HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.28.22 Staff ReportJEFFERSON COUNTY, WA
SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
7/28/22 STAFF REPORT
Covid-related Staff Shortages
The transfer station was closed on July 11 due to severe staff shortages caused by Covid-related
absences. Many other facilities have closed for weeks due to Covid-related staff shortages whereas we
have managed to remain open with a skeleton crew at times. By July 11, half our staff were absent as
we also reached our peak season. All staff have returned to work and are well.
Waste Connections helped immensely in the closure by revising their collection and disposal schedule
on very short notice and City of Port Townsend staff assisted with moving septage haulers through the
closed facility.
We learned a lot about where we could build more resiliency into the operation and will be applying
these lessons in the coming months.
Transfer Station Replacement Planning Process
A professional services agreement with Vikek Environmental Engineers, LLC of Poulsbo, WA was
executed by the Board of County Commissioners on July 25th. Staff will discuss the planning process and
timeline with SWAC as an agenda item.
Scale Replacement Project
A construction contract with Michelli Measurement Group of Kent, WA for the replacement of the
transfer station pit scales was executed by the Board of County Commissioners on July 25th.
Construction activities will begin in mid-October with completion no later than January 1, 2023.
Temporary Tipping Wall Improvements
A construction contract with Agate Asphalt of Poulsbo, WA for the expansion of the temporary tipping
floor was executed by the Board of County Commissioners on July 18th. This improvement will aid in
material handling during the replacement of the pit scales. An asphalt pad will also be installed for
storing refrigerated appliances which will make handling these units more efficient.
Refrigerated Appliances
The estimated difference between the fees collected for refrigerated appliances in 2021 and the cost for
disposal was $21K. Staff would like to maintain the current fee as a service to our customers so we are
considering cost saving program revisions. Staff has solicited quotes for the on-site removal of
refrigerant gasses from appliances but has not had any responses to date. More work to follow as staff
workload allows.
Tire Collection
As staff workload allows, we continue to work on a service agreement with a company that collects and
recycles tires. It would appear that using a recycling service for tires would add another $5K - $6K a year
to operating expenses.
Tire Amnesty Event
Public Works is working with Public Health on a second tire amnesty collection event for this Fall.
Environmental Center Improvements
The new sharps collection bins at both the Quilcene and Transfer Station facilities were advertised in a
flyer insert in the last PUD billing.
Staff has purchased two large poly tanks to replace the steel drums for used antifreeze collection at
both environmental centers. Staff has also worked with a local fabricator to build collection pans that
cover the top of the tanks to make it easier for customers to dispose of antifreeze and minimize spillage.
PaintCare Program
Public Works has been working with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and PaintCare to amend the
service agreement such that it will satisfy the County’s insurer.