HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 23STATE OF WASHINGTON
Jefferson County
A RESOLUTION RELATED }
TO COMPOST PROCUREMENT } RESOLUTION NO. 03 23
POLICY
WHEREAS, in March 2022, ESSHB 1799 was signed into Washington law with the
primary goal to increase the diversion of organic materials going to landfills to reduce methane
emissions; and
WHEREAS, as more organic materials are diverted and recycled, it is critical that the
compost manufactured be procured by local jurisdictions and others to support the economic
viability of these processes and programs because compost production and use provide
significant environmental benefits to our soil and food; and
WHEREAS, ESSHB 1799 encourages most cities and counties in Washington adopt a
compost procurement ordinance;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners ordains as
follows:
A. General Policy. Jefferson County shall purchase finished compost products for use in public
projects in which compost is an appropriate material in Jefferson County projects or on Jefferson
County land, provided it is not cost prohibitive to acquire. Cost prohibitive is defined as a
product purchasing cost that exceeds 10% of the cost of another product that would serve the
same purpose. Procurement costs will include the product cost and all associated transportation
and delivery charges. Jefferson County is not required to use compost products if:
1. Compost products are not available within a reasonable period of time.
2. Compost products that are available do not comply with existing purchasing
standards; and
3. Available compost products do not comply with federal or state health, quality, or
safety standards.
B. Local Purchasing. Jefferson County will purchase finished compost products from the City of
Port Townsend Composting Facility or other local or regional compost suppliers that meet the
quality standards adopted by rule by the Department of Ecology. If locally produced compost is
not available, compost shall be sourced from outside the region, with preference given to
products sourced as close as possible to Jefferson County. Proof that locally produced compost
was not available at the time of purchase or was cost -prohibitive shall be documented.
C. Planning. In order to meet the general policy, Jefferson County will plan for compost use in
the following categories:
1. Landscaping projects.
2. Construction and postconstruction soil amendments.
3. Applications to prevent erosion, filter stormwater runoff, promote vegetative growth,
or improve the stability and longevity of roadways; and
4. Low -impact development of green infrastructure to filter pollutants or to keep water
onsite, or both.
This plan will be re -assessed each December 31 st of even -numbered years, beginning in 2024
and thereafter as part of the reporting obligations of ESSHB 1799.
D. Education. Jefferson County shall continue to cooperate with the City of Port Townsend to
conduct educational outreach to inform residents about the value of compost and how citizens
can help with composting throughout Jefferson County.
E. Reporting. By December 31, 2024, and each December 31 st of even -numbered years
thereafter, Jefferson County shall report the following information to the Department of Ecology:
1. Total tons of organic material diverted (from landfills) each year.
2. The volume and cost of composted material purchased each year.
3. The source(s) of the finished compost product purchased.
ADOPTED this day of -e (;nA c k, 2023
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD qV COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
SEAL:
Cre Brotherton, Chair
Kate Dean, Member
Approved Telephonically
ATTEST:
Heidi Eisenhour
(44 OXV 2- 3
Carolyn Ujallaway, We
Clerk of the Board
Department of Public Works
O Consent Agenda
Page 1 of 1
Jefferson County
Board of Commissioners
Agenda Request
To: Board of Commissioners
Mark McCauley, County Administrator
From: Monte Reinders, Public Works Director/County Engineer
Agenda Date: February 13, 2023
Subject: Resolution Related to Compost Procurement
Statement of Issue
ESSHB 1799 was signed into Washington law in March 2022 with the primary goal to
increase the diversion of organic materials going to landfills to reduce methane
emissions. ESSHB 1799 encourages most cities and counties in Washington adopt a
compost procurement ordinance in order to increase its beneficial use.
Analysis/Strategic Goals/Pro's Et Con's:
Jefferson County currently advances the compost related goals in ESSHB 1799 through
the use of compost in projects that benefit by its use. Adoption of the attached
Resolution would formally recognize the current practices.
Fiscal Impact/Cost Benefit Analysis:
The reporting requirements in ESSHB 1799 would require limited staff time with
nominal fiscal impact to approved budgets.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners adopt the attached
Resolution.
Department Contact: Al Cairns X213
Reviewed By:
Mark McCauley, unty Administrator Date