuse that would, unless recycled, be disposed. Does not include: hospital waste; rubble; scrap material (automobiles, scrap steel, etc.); land clearing debris; sewage sludge; waste generated by a single individual or business and disposed of in a facility dedicated solely for that entity's waste. (MD 9-1702) Materials Recovery Facility - A facility that accepts recyclable material to be further processed and prepared for the use as a raw material. MDR - Maryland Department of the Environment MRA - Maryland Recycling Act ii MRA Recycling Rate - The percent of discarded material that is recycled as determined by the following Maryland Recycling Act formula. recycling rate = total MRA total MRA Municipal Solid Waste (MSW generated in households, cs and institutions: excludes waste, agricultural waste, tons recycled tons recycled + total MRA waste X(100) - Includes non -hazardous waste Dmmercial and business establishments industrial process waste, demolition scrap, and sludge. Processing Facility - A Combination of structures, machinery, or devices used to reduce or alter the volume, chemical, or physical characteristics of solid waste. (COMAR 26.04.07.02) Processing of Solid Waste - i.e. baling, shredding, re -handling, etc. Recycling -- The collection, processing and delivery of certain materials normally discarded into the waste stream to a manufacturing plant where such materials are used to make a new product to be used by consumers. Recycling Facility - A combination of structures, machinery, or devices used to further process recyclable material for an end use or market. iii Recycling Services - Services provided by persons engaged in the business of recycling, including the collection, processing, storage, purchase, sale, or disposition of recyclable materials. (9-1701 Environment Codes MD) Residential Waste - Materials generally discarded from households. Resource, Conservation, and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCA) - This law amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965 and expands on the Resource Recovery Act of 1970 to provide a program to regulate hazardous waste; to eliminate open dumping, to promote solid waste management programs. Rubblefill - A solid waste acceptance facility permitted under State regulations that is designed, installed, and operated so that specific types of waste generated in Washington County may be accepted. Sanitary Landfill - A solid waste acceptance facility permitted under State regulations that is designed, installed, and operated so that all types of waste generated by Washington County except waste specifically prohibited by Federal, State, and local regulations can be accepted. iv Solid Waste Advisory Committee - The Committee consists of nine (9) voting members who shall be appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. In addition to the nine (9) voting members, the Commissioners may appoint various department heads from County government to serve as non -voting, ex -officio members. This Committee works closely with the County Commissioners and the Solid Waste Department. Numerous tasks were assigned to the Committee. Several of these include: Assist Recycling coordinator with special activities, gather information on recycling issues, assist staff with evaluation of various recycling programs, and assist in the biennial update of the solid Waste Management plan and Recycling Plan. Yard Waste - Leaves, grass clippings, prunings, and other natural organic matter from yards and gardens. Yard Waste Composting - The controlled biological decomposition of leaves, grass clippings, and small shrub and tree clippings under aerobic conditions to produce a nuisance free soil amendment. u vi INTRODUCTION A. 1. New laws governing solid waste disposal, promulgated in the interest of public health and welfare, have created a challenge of tremendous magnitude for communities across the United States. Coordinating, applying and implementing new methods and concepts for solid waste disposal have placed a large task on local governments. The solid waste stream must now be managed consistent with the new disposal and recycling regulations. This biennial update of the Solid Waste Management Plan, in addition to satisfying the factual data requirements of the State, explains the steps taken thus far by Washington County toward more effective solid waste management and offers recommendations for further improvement of the County's waste management system. The Plan addresses the management of Municipal Solid Waste and the current and future management of hazardous, nuclear, radioactive and medical wastes. County incorporated municipalities also fall under the umbrella of the Solid Waste Plan. Estimates place the cost of landfill construction using a synthetic liner between $300,000 and $500,000 an acre. Improved and alternative ways of disposing of the community's trash must be explored. A rubble landfill, scheduled for opening in the Spring 1993, will be used for disposing of tree stumps, concrete, rocks, and building demolition debris. Valuable cell area and earth cover can be saved, thus saving the area available for municipal solid waste and extending the lined sanitary landfill's life. vii Washington County continues to take steps to improve its waste management system. In addition to contracting for the recycling of tires and placing rolloff boxes for residential use in a safe location outside the active cell areas, the County has installed a liner and leachate collection system at Resh Road Sanitary Landfill. Also, an analysis of the Hancock site for the purpose of comparing the economy of continued landfilling with converting the site to a transfer station/greenbox facility has been completed. The results of this study indicate that a green box would be more economically feasible. The Hancock Sanitary Landfill will close operation in March 1993 and will be converted to a residential green box station. The Maryland Recycling Act of 1988 mandates that all counties prepare a recycling plan by July 1, 1990 with full implementation by 1994. Washington County's Recycling Plan was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on July 31, 1990 and by the Maryland Department of the Environment on October 21, 1991. Through the implementation of this plan the amount of waste filled each day at the Resh Road Sanitary Landfill site should be reduced. While the completion date for the Resh Road Sanitary Landfill site is unknown, current estimates place it within 5 years. The County government purchased a 427 acre tract for a future sanitary landfill. The site is currently going through the third phase of a four phase permitting process. The County has purchased a 130 acre tract for the purpose of establishing a future rubble landfill. viii WASHINGTON COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN Chapter 1 General 1. This is the biennial update of the Solid Waste Management Plan for Washington County prepared in accordance with The Code of Maryland Regulations Title 26.03.03 and the Environment Article, Title 9, Subtitle 5 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Purpose The purpose of the Solid Waste Management Plan for Washington County is to: (1.) Establish County solid waste management policies; (2.) Develop comprehensive goals relative to solid waste management through anticipation of future needs and addressing problems within the County; and (3.) Develop effective current and long range solid waste management plans and the attendant administrative procedures. Goals The goals, objectives, and policies of the Washington County Solid Waste Management Plan are part of the overall goals as set forth in the adopted 1981 Comprehensive Plan. These are: conservation of our natural environment, enhancement of a quality living environment for all, and a sound, balanced and diversified economy. -1- The specific goals of the Solid Waste Management Plan fit within the larger framework of these overall goals. Listed below are these goals, however, they are not numbered by priority. Through the Solid Waste Management Plan, the governing body of Washington County proposes to: 1.) Protect the health, safety, and welfare of the total population of Washington County by identifying the proper County agencies to implement, administer, and regulate the solid waste collection and management needs of the County. 2.) Plan for and encourage growth in Washington County in a manner consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Water and Sewerage Plan, and in a way which will permit effective solid waste management as one of the public health, safety and welfare services. 3.) Prepare and adopt the requisite ordinances and regulations to implement county -wide solid waste management. 4.) Continue to involve private enterprise, where appropriate, in countywide solid waste management. 5.) Identify and categorize all sources and types of solid waste generated within Washington County. 6.) Provide a workable solid waste management plan to be updated and amended biannually. SZ 7.) Plan future solid waste facilities to meet the developing needs of Washington County. 8.) To implement the County's Recycling Plan within the scope of solid waste management as an alternative to landfilling. 9.) To encourage waste minimization as part of our Waste Management strategy. Objectives Washington County has identified objectives in five areas in order to reach its goals: Planning, Solid Waste Generation, Solid Waste Collection, Solid Waste Disposal, and Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling. The objectives in each are as follows: A. Planning 1. Provide for biennial review and revision of the adopted Solid Waste Management Plan. 2. Increase the public's awareness of the needs and opportunities for better solid waste management. 3. Establish and plan for the post landfill use for all County landfills. 4. Identify policies that help the County achieve its goals. B. Solid Waste Generation 1. Initiate and maintain a record keeping program in which information on volumes and classifications of wastes are compiled. -3- 2. Improve the method of determining waste generation by geographic area. 3. Monitor special waste generation by category and geographical area. i.e. Industrial sludge, paint residue, asbestos, etc. C. Solid Waste Collection 1. Assure an effective, continuing program for providing solid waste collection services in all areas of the County. 2. Monitor municipal and private costs of collection. 3. Provide opportunities for the collection of and/or processing of recyclables. D. Solid Waste Disposal 1. Eliminate any roadside dumps. 2. Prevent new roadside dumps from being established. 3. Initiate and maintain a record -keeping program at all waste disposal sites. 4. Provide solid waste acceptance facilities in areas of the County that serve the community. E. Solid Waste Reduction 1. Implement Recycling Plan's goals and objectives as adopted by the County Commissioners on July 31, 1990, and approved by the Maryland Department of the Environment on October 21, 1991. The Plan's primary goal is to achieve a 20.5% recycling rate (by weight) as defined by MDE by 1994, 5.5% above that mandated by State law. In addition, the County will pursue a publicly stated goal of a 50% recycling rate as defined by MDE. Methods of obtaining this goal are to establish a material resource recovery facility and a yard waste composting -4- facility. Upon analysis of the technologies and methods to accomplish this goal, the Solid Waste Plan, Recycling Plan and Capital Improvement Plan will be updated to reflect the implementing procedures. 2. In addition to pursuing recycling goals, the County will be promoting waste reduction. The County recognizes that waste reduction strategies are important to the integrated management of solid waste. Waste reduction education through various forms of media, speaking engagements, and other activities will be closely associated with the recycling in Washington County. F. Recycling Goals Refer to goals listed on page 56 of this plan. 2. Structure of Government as it relates to Solid Waste Management Washington County Government is a commissioner style of government with a board of five County Commissioners who appoint department directors. The chart on page 6 illustrates the organizational framework relative to planning and implementing solid waste management within the County. 3. Federal State and Local Controls The legal controls for solid waste were established by an act of Congress which resulted in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA). RCRA requires that responsibilities for solid waste management be clearly delineated and calls upon the EPA to monitor state management of landfills. The State of Maryland has agencies that are involved in a -5- PLANNING PLANNING COMMISSION PLANNING DIRECTOR PLANNING DEPARTMENT SOLID WASTE PLANNER * Landfill Closure March 1993 STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT RELATING TO SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SOLID WASTE ----------------- --- - - - --- ADVISORY COMMITTEE IMPLEMENTATION COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR CHIEF DIVISION OF PUBLIC WORKS RESH ROAD LANDFILL HANCOCK GREEN BOX FACILITY SOLID WASTE DIRECTOR RECYCLING PROGRAM COORDINATOR GREENSBURG GREEN BOX FACILITY KAETZELL GREEN BOX FACILITY DARGAN GREEN BOX FACILITY -6- SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN 1992 wide range of activities relating to solid waste. The Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) is the State's principal regulatory agency with respect to solid waste management. MDE is the State's lead agency for implementation of RCRA. Title 9, Subtitle 5, of the Annotated Code of Maryland requires that each County shall adopt and submit to the Maryland Department of Environment a county plan that deals with water supply systems, sewerage systems, solid waste disposal systems and solid waste acceptance facilities and a systematic program for the collection and disposal of litter, refuse or other solid waste. In addition, the county plan shall be amended from time to time as deemed necessary by the county governing body or by the Maryland Department of Environment. The preparation and update of the Washington County Solid Waste Management Plan is done by the Washington County Planning Department. The Plan is implemented through the Board of County Commissioners, the Solid Waste Director, the Planning Department, and other agencies of County government as deemed appropriate. The County's public sector has also taken an active role in the 1992 update. Three public information meetings were held for the purpose of gaining input from concerned citizens. A final public hearing was also held before the Board of County Commissioners which gave persons an opportunity to comment on the Plan's final draft prior to its adoption. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee also played an important role by providing ideas and recommendations to the Plan. -7- Review creteria for any facility seeking compliance with the Solid Waste Plan would take the following course: Developers/Owners would submit a formal request to the County Administrator. This request would be reviewed by the solid Waste Advisory Committee with final determination of complaince being given by the Board of County Commissioners. Chapter 2 C'p 1. Population The 1990 census for Washington County listed the population as 121,393, a 7.3 percent increase from the 1980 Census. The Maryland Office of Planning, in its June, 1992 preliminary forecast, has projected a 2.06 percent increase in the County population between 1990 and 1995, and a 2.30 percent increase between 1995 and 2000. A graph indicating this trend is shown on page 10. 2. Municipal and Federal Facilities Map The map on page 11 shows municipalities and Federal facilities within the County. 3. County Zoning Requirements The Washington County Zoning Ordinance states that sanitary landfills are a special exception use in the Agricultural zoning district. This use requires a public hearing and authorization by the County's Board of Zoning Appeals. If allowed, the disposal area would be required to have a 400 foot buffer between its activity and "any lot in an 'R' district or any lot occupied by a dwelling, school, church, or institution for human care not located on the same lot as the said use or buildings, or any lot which is part of a duly recorded subdivision." The Industrial General zoning classification allows for the process of garbage reduction as a special exception use. The -9- WASHINGTON COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTIONS 35,000 130,000 125,000 120,000 115,000 110,000 105,000 O 100,000 95,000 a=. 90,000 0 IL 85,000 80,000 75,000 70,000 131,200 129,0'50 -0 12,750 123,900 121,393 _O 65,000 1940 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 HISTORIC 1 PROJECTED SOURCE: MARYLAND OFFICE OF PLANNING JUNE 1992 (PRELIMINARY FIGURES) -10- Solid Waste Management Plan 1992 Li O }x. t) N O O 0 z x O z CL O w W O a � AQ U, Val 0 - aZ LL, 2E Q_ d a z'2 cnz U 4 z o L o L o�-wao + a a ® N fi k1 c0 r� z O Solid Waste Management Plan 1992 -11- allowance of this activity would require a public hearing and authorization by the Board of Appeals. Recycling facilities are permitted in the Business General and Highway Interchange zoning districts as a special exception use. This use would also require a public hearing and authorization by the Board of Zoning Appeals. 4. Municipal Zoning Requirements Any solid waste facilities located within County municipalities would need to comply with the subject town's zoning and permitting requirements. 5. Comprehensive Plan The Washington County Commissioners initially adopted the County's Comprehensive Plan in October 1971. Extensive revisions to the Plan were begun in 1975. The County Commissioners formally adopted the revised Plan in April 1981. There have been no revisions since then. -12- The Comprehensive Plan outlines three policies that are intended to deal with solid waste planning issues in Washington County. They include: 1.) Public Awareness Campaign 2.) Landfill Acquisition and Planned Re -use 3.) Solid Waste Management Plan -13- -14- Chapter Three D. Solid Waste Protections 1. The State regulations ask for a table showing existing and projected annual solid waste generation of numerous categories for at least a ten-year period. The table on page 17 shows the projections of Washington County's waste stream for the years 1992, 1997 and 2002. All white goods (large appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, etc.) are unloaded at a special area in the Resh Road Sanitary Landfill and are eventually trucked to a recycling processor. Tires are also accepted at the landfill and are sent elsewhere for processing and recycling. Steps are currently being taken by the County Solid Waste Department to comply with Clear Air Act 608, 42 U.S.C. 7671g. This Act specifically states that, effective July 1, 1992, the EPA will establish requirements and regulate the use and disposal of CFC's/HCFC's substances used as a refrigerant in appliances. Refuse not accepted includes dead animals, hazardous wastes, explosives, septic tank sludge, motor vehicles, or any waste in liquid form except for waste motor oil and antifreeze for recycling. These prohibitions, in addition to asbestos, apply to the Hancock Sanitary Landfill. Asbestos is accepted at the Resh Road Sanitary Landfill in accordance with State regulation procedures that have been provided to all haulers. 2. Basis for Data Waste disposal at the Resh Road Sanitary Landfill is measured on a systematic basis. A full-time weighing program -15- began on July 1, 1989. All projections listed in Table 1 are derived from weighings that occurred from July 1991 through June 1992. All refuse coming into the landfill is categorized into the six classifications by origin shown in Table 1. Each classification had monthly weighings from July 1991 through June 1992. These figures were added together in order to get a total FY'92 tonnage for each classification, i.e. residential, commercial. This information is listed in the FY'92 Total Tonnage column in Table 1 on page 17. The other columns list waste stream projections for 1997 and 2002. The percentage differences between the projected County population figures were multiplied by the 1992 tonnage figures in order to get the projected future waste streams. Demolition debris (rubble) is currently included under either the residential or commercial category. Yard waste is categorized primarily under residential. Table 2 on page 18 shows the actual tons of solid waste measured since the weighing program went into effect. Included are totals for fiscal years 1990, 1991 and 1992. All population projections were prepared by the Maryland Office of Planning, Preliminary June 1992. -16- N O N N Cl r -S O C� U) z O H H C-) 0 ix ,tea zzlH a O H H x a H f=s z z H z H x U1 O 4i U) U) c��s~ H � b � 4 w. 0.4 .m U) CS O o t N a) 41 U) to H O n •r-% U) rn o 4 Co N C• to ifl W N N M N Co + N r -t r -E d O. U!) Lf) M %D Cel Lf N N N 00 Co m CO M C? C? Lf) CO O r -I M Q1 . . . q4+ Ke (N lD M d+ d' LO Io 111 M Ll U) C1 O +-1 to ul M N co M lD N lD Cl Ot ri r4 Co M M C) lD r) d' d' Lf) rn C) N C') M C) U) 0 M r^I Ln Ln U) 0 co r^I LS) r -I U) 0 4) 4.0 4.0 Co qr r-[ �. 1 U O O fs4 H U' H -17-- TABLE NO. 2 Washington County Waste Stream Collection Total Total Total Tonnage Tonnage Tonnage FY90 FY91 FY92 Material Industrial 42,262.6 50,222 43,635 Commercial 57,513 44,006 43,929 Residential 46,767 53,329 50,980.5 Farm 189.82 190 131.3 Institutional 4,577.3 6,216 6,166.56 Government 6,966 3,909_ 3,825 TOTAL 158,275.7 157,872 148,667.36 -18- 3. Waste Inflow and Outflow Solid waste generated from outside the County will not be permitted to be directly disposed of at County landfill facilities. Further processing of solid waste generated outside the County at a facility within Washington County which will dispose of residue at the County landfill will be prohibited. Processing of solid waste shall include baling, shredding, rehandling, etc. Any privately operated Washington County facility which recycles or processes recyclables shall not generate a residue of greater than 20% by weight of original raw material for disposal at a County landfill. There are no significant amounts of solid waste being hauled out of the County. 4. Collection of Solid Waste There are three ways that solid waste is collected in Washington County: by Municipal collection (using municipal employees); through private collection by contracted haulers; and by the individual home or business owners hauling their refuse to the landfill or to a green box facility. With the exception of Hancock, all the municipalities contract with private haulers to collect town refuse. The Town of Hancock uses its own municipal employees and equipment for trash pickup. The names of the haulers for the nine municipalities are listed on page 20 and are under contract as of this writing. Citizens living in unincorporated areas of Washington County can either contract with a private hauler or take their refuse to the landfill or a green box facility. -19- Solid Waste Haulers for County Municipalities as of July 1992 Municipality Collector Boonsboro General Sanitation Service, Inc. Clear Spring BFI, Inc. Funkstown General Sanitation Service, Inc. Hagerstown BFI, Inc. Hancock Municipal Keedysville General Sanitation Service, Inc. Sharpsburg General Sanitation Service, Inc. Smithsburg General Sanitation Service, Inc. Williamsport BFI, Inc. -20- 5. * ** Waste Acceptance Facilities Resh Road Sanitary Landfill Location Situated between MD Route 63 (Greencastle Pike) and Resh Road, approximately 3 miles west of Hagerstown, MD Site Area 148 Acres Owner Board of County Commissioners for Washington County Maryland Grid 574 East 674 North Coordinates Area Served 409.5 Square miles Population Served * 117,561 Refuse not accepted Dead animals, hazardous wastes, explosives, motor vehicles, liquids Depth of Cover Six inches after each day's operation. 12 inches as intermediate cover. Hours of Operation 7:00 to 3:30 Monday through Saturday Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 4:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. City of Hagerstown only Employees 18 Equipment on Site 4 dozers, 3 Scrapers, 1 Rubber tire loader, 3 Steel wheel compactors, Road grader, Farm tractor, forklift, backhoe, roller Permit Status New permit was approved in March, 1990. The remaining acreage is in the review process. Estimated Remaining Storage Capacity ** 925,000 Anticipated years of ** 5 Service life Figures based on projections from the Maryland Office of Planning, Planning Data Services, February 1991 Based on projections from the Washington County Director of Solid Waste, July 1992 -21- Hancock Sanitary Landfill Location Site Area Owner Maryland Grid Coordinates: Area Served Population Served Refuse not accepted Depth of Cover Hours of Operation Employees Equipment on Site Permit Status Northeast corner of the Town of Hancock in western Washington County 25 Acres Board of County Commissioners for Washington County 474 East 685 North 52.5 Square miles 3832 * Dead animals, hazardous wastes, explosives, motor vehicles, asbestos and liquids 6 inches after each day's operation 7:00 to 3:30 Monday through Saturday 2 1 Steel wheel compactor, Rubber tire loader, 1 dozer, 1 scraper New permit was approved by the State on April, 8, 1988 Anticipated Years of Service To be closed April 1993 A study on the Hancock Landfill was completed by Century Engineering, Inc. of Towson, Maryland in June 1990. The purpose of the study was to determine the best and most efficient use of the Hancock Landfill. Refer to page for details. * Figures based on projections from the Maryland Office of Planning, Planning Data Services, February 1991 -22- LUND TRACT - PROPOSED SANITARY LANDFILL Location Site Area Owner Maryland Grid Coordinates: Area Served East side of Independence Road, 4 miles west of Hagerstown, MD 427 acres Board of County Commissioners for Washington County 570 East 667 North 462 Square Miles Permit Status Phase III of MDE Permitting -23- RECLAMATION RUBBLE LANDFILL FACILITY Location Site Area Owner Maryland Grid Coordinates: Area Served Population Served Refuse not accepted Depth of Cover Hours of Operation Employees Equipment on Site Permit Status Anticipated Years of Service West of Kemps Mill Road and Route 63, approximately 1 mile north of Williamsport 130 Acres Board of County Commissioners for Washington County 567 East 653 North 462 Square miles 121,393 * Refer to Table No. 3 on page 34 6 inches after every third day 8:00 to 3:00 Monday through Friday 8:00 to 12:00 Saturday 3 1 Steel wheel compactor, Rubber tire loader, I dozer, 1 scraper, 1 wood chipper, 1 commercial, grinder New permit Minimum of 20 years ** * Figures based on projections from the Maryland Office of Planning, Planning Data Services, Preliminary June 1992 ** Based on projections from the Washington County Director of Solid Waste, July 1992 -24- GREEN BOX FACILITIES Washington County has three (3) green box facilities for residential use only at the following locations: GREENSBURG - Located on Bikle Road off of Route 64 north of Smithsburg. Hours of operation - 7:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Monday -Friday 7:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Saturday Attendant present during operating hours DARGAN - Located on Dargan School House Road across from fireball off of Harpers Ferry Road. Hours of operation - 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Monday -Friday 8:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Saturday Attendant present during operating hours KAETZEL - Located on Kaetzel Road off of Route 67 south of Boonsboro. Hours of operation - 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Monday -Friday 8:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Saturday Attendant present during operating hours HANCOCK - Will be coming on line in March 1993 to serve the residential needs of the Hancock area. All three locations have recycling bins for plastic, newspaper, clear glass, aluminum and tin cans and drums for used motor oil and antifreeze. -25- j j / j kDI 0 % IU e§ u �° k § ) 0 » 0 a , 0 0 G ` § k ® ) ®� _� \ \ rz 2 I § © O 2 u \ u z/ ' § - / } § \ / \ k z \ j ® ( (0al © c b § m \ z § / k o \ \ j / = \ k \ u = g § = }u $ < ' _ A / o 2 AO' . � z � \ Q 2 Z - 2 r) e / � § « k 2 10 0 . Cl) 2 IT Solid W to Management Plan 1992 -26- Chapter Four E. 1. & 2. The following information provides an assessment of Washington County's plans to modify and add to landfill facilities in the next ten years. Resh Road Sanitary_ Landfill: The Resh Road Sanitary Landfill is situated between Route 63 (Greencastle Pike) and Resh Road, approximately 3 miles west of Hagerstown. The 148 acre landfill site is divided into eight (8) cells. Cells one (1), two (2) three (3) and five (5) have been filled to their capacity. Cell four (4) is currently receiving refuse. This cell has a leachate collection system with a computer that monitors the movement of all liquids within the cell four (4) area. The leachate is trucked to the Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plan for processing. This facility is located approximately four miles south of the Resh Road Sanitary Landfill in the 70/81 Industrial Park. The County's Director of Solid Waste has stated that cell four will have an estimated life span of one year. Cells six (6), seven (7) and eight (8) will be located in the northern section of the landfill which is situated on the opposite side of Resh Road. The northern section encompasses approximately 73 acres, however, only 38 acres of that site are fillable. The site is currently under review and design to meet the requirements of the Maryland Department of Environment. -27- As mentioned in Chapter Three, waste entering the Resh Road Sanitary Landfill is measured on a systematic basis. A full-time weighing program began on July 1, 1989. Incoming refuse is visually inspected by landfill personnel and is then weighed. It is categorized into seven generator classifications and then entered into the computer. These include: Industrial, Commercial, Residential, Farm, Institutional, Government and Not Specified. The solid waste is further categorized into material type classifications. These include: refuse, yard debris, white goods, tires - whole, tires - shredded, sludge - industrial, sludge - domestic, fluff, asbestos, rubble, Maryland Paper sludge, industrial waste, wood, paper products, dirt and building materials. This weighing program enables landfill officials to analyze the County's waste stream, establish accounting procedures for user fees, and focus on best management practices. Landfill user fees for residential and commercial haulers have been in effect since July 1, 1989. A current fee listing is included in the Finance Method section in Chapter Five. Hancock Sanitary Landfill The Hancock Sanitary Landfill is situated in the northeast corner of the Town of Hancock in western Washington County. The landfill is located at the end of Hess Road and approximately 800 feet west of Tonoloway Creek. The landfill was opened in 1969 and was operated by the Town of Hancock. In 1975, the County assumed operation of the landfill while the Town of Hancock retained ownership. -28- The Hancock Sanitary Landfill consists of an active 10 acre cell. The landfill normally receives approximately 17 tons of residential and commercial solid waste each day, but often receives a much greater volume from commercial sources. These periodic loadings increase the average waste stream to approximately 21 tons a day. A study on the Hancock Sanitary Landfill was completed by Century Engineering, Inc. of Towson, Maryland in June 1990. The purpose of the study was to determine the best and most efficient use of the Hancock Sanitary Landfill. The study focused on the immediate and long-range costs of three possible scenarios. These include: Scenario Number 1: Opening a new cell at the closing of the existing cell. Scenario Number 2: Opening a transfer station at the closure of the existing cell. Scenario Number 3: Closing the landfill operation before design capacity is reached and building a transfer station. After a review of the research and compiled data, Century Engineering recommended Scenario Number 2 to be the most cost efficient of the three scenarios. The engineering firm stated in their report that the Number 2 option would take advantage of the relatively low cost of waste disposal at the existing cell and relatively low construction and operating costs of a green box facility. -29- The County is working under the assumption that the current cell will not have a permit received as of March 1993. A green box facility will be operational at the closing of the landfill. New County Landfill On May 23, 1990, the Washington County Commissioners purchased a 427 acre tract for a future sanitary landfill site. It is planned to begin operation once the life span of the Resh Road Sanitary Landfill site expires. The proposed site is bordered to the west by Independence Road and the east by the Conococheague Creek, approximately four miles west of Hagerstown. It is estimated that approximately 150 acres will be fillable while the remaining acreage will consist of buffer zones, interior roads, and open areas resulting from environmental restrictions. The projected life span is estimated at 20+ years at approximately 150,000 tons per year. A successful recycling program will increase the life span projection. A three-phase process is required prior to the opening of a public landfill. The Phase I Site Inspection has been completed. As of this writing, the Phase II Report - Site Geology is being reviewed by the Maryland Department of the Environment. Phase III Report - Engineering Plans and Specifications is proceeding. An appeal was made to the County's Board of Zoning Appeals by the County Commissioners for a special exception to establish a -30- sanitary landfill in the agricultural zone on the new landfill site. This appeal was granted on April 6, 1990. Reclamation Rubble Landfill Facility The Washington County Commissioners have purchased a 130 acre tract for a proposed rubble landfill site. The Angelic Zello property (30 acres) and the Frank Maietta tract (100 acres) are located west of Kemps Mill Road and Maryland Route 63, approximately 1 mile north of Williamsport, Maryland. The site is bordered almost entirely by the Conococheague Creek. It is located 4 1/2 miles south of the Resh Road Landfill site. The proposed Reclamation Landfill Facility would serve approximately 24 commercial vehicles daily and numerous homeowners according to landfill records. The property will be landscaped and fenced and would include a computerized weighing facility which would be elevated in order for the Scale Operator to observe vehicles and their loads after the removal of their covers. The Equipment Operator would also monitor material at the working area. It is proposed that as each area of the landfill is completed, it would be put to public passive recreational use. Intermediate screening and fencing would be placed to isolate fill activities from the recreational areas. Included on the site plan for approval by Maryland Department of Environment is the establishment of a composting facility for yard waste. Those materials accepted at the rubble landfill will be in compliance with the list of items permitted under The Code of Maryland Regulations Title 26.04.07. This list may be amended to further -31- restrict any materials that in the opinion of Washington County, may not be suitable and should be recycled or disposed in another type of facility. The County's Director of Solid Waste projects that the rubble landfill will be open in the Spring of 1993 and that it will have a life span of a minimum 20 years. Site Evaluation for Future Landfills A preliminary site evaluation for additional Washington County landfill acquisitions was conducted by the Planning Commission staff in 1985. The document was formally adopted in January 1986. The site selection process consisted of a series of eliminations and rankings, each with a more narrowed scope of factors applied to a decreasing number of properties in each phase. The original list of 44 candidate sites was determined by two variables: geology and parcel size. The Martinsburg Shale geologic formation was selected due to its physical properties and its central location in Washington County. A minimum size of 75 acres for the site was decided on due to its size contributing to a more economical operation and would last for a reasonable amount of time. An additional list of selection criteria was developed by the Planning staff and was reviewed by the Washington County Engineer, Washington County Health Department, Soil Conservation Service, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Director of Solid Waste. The criteria considered: floodplains/wetlands, slope/topography, road quality, distance to airport/hospital, site isolation; soil types, water -32- table, agriculture capability, bridge adequacy, (near Conococheague Creek) and proximity to existing landfill. Each site was evaluated with the above mentioned criteria and a final rank order resulted. It was this list that aided the search for a new landfill site. The proposed County landfill located on Independence Road was included in this list. This site evaluation for future landfills is not a formally adopted process, however, it is one that provides a logical approach for County officials to consider all important factors when evaluating future sites. -33- 3. Site Constraints Physical and environmental characteristics as well as existing and planned uses of land affect the potential siting of future solid waste facilities. Solid waste facilities need to be planned so as to minimize adverse impact on the environment and populace of Washington County. It is important, therefore, to assess the constraints imposed by the environment and land use patterns of Washington County. Washington County is in the narrowest part of the western arm of the State, where it is only a very few miles across Maryland from Pennsylvania to West Virginia. The County is narrow in the middle, somewhat enlarged to the west, and greatly enlarged to the east. It is bounded on the west by Allegeny County, on the east by Frederick County, on the north by Pennsylvania along the Mason-Dixon line, and on the south by the Potomac River. To the south, across the Potomac, Washington County faces parts of both Virginia and West Virginia. The land area is 462 square miles, or 290,172 acres. It's the eighth largest county in the State and ranks eighth in the proportion of land occupied by farms. -34- Specific site evaluations are as follows: Topography Washington County is situated in the Appalachian Highlands and is comprised of two physiographic regions, the Blue Ridge Province and the Ridge and Valley Province, which includes the Great Valley. As these titles imply, the topography of Washington County is quite varied. The topography or relief consists of ridge lines, valleys and surface water, characterized by steep slopes, rolling foothills, wide limestone valleys, and meandering stream courses with relatively wide floodplains. The physical character of Washington County is represented by the mountainous terrain of the Blue Ridge and Allegany Mountains and the moderately level base of the Great Valley. Elevations within the valleys range from 300 to 600 feet above sea level, with extremes within the County ranging 2,145 feet at Quirauk Mountain to 260 feet at Sandy Hook. Within Washington County the percent of severe slope is greatest in the mountainous areas in the eastern and western sections and along stream and valley embankments. Severe slope, greater than 15 percent, totals nearly 30 percent of the County's land mass. The Hagerstown Valley, which consists of nearly half of the land area of the County, is predominately level and moderately sloping land. -35- Soils The soils in Washington County have been formed from two general kinds of parent material. The most extensive soil is residuum formed from existing bedrock. The second type of parent material consists of sand, silt, clay, and rock fragments that were transported by the essential process of, or combination of, water, wind, and gravity. Within Washington County are five areas having similar soil development characteristics. They are: (Refer to the map on page 41) South Mountain -Elk Ridge Province -- These soils are derived from quartzites and slates with some being developed from metabasalt and phyllites. The area includes some colluvial and alluvial soils derived from materials of the same sources. Most of the bedrock develops soils with mediocre native fertility. These soils are shallow to bedrock, and/or have rock outcroppings. Approximately 6 percent of all the land has a gradiant greater than 25 percent. Soils in this area are stony, and erosion is a moderate problem through the 50,000 acre province. Pleasant Valley Province -- This province is located between the South Mountain and Elk Ridge Province and contains relatively fertile soils derived primarily from metabasalt. The valley contains 4,000 acres, of which only about 100 acres have severe slope limitations. While erosion is a moderate problem, 85 acres are severely eroded. Great Valley Limestone Province -- This area includes 160,000 acres, and covers a major portion of the County. These soils are very fertile, although some are shallow to bedrock. Development is impeded by frequent outcrops of parallel bedrock exposures and some severe slope limitations. Severe erosion has occurred on only 1 percent of the area, although in general the erosion problem is moderate. Great Valley -Martinsburg Shale Province -- This belt of shallow, highly erodible soils lies near the western edge of the Great Valley. The soils in this area are only moderately fertile. Approximately 15 percent of the area has severe slope limitations. Erosion presents a chronic problem, and has deteriorated much of the soil in this province that encompasses 21,000 acres. The Martinsburg Shale formation provides the most preferred type of soil for landfilling in Washington County. Ridge and Valley Province -- This region contains over 60,000 acres, covering the western section of the County. The topography is rolling, having severe slope limitations. Severe erosion prevails on 1,700 acres, limiting its agricultural capability. Shallow and stony soils limit the use of some areas. About one-third of the land is not suited for development. -37- Agriculture has not developed extensively. The soils are derived from sandstones and shales and have a low native fertility. Nearly 60 percent of the region is wooded. Erosion is a serious problem, especially on the soils of shale origin. A listing of suitable landfill soils is included in the Preliminary Site Evaluations for Additional Washington County Landfill Acquisitions, conducted by the County Planning Commission in January, 1986. Geologic Conditions Washington County's 462 -square mile area encompasses several physiographic provinces. The eastern section is a portion of the Blue Ridge Province, which includes the highlands referred to as the South Mountains. This area is underlain by highly metamorphosed Pre -Cambrian granite gneiss and metabasalt, phyllite, and quartzite. The Ridge and Valley Province comprises the remainder of the County and includes the Great Valley. The broad lowland, referred to locally as the Hagerstown Valley, is the largest section of the County. This valley is principally underlain by limestone, dolomite and shale. To the west are a series of uplifts which are characteristic of the Ridge and Valley Province. This region is characterized by long ridges which transect the County in a northeasterly direction. It is underlain with resistant sandstone, limestone, and shale. -38- 2 C C -39- r fLU V z 0 r .u� 0 cn o tr v to I— O v LU - > C C rn Gn1id Waste Management Plan 199L Ground Water Provinces The Washington County area consists of four distinct water distribution provinces. They are as follows: (See map on page 43) 1. South Mountain - Elk Ridge -- Springs in this water province are numerous and generally small. The chemical quality of groundwater from this province is good and is suitable for most uses. 2. The Hagerstown Valley water province -- This includes the area between South Mountain on the east and Fairview Mountain on the west. The hydrology of this province is complex due to series of folds and faults that have occurred in the limestone bedrock. The groundwater travels from one limestone formation to another through the channelized systems. The limestone and dolomite that underlie the Hagerstown Valley water province not only furnish large groundwater supplies at present, but they have the potential for increased utilization in the future. 3. Hancock -Indian Springs -- This province consists of shale, sandstone, and shaly limestone bedrock with a generally thin soil cover. A good percentage of this area contains aquifers with a high yield. -41- 4. Sideling Hill water province -- This includes the Fairview and Powell Mountains, extending westward to the base of the eastern Slope of Sideling Hill. This portion of the County consists of shales, sandstones and thin beds of limestone completely folded and cut by the Potomac River Valley. The movement of groundwater through the shales is controlled by fractured systems and the deformed bedrock; thus, transmissibility and storage capacity is inadequate for large groundwater productions. Springs are a common source of water within the province, especially small springs and seeps in shale areas. Surface Water Washington County is situated entirely within the drainage basin of the Potomac River. The aggregated area drained by the river is 14,670 square miles of which Washington County represents 3 percent. In its course, the Potomac intersects both the Ridge and Valley and the Blue Ridge physiographic regions and is the terminus of nine drainage basins in the County, most having their origin in Pennsylvania. The primary tributaries are as follows: 1. Antietam Creek Basin -- This watershed drains approximately 40 percent of the County or 187 square miles. Approximately two thirds of the Antietam's basin is in Washington County, draining the Hagerstown Valley and the South Mountain -Elk Ridge regions. -42- n— -r- rTA nmo ar ANT A f*VNft'X11' n7 AIT 1 OO') -43- 2. Conococheague Creek Basin -- A geologically young meandering stream that drains 65 square miles in Washington County. The basin forms the western part of the Hagerstown Valley. 3. Licking Creek Basin -- This drains the Bear Pond Mountain and Pigskin Ridge area, a drainage basin of 27 square miles. 4. Tonoloway Creek Basin -- This is almost entirely in Pennsylvania. 5. The Little Tonoloway Creek -- Begins in Pennsylvania and empties into the Potomac east of Hancock. 6. Sideling Hill Creek Basin -- This forms the western natural boundary of Washington County. 7. Other smaller watersheds include the Little Conococheague Creek, St. James Run, Marsh Run, and the Israel Creek. -44- - -45-- SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN 1992 Flood Plains Flood Plain soils make up approximately 5.8 percent, or 16,970* acres, of the total County acreage. On -site sewage disposal is prohibited in these soils. The following soils are identified as alluvial in Washington County as a result of periodic inundation and deposition. Soil Acreage Soil Acreage_ Ashton 78 Largent 157 Atkins 1164 Lindside 2435 Chewacla 674 Melvin 146 Congaree 86 Philo 1684 Dunning and Melvin 1896 Pope 2704 Huntington 1439 Warner's 1646 Wahadkee 183 *Source: The Natural Environment, Washington County Planning Commission. -46- Wetlands Maryland possesses slightly more than 420,000 acres of wetlands covering about 7 percent of the state. Eighty-four percent (84%) of the state's wetlands occur in the Coastal Plain region, with approximately 13 percent in the Piedmont region, and only 1 percent in the Appalachian Highlands region. Wetlands are located throughout Washington County. These areas are identified on National Wetlands Inventory Maps prepared by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A set of these maps is located in the County Planning Office. County Solid Waste officials have in the past and will continue in the future to design landfill sites that avoid construction in or disturbance to wetland areas. This action is in accordance with Federal, State and County Regulations. Water quality The State regulations ask for an assessment of constraints imposed on the landfill by water quality. As far as is known, there are no data that would indicate water quality problems in the vicinity of the Resh Road and Hancock sites that result from these landfills. The State Health Department has not notified the County of any stream sampling performed near current facilities indicating an adverse effect on water quality. Approximately one half to two miles northeast of the Resh Road Sanitary Landfill are the communities of Martins Crossroads and -47- Cearfoss. In the Summer of 1988, public water lines were installed in these areas in order to address potential health problems as a result of widespread groundwater contamination. Testing indicated that this health problem was due to failing septic systems and was not a result of the nearby landfill. In 1990 and 1991, Washington County Health Department's Division of Environmental Health conducted a survey in an attempt to assess the quality of groundwater in Washington County. A specific objective was to compare changes from results presented in a similar 1981 study conducted by R.E. Wright and Associates. In an attempt to do this, 50 percent of the sites originally used in 1981 were randomly sampled. The results of the resurvey of the 1981 R.E. Wright and Associates, Inc. report indicate that there has been a seemingly minor decrease in groundwater quality, especially in the shale aquifer unit. But on the whole the overall water quality in the county (within the parameters tested) has remained relatively constant. Rates of contamination for these two studies are also consistent with results of other sampling which has been done by the Washington County Health Department. The hope for an increase in groundwater quality due to a more stringent on -site water and sewer regulation has not been seen; however, it should be kept in mind that in the ten-year period 1981 through 1991, 3,834 permits for the installation of new septic systems were issued by the Washington County Health Department. Currently, -48- study continues on the groundwater quality within the County with the County Health Department modifying study methods and attempting to assess the effect of external variables, (eg, season, agricultural activity), on water quality. It is anticipated that the Washington County Sanitary Commission will soon have the capability of performing a wider range of laboratory analyses and when that is possible, increased screening, especially for volatile organic compounds and heavy metals. The Washington County Sanitary District will be monitoring water quality for 81 wells and peizometers located on or adjacent to solid waste facilities in addition to several surface water sites. -49- Incompatible Land Uses The land use most obviously incompatible with solid waste acceptance facilities is residential development. Residential land uses accounts for only 10.74* percent of the total land area in Washington County and is concentrated mostly around the Hagerstown metropolitan area. However, low density residential development has occurred throughout the entire County. Another land use which should be considered when determining future solid waste acceptance facilities is agriculture. Agriculture has been and continues to be one of Washington County's most important industries. When determining a site for future solid waste acceptance facilities, care must be taken to consider the impacts on the neighboring farmland. Future landfill siting studies shall take into account residential development as well as agricultural lands in the study. Planned Land Use and Growth Patterns The current Washington County Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the County Commissioners in February 1981, the first update of the Comprehensive Plan since its initial adoption in 1971. * Source: Land Use Forecast - Washington County April 1992 Maryland Office of Planning -50- The Comprehensive Plan is a policy guide that provides for both government and private decisions to be made for future growth and development over the next twenty years. It is a County -wide plan that applies directly to all of the unincorporated areas of Washington County and indirectly to the areas within Hagerstown and the other eight municipalities. Although it focuses on the County's physical development, it also addresses public policies for government spending and for the provision of services that will affect the social and economic climate. Growth is expected to take place wherever adequate public facilities are available. The adoption of the Urban Growth Area boundary in 1983 provided a strong policy on the part of both the County Commissioners and the governing bodies of Hagerstown, Funkstown, and Williamsport. By encouraging future growth of all types --residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional --to occur within that envelope, the County can be assured of providing for economic expansion in the most cost-effective manner. On the other hand, significant growth in the rural sector of the County is not encouraged because of 1) the long-term cost to the taxpayer for additional infrastructure, 2) the resultant loss of farmland, and 3) the less tangible but nevertheless important fact that the scenic value of the County's countryside would be diminished. Refer to Growth Area Boundary map on page 53. -51- Growth for the present is expected to take place east of Hagerstown in the Robinwood/Junior College area. Additional growth of all types may also be expected in the Halfway area and north of Williamsport. The construction of a new waste water treatment plant south of 1-70 and east of Md. Rt. 63 will help guide growth in accordance with County policy. Eventually, that growth will move northward in the corridor between I-81 and Md. Rt. 63 as far as the Pennsylvania line. Areas of Critical Concern Under the authority of the State Land Use Act of 1974, a program known as Areas of Critical State Concern (ACSC) was initiated. The purpose of the program was to designate certain "critical" geographical sites or structures that are of such County and State significance that the authority of this State law would save them from indiscriminate or inappropriate development. Under State law, each County and all State agencies were given the task of designating critical areas for submission to the Department of State Planning for approval. After considering this matter on two separate occasions in 1977 and in 1979, the Washington County Commissioners and the County Planning Commission took the position that critical areas are best addressed at the local level and should therefore be implemented pursuant to the guidelines of the Special Planning Areas as defined in the adopted Comprehensive Plan. Therefore, no recommendations for critical areas were submitted by Washington -52- % ) \ . 7 : yam.« \ .b, .. ®> R - e§ 2 (\\ % a o E 2 \ } \ . @ a \ R \ z LU j z \ J= e � ° � � w � a q / o { o \ ± n z 11s ' = e I 2 M%e 9nliw t !te Management Plan 1992 County to the Department of State Planning. 4. Source Separation, Resource Recovery, and Consumer Education Programs These three elements of recycling are listed as separate items in the State regulations for the Solid Waste Plan biennial update. Because of the nature of resource recovery, they will be discussed together since they are interdependent. In 1988, the Maryland General Assembly enacted legislation that required all Counties in Maryland to prepare and implement a recycling program. Counties with populations of less than 150,000 were required to prepare a recycling plan by July 1, 1990 with full implementation of the Plan by January 1, 1994. Washington County will be required to recycle 15% of its Maryland recyclable waste although waivers to this requirement may be granted by the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Environment. In no case will the allowable recycling rate be less than 5%. In developing their recycling plans, all Counties are required by State legislation to address: 1.) Methods to reduce the solid waste stream. -54- 2.) The feasibility of source separation of the solid waste stream generated within the County. 3.) The recyclable materials to be separated. 4.) The strategy for the collection, processing, marketing and disposition of recyclable materials. 5.) Methods of financing the recycling efforts proposed by the County. 6.) The feasibility of a system for the separate collection and mulching of leaves. 7.) The feasibility of a system for the collection and recycling of white goods. 8.) Separate collection of other recyclable materials. 9.) Other recycling methods that will attain or exceed the solid waste stream reduction goals determined by the County. -55- Goals and objectives for the County's Recycling Plan were prepared and adopted by the County Recycling Committee in the Fall of 1989. Formed in September 1989, members of this Committee included the County Planning Director, Chief of Planning and Codes Administration, Director of Solid Waste, Recycling Coordinator and Community Coordinator. The Recycling Committee remained active until it was incorporated into the Solid Waste Advisory Committee in the Spring of 1991. The goals and objectives were reviewed by the Recycling Advisory Committee made up of private citizens and appointed by the County Commissioners. They include: I. Provide for public involvement and input in recycling issues so as to achieve public acceptance of at least a 15% recycling rate by 1994. II. Encourage a primary role for private enterprise in all collecting, recycling, and marketing efforts. III. Establish a recycling planning, coordinating, and educating role for the County and municipal governments. IV. Integrate recycling with the County's comprehensive solid waste management strategy. -56- The benefits of a recycling program include 1) minimize environmental impacts, 2) reduce usage of nonrenewable resources, 3) savings in landfill construction and lining costs, 4) diversion of reusable resources for use by business and industry, and 5.) extended landfill life. While recycling is a logical, common sense approach for waste management, it requires effort and commitment at the individual, community and government level in order to be successful. Washington County's Recycling Plan presents and describes how the County intends to meet and exceed the recycling goal established by State law. Those items that are addressed in the Plan include: Waste Quantities and Characteristics, Materials Selection and Collection, Marketing of Recyclable Materials, Implementation Schedule, Public Information Programs and Financial Planning. The Plan is to be implemented in phases to allow the recycling program to be monitored and adjusted as experience is gained and as markets change over time. The Recycling Plan, to recycle 20.5% of the waste stream; 5.5% above that mandated by State law, was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on July 31, 1990. The adopted Recycling Plan, forwarded to the Department of the Environment on August 1, 1990, is included as part of the 1990 Solid Waste Management Plan. The Recycling Plan, which is an addendum of this plan shall be updated in 1993. -57- Recycling Program Staff The County government has created and filled the position of Recycling Program Coordinator. This position is charged with overseeing the development, implementation and coordination of County -wide recycling programs under the direction of the Director of Solid Waste, Chief of Public Works, County Administrator and the Board of County Commissioners. Additional responsibilities of the Recycling Coordinator include: 1.) Initiate a program to educate and enhance public awareness for the necessity of recycling. 2.) identify recyclable products and promote programs to recycling contractors and the public. 3.) Assist towns, as requested, with developing and promoting recycling and yard waste composting programs as part of an integrated County wide program. 4.) Plan, coordinate and monitor curbside recycling programs as they are implemented throughout the County. As the recycling program expands, additional staff will need to be added. It is encouraged that additional staff be added to -58- address recycling education and waste reduction efforts. Additional Recycling Efforts The County is reviewing various recycling and resource recovery options. They include: 1.) Washington County is currently promoting recycling of paper products at all County office facilities and encouraging private industry to do likewise. General office waste paper, newspapers, and computer paper is collected in containers and delivered for recycling. Business and industry are also being encouraged to develop office paper recycling programs. In addition, the County Commissioners have developed an Environmental Honor Roll to recognize those businesses and organizations which are recycling conscious. 2.) The Washington County government has taken steps to promote residential recycling. The County has provided recycling collection sites at all County solid waste facilities and municipalities. Seventeen collection recycling sites are located throughout the County. 3.) In March 1991 the Regional Solid Waste Management Study (Four County Study) was presented to the four participating counties. This study examined what opportunities might exist for regional cooperation on -59- the disposal of solid waste. Issues such as regional landfills, recycling centers, and waste to energy facilities were explored. As a result of this study, Washington County learned that it would be adversely affected by the costs of trucking to a regional facility, experience difficulty in siting regional facilities, and that the use of refused derived fuel would not require a regional supply of waste. The Washington County Commissioners decided not to enter into any regional agreements at this time but to continue to explore any future opportunities that may exist in a regional approach to solid waste management. 4.) The Solid Waste Department is currently seeking a request for proposal and is working with the State of Maryland to establish a recycling program for tires. 5.) A Solid Waste Advisory Committee was formed in the Spring of 1991. The Committee is comprised of 9 citizen members from the community. This Committee works closely with the County Commissioners and the Solid Waste Department. Numerous tasks were assigned to the Committee. Several of these include: Assist Recycling coordinator with special activities, gather information on recycling issues, assist staff with evaluation of various recycling programs, and assist in the biennial update of the Solid Waste Management Plan and Recycling Plan. -60- 6.) Pursue a publicly stated goal of a 50% recycling rate as defined by MDE. The County will continue to analyze present and future technologies and methods to accomplish this goal. The Solid Waste Plan, Recycling Plan and Capital Improvement Plan will be updated to reflect the implementation. 7.) The Washington County government is currently working with the Solid Waste Advisory Committee to establish a material recovery facility. This will greatly enhance the County's efforts to process recyclables that are collected. 8.) The County continues to search for programs and operational strategies that would increase recycling. It now has a program for a collection of shiny/glossy paper and corrugated cardboard. In addition, Washington County schools have a white paper recycling program. Asbestos Disposal Asbestos waste may be accepted at the Resh Road Sanitary Landfill provided that the material that is received is packaged and labeled as specified in COMAR 10.18.15.04, and is managed in the following manner: 1. Prior notification to the landfill supervisor is required; 2. The waste asbestos is unloaded carefully to prevent emission of fibers into the air; 3. The area used for burial of asbestos shall be restricted to -61- the working face of the landfill, or a separate cell dedicated solely to asbestos disposal; 4. The waste shall be completely covered with earth or other refuse and shall not be compacted or driven over until sufficient cover has been applied to prevent the release of asbestos fibers to the atmosphere during compaction or application of other cover material; and 5. Operators at the landfill shall wear respiratory protection approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for protection against asbestos fibers and protective clothing when considered necessary. Emergency Spillage This problem is covered by separate laws and regulations outside the solid waste management subject and are administered by the appropriate emergency -responsive agencies. These regulations are outlined in Federal Law -Sara Title Three, OSHA CFR 1910.120. Maryland Department of the Environment Hazardous and Solid Waste Management, Washington County Hazardous Material Plan, Washington County Disaster Plan, and the Washington County Emergency Operations Plan. Chemical and Petroleum Spills. Chemical and petroleum cleanup material can be accepted at the Resh Road Sanitary Landfill if the following conditions are met: -62- 1. The nature of the spilled substance is known. 2. The spilled material is not a controlled hazardous substance as defined in COMAR 26.13.02 3. The spilled material should not adversely affect the landfill liner. 4. The spilled substance is contained in an absorbent of sufficient excess volume that the material deposited at the landfill does not exhibit free liquids as determined by the EPA method 9095 paint filter liquids test. Siting Regulations As mentioned in Chapter Two, the Washington County Zoning Ordinance states that a sanitary landfill is a special exception use in the Agricultural zoning district. This use requires a public hearing and authorization by the County's Board of Zoning Appeals. If allowed, the disposal area would be required to have a 400 foot buffer between its activity and any lot in an "R" district or lot occupied by a dwelling, school, church, or institution for human care. Present siting procedures require compliance with the Maryland Department of Environment Regulations. Local environmental impact regulations are anticipated to be developed by Washington County to address siting of future facilities. Incineration, Medical and Hazardous Waste A permit for incineration of medical waste has been issued to the Washington County Hospital and the Western Maryland -63- Center. Incineration of any type of waste is not the preferred method of disposal in Washington County. Recently the county amended it's Zoning Ordinance to prohibit the incineration of hazardous waste or controlled hazardous substances in kilns used or modified for the purpose of incinerating hazardous waste or recycling hazardous waste for fuel in certain zoning districts. Refer to Sections 4.19 and 4.20 of the Washington County Zoning Ordinance. Data concerning hazardous waste, nuclear waste or radioactive waste generated in Washington County are not currently supplied to the county. Additional legislation at the State level is required to mandate that the information be directly supplied to the County or to the State, for forwarding to the County, for use in developing policies to address these issues. -64- Chapter Five F. 1. & 2. Plan of Action As mentioned in Chapter Four, the Washington County Commissioners purchased a 427 acre tract for a future sanitary landfill site along Independence Road, 4 miles west of Hagerstown. Its projected life span is estimated at a minimum of 20+ years. The Commissioners also purchased two contiguous properties totaling 130 acres for a proposed rubble landfill site near Williamsport, Maryland. The Director of Solid Waste is projecting that the rubble landfill will be open in the Spring of 1993 and that it will have a lifespan of a minimum of 20 years. The 148 acre Resh Road Sanitary Landfill site that was opened in 1982 was originally forecasted to last until 2004, but the present status of that site tells us that it will be filled prior to that date. The chart on page 68 shows the rate of fill for the present Resh Road site based on two assumptions: 1) the actual average rate estimated at 558 tons a day for a six day week in June 1992. The resulting figures indicates that the landfill will be at estimated capacity in 1997. 2) the estimated fill rate of 229 tons per day that would result from a 20% annual recycling rate and a 21% reduction of rubble refuse being diverted to the new rubble landfill. An additional eight (8) years of service for the Resh Road Sanitary Landfill site would result. -65- As mentioned in the 1988 update, approximately 51% or 76 acres of the 148 acre Resh Road area can actually be used for landfilling. The remaining land is comprised of roads or is unusable due to steep slope. The table of weighing data for June 1992 shows that 21% by weight of the total waste stream is comprised of rubble, dirt, yard debris, wood, and building materials. Once the Rubble landfill is opened, however, these items will be diverted to that site and will substantially reduce the Resh Road Sanitary Landfill waste stream. in O O N zz M N - O OO J � U - 2O U) O O }�S O O O O O N 0, C, m 0) N 0) LLJ Solid Waste Management Plan 1992 -67- In addition to construction rubble, the landfill is continually receiving the leftover material from shredded cars, appliances and other materials after all the recyclable products are recovered. This is disposed of by two local businesses. The current average from the July 1991 to June 1992 weighing documents place this contribution to the waste stream at approximately 16% of the total amount received at Resh Road Sanitary Landfill within the past 12 month period. By any standard, this percentage of contribution of unrecyclable solid waste to the waste stream is significant. Three items that were discussed in Chapter Five of the Solid Waste Update of 1988 have been brought to fruition. A full-time weighing program began at the Resh Road Sanitary Landfill on July 1, 1989. The benefits of the weighing program are many fold. The computerized counts allow landfill personnel to record the tons of waste entering the Resh Road facility daily, and the types of inbound materials being disposed of. The weighing program also helps more accurately project the close out date of each cell and ultimately the close out of the entire Resh Road Sanitary Landfill. At the Resh Road Sanitary Landfill site cell number four is currently being filled. Cell four has a leachate collection system whereby a computer monitors the movement of all liquids within the cell area. Pipes and sensors are installed above and below cell four's liner. The primary function of the sensors is to measure the volume of fluid in the pipes and to indicate its direction of movement. This information is projected on the computer screen, thus allowing operating personnel to have the ability to monitor the movement of all liquids within the cell four (4) area. This is documented and monthly reports are sent to the Maryland Department of the Environment. The leachate is currently being treated by the Washington County Sanitary District treatment facility. Century Engineering is currently in the process of conducting field surveys of proposed cell numbers six, seven and eight at the Resh Road landfill. This procedure will be of benefit in projecting the remaining lifespan of the landfill. As mentioned in Chapter Four, a study on Hancock's Sanitary landfill was completed in June 1990. The purpose of the study was to determine the best and most efficient use of the landfill. The recommendation of the engineering firm conducting the study would be to open a transfer station on -site upon the closure of the existing cell. As previously stated, the County is working under the assumption that the current cell will not have a permit renewed as of March 1993. A residential green box facility will be installed to service the Hancock community. Finance Methods Costs for the new landfill systems, as far as can be determined at present, will be implemented through the Capital Improvements budget. All current financing for the land, both operating and capital, is from County funds and landfill user fees which became effective July 1, 1989. Below is a listing of the user fees per August 1992. Residential Permit Annual Fee Pick-up Truck (Non -Commercial Haulers) $ 20.00 Automobile/Multi-purpose vehicle 10.00 Total Fees Collected July 1991 - June 1992 $ 211,390 Applicable at Resh Road and Hancock landfills, Greensburg, Kaetzell and Dargan Green Box facilities Business Commercial Haulers General Refuse per ton Industrial Sludge Asbestos Tires Inspection Fees Total Fees Collected July 1991 - June 1992 General Fee $ 30.00 60.00 1.50 per bag 7.50 per 35 gallon drum 130.00 per ton 85.00 per ton 5.00 $ 3,777,226.25 Applicable at Resh Road and Hancock Sanitary landfills Source: Washington County Director of Solid Waste -70- • Z3 rd b P c0 rl a o C3 o Co a, C7 � ' o tx° N Ck CO , N w r -I -I A 4 U o 0 0 � v >1 a) Ll a a(1) qd Pi OP.I 0 a) N N . 0 O r r-{ rd .,i a Co 0 In N cf< U H W co Ln CO rl N o Ln P Ul Id 0 a) ' '"H M Ot l0 a r 0 .+ O N N l¢ O Oa {I} a) a) a (d U2 r1 C) Co N M �+ aH Ol en C> U 0 w Lfl rn fd Co N ' 4) H • a N d' a ( O +l U) •� c1) U co N In 40 {h y A cn In O N N A a) ', PI (N O N . 01 fo ri (d Co d 4.) 0 9 Ul C7 OO 4 - N r 1 U N IC) t0 Q) 4-1 a) a v} V 0 • 0 O w 0 U) a U 0 v N C) d+ c0 N (8 tU 44 4W D) f 4 -I . 4.) 44 S i" (d c!' O1 N 01 O O Ol LC M d+ Ul 0 cu - a . , a) a UCo O m N a U ' {.l r -I N t0 �•� r+ Q) H U) DC 0 uy cn. - O Q Cd ° O N r U 0 M 0 a+ o a o a 001 d rn o o N o ° Rao" 0 P 44 U M C] r -1M a fd {..! a N l0 4-1 p 0 r -1 0) H "{ 4-I to ' U) Ul •k 4a �+ UJ b •JI o c) (D ill v� a) �0 �r aro0 a 0 rI H kl'H .Ja PC) Pa) +l0 cd°U .. • H C.) rd 0 P 0 4 (a cd ( cd CE-( 4J U) • a) (41 P P CU I -I Fj Id CU 1~ 4.3 Ul E CH E 0 b a) U) U •d •H •r1 4.) (d •rt H 41 •4 •r-i p •H id •r! (I) •, +l E -I W U) +) H to 04 PWU) P P4 U) PP 9 4 U) a) U) Id C cd 0 cu CUC).0 0 w 0 0 Ea 0 0) 0 Ul o 4c .+~ 0 0 a C3 CJ) U 't W0U WUU W E-{ WE -I WU EO ti) —71— Closeout Earlier discussions focused on the possible close-out dates for both the Resh Road and Hancock Sanitary Landfill sites. Preliminary plans include using the Resh Road facility for a recreational area and the Hancock landfill for a wildlife sanctuary upon closure. These proposed uses would be consistent with the County's Comprehensive Plan. -72- RECOMMENDATIONS The 1992 Solid Waste Management Plan's Recommendations Short Term: Within 2 Year Planning Period 1. Reduce the amount of landfilling by promoting recycling including, where feasible, curbside programs. 2. Encourage industry and business to do studies on their waste streams and to file on a yearly basis, with the County Recycling Coordinator, what and how much they are recycling so it can be included in the total tonnage for Washington County. 3. Make every possible effort to involve all municipalities in Washington County in a recycling program. Investigate various incentives including the possibility of providing financial inducements to achieve participation. 4. Develop and adopt environmental impact analysis regulations. These regulations should at a minimum be applicable to all recycling, waste disposal, waste processing, waste to energy and waste transportation or storage facilities proposed for location or operation within the County. 5. Utilize the recommendations of the Sludge Task Force Committee to develop a sanitary sludge disposal policy for inclusion in the Solid Waste Plan. -73- 6. Request that the State adopt regulations mandating operations which generate hazardous, nuclear, radioactive or medical waste be required to supply quantity and method of disposal information to the County for use in developing policies to address these issues in Solid Waste Management plans. 7. Investigate and evaluate the feasibility of providing a spring and fall amnesty day for collection of household hazardous waste. Long Term: Beyond 2 Year Planning Period 1. In the future, do not limit review of site locations for new landfills to the Conococheague Watershed area. 2. Identify appropriate locations to address the siting needs of various types of recycling operations and processes. 3. Consider, if necessary, the augmentation of current regulations with the appropriate ordinances mandating recycling for everyone in Washington County. 4. Promote the composting of leaves and shredded yard waste through the establishment of regional yard waste composting sites throughout the County. 5. Evaluate as warranted, the need and feasibility for, establishing additional rubble disposal sites throughout the County. -74- APPENDIX A RECOMMENDATIONS The 1982 Solid Waste Management Study contained seven recommendations. They were: 1. Continue landfilling as the most economical method of solid waste disposal. 2. Begin a search for a new site immediately. 3. Begin a continuous weighing program so both quantitative and qualitative date are available. 4. Establish a separate rubble site in the Resh Road area. 5. Undertake a study of the Hancock site to determine if it should remain open or be closed and used as a transfer station. 6. Provide a separate area at the Resh Road site for the general public to dispose of its trash. 7. Begin slicing all tires brought into the landfill. Items 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 have been implemented. Item 4 is in the process now. The County's Solid Waste Director is projecting a Spring 1993 open date for the rubble landfill. Tires are no longer sliced and are recycled. The 1988 Solid Waste Study contained four recommendations. They were: -75- 1. Determine through a land survey a more accurate completion estimate for the Resh Road site than is currently available. 2. Begin a continuous weighing program. Without it, we have only sporadic records of the types and amounts of solid waste entering the landfill. The daily average for the 13 -day period in 1987 was 538 tons. In another weighing in 1988, on four separate days, the daily average was 782 tons. Is this large variation to be expected or is it a rare fluctuation? Without continuous weighings, we cannot know. A permanent record of daily trash components is needed to determine tipping fees and to determine the most efficient way to implement and administer the recycling program. A system needs to be set up for collecting the data and storing it in a computer for retrieval and analysis. 3. Begin working with the State on setting aside a rubble disposal site at Resh Road. 4. Explore the possibility of Conservit or major demolition contractors setting up and running their own rubble sites. Items 1, 2, and 3 have been implemented or are currently in the completion process. Item #4 is currently being addressed. The County will pursue the establishment of additional rubble landfill sites both public and private County -wide. -76- The 1990 Solid Waste Management Plan contained seven recommendations. They were: 1. Promote and implement Washington County's Recycling Plan. A. Attempt to surpass the Plan's 20.5% waste stream reduction which exceeds the State's mandate by 5.5%, and pursue a goal of 50% reduction in the waste stream that is currently landfilled by examination of present and future technologies that are environmentally sound. 1992 Status: The. County is in the process of implementing the Recycling Plan. B. Establish recycling centers at all County landfill facilities, i.e. deposit areas for newspaper, glass, aluminum, plastic and cardboard. 1992 Status: Recycling centers have been established at all County landfill facilities and municipalities. C. Establish a yard waste composting plant at a designated area for the disposal of leaves, grass clippings, and brush. 1992 Status: As of November 1992, the Solid Waste Department started to collect leaves for composting at the proposed rubble landfill. -77- D. Pursue the establishment of a yearly household hazardous waste amnesty day. 1992 Status: No action has been taken at this time. E. Establish a mechanical/manual material recovery facility for the sorting of selected recyclable, i.e. plastics, glass, bi-metal products and cardboard. 1992 Status: The County is actively involved in establishing a facility F. Promote and expand the waste oil recovery program. Establish additional designated sites for the disposal of used oil. 1992 Status: Implemented. 2. Encourage a primary role for private enterprise in all collecting, recycling, and marketing efforts. A. Investigate financial incentives to encourage creation of local recyclable materials markets. 1992 Status: The County encourages the creation of recyclable markets to the extent feasible. -78- B. Where appropriate, encourage non-profit agencies to offer recycling services. 1992 Status: Implemented. C. Investigate methods to encourage local private enterprise to begin recycling programs. Implemented. 3. Continue to pursue a comprehensive waste management program for Carroll, Frederick, Howard and Washington Counties. This would include investigation into regional recycling and incineration feasibility. 1992 Status: The Solid Waste staff continues to share information with the Recycling Department in Frederick County on matters of mutual concern. 4. Investigate methods for continuous monitoring of closed landfill sites. 1992 Status: Arrangements have been made with the Washington County Sanitary District for continuous monitoring of closed, active and future landfill sites. 5. Pursue plans to develop closed out landfill facilities into areas designated for public use. Examples include recreational areas, open space and wildlife sanctuaries. _7g_ 1992 Status: Currently being implemented. 6. Continue the process of acquisition and preparation of new sanitary and rubble landfill sites. 1992 Status: Currently being implemented. 7. Establish a Solid Waste Citizens Advisory Committee to solicit and encourage citizen input and technical assistance for oversight of all solid waste management issues. 1992 Status: Implemented. -80- Sources 1. Century Engineering, Inc. 2. Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Tidewater Administration 3. Washington County Planning Department 4. Washington County Planning Department Hancock Landfill Study, June 1990 Introduction to Wetlands Identification & Classification, Coastal Resources Division April 1986 Washington County Recycling Plan, July 1990 Washington County Comprehensive Plan, February 1981 5. Washington County Planning Department Preliminary Site Evaluations for Additional Washington County Landfill Acquisitions, January 1986