(Republished January 31, 2015 due to recent odor issues)

On April 24, 2013, Loren and Sue Cook represented WFFNA at the Western Placer Waste Management Authority Community Meeting hosted at the Fiddyment Road facility. This was the third community meeting to discuss recent issues of escalating odors noticed by the community.

The meeting addressed a brief history of the Waste Management facility and its obligation to meet legal requirements of AB939 or face fines up to $10,000 a day if not in compliance. They are proud that this facility is at the 72% diversion level, well above the required 50% level. They want to get the word out about proper recycling—they noted that, regardless of current laws requiring proper recycling of batteries, they are still recovering enough used batteries to fill a 55-gallon container of every day from the regular trash.

Also discussed were the multiple sources of various odors in the area (shown in a map display) besides the recycling center. They provided samples from different sources for audience members to ‘smell’; many noted the very distinctive odors of area wood recycling plants as strong offenders they recognized. Another source noted is the increased in green waste as the population has grown in the last 2 years (odors build over the two weeks between collections).

Program Manager Eric Oddo indicated they cannot completely eliminate odors; however they are taking a number of steps to mitigate the odors, including:

1. Minimized exposure of the waste products to air by burying it as soon as received.
   
2. Neutralization project -- a misting system containing a neutralizing agent to break up odors. The 8-week test will run at different times of the day to test which times are most effective. You might notice a slight cherry scent. The system will then be put in regular use at the optimum times indicated by the test.
   
3. An air sampling system has been ordered and should be up and running by the end of Spring. This system will be a permanent 24/7/365 monitoring to identify odors and their sources. This will monitor like an online weather station, and would even be able to generate alerts if needed.
   
4. On-line Reporting—the new site makes reporting easier for the public. Online: Odor Notification Form or via email: Info@wpwma.com
   

Mr. Oddo said the online reporting is where the public can be most helpful in the odor mitigation process. By reporting the times and types of odor noticed, they can backtrack through the monitoring equipment to track the sources of the odors and go from there to mitigate them in the future.

Mr. Oddo indicated the current plant has capacity thru 2058; but by 2040 they should have technology for total recycling waste, and not have to bury anything. They also indicated that the methane gas given off during the waste process will eventually be recycled to produce electricity. (Methane gas is monitored and will continue to be monitored for 30 years after the plant is closed.)

More information is available at their website: Western Placer Waste Management Authority