Yesterday, the Rural Counties’ Environmental Services Joint Powers Authority (ESJPA), an organization that advocates on behalf of rural counties and provides technical assistance in order for member counties to comply with State and federal environmental regulations, received an update from various State and local agency representatives on a variety of solid waste environmental programs.
The Department of Toxic Substance Control presented on used oil filter compliance, and there were presentations on solid waste landfills dealing with Industrial Storm Water compliance, new Federal landfill emission requirements, and drone mapping. The County of Madera provided a detailed overview of their efforts to upgrade and expand the county landfill, which included a robust discussion on how the county financed the significant infrastructure requirements and the level of partnership required across local and State agency partners to complete the project ahead of schedule. ESJPA members also received updates from CalRecycle (click here), the California Product Stewardship Council, the Carpet America Recovery Effort, the Mattress Recycling Council, and others regarding producer recycling responsibilities. ESJPA staff provided key updates on 2015-16 legislation, including Senate Bill 1383 by Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) regarding Short-Lived Climate Pollutants, various regulatory proposals, and RCRC staff provided an update on Cap-and-Trade Auction Proceeds. Lastly, ESJPA staff reported that a draft Beverage Container Recycling Reform proposal is expected to be unveiled in the Governor’s 2017-18 proposed Budget in January 2017. The next ESJPA meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 8, 2016 in Sacramento.