Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
I. INTRODUCTION
Proper solid waste and hazardous waste management are essential for adequate protection
of the County’s natural resources and the public health, safety, and welfare. The
potential environmental and health related impacts of solid and hazardous waste facilities
and their management have led to a regulatory framework that extends from the federal
government to the local government.
The focus of this Subelement is to identify existing facilities and programs, perform an
analysis of capabilities and responsibilities, and provide strategies for proper
management and disposal from the present through 2020. The planning periods for the
Solid Waste Subelement, analysis, and Plan, includes three time frames: five years
(2005-2010), ten years (2005-2015), and twenty years (2005-2025). Solid Waste and
Hazardous Waste will be reviewed separately in this Subelement. For a property
understanding, the terms “Solid Waste” and “Hazardous Waste” should be defined.
"Solid waste" means sludge unregulated under the Federal Clean Water Act or Clear Air
Act; sludge from a waste treatment works, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution
control facility; or garbage, rubbish, refuse, special waste or other discarded material,
including solid, liquid, semisolid, or contained gaseous material resulting from domestic,
industrial, commercial, mining, agricultural, or government operations. Materials not
regulated as solid waste pursuant to this chapter are: Recovered materials; nuclear source
or byproduct materials regulated under Chapter 404, F.S., or under the Federal Atomic
Energy Act of 1954 as amended; suspended or dissolved materials in domestic sewage
effluent or irrigation return flows, or other regulated point source discharges, regulated
air emissions; and fluids or wastes associated with natural gas or crude oil exploration or
production. (Chapter 62-701-200 (113) F.A.C.)
Solid waste has been classified into the following categories:
•
•
Class I wastes - solid waste which is not hazardous waste, and which is not
prohibited from disposal in a lined landfill under Rule 62-701.300 F.A.C.
Class III wastes - yard trash, construction and demolition debris, processed tires,
asbestos, carpet, cardboard, paper, glass, plastic, furniture other than appliances,
or other materials approved by the Department of Environmental Protection that
are not expected to produce leachate which poses a threat to public health or the
environment.
“Construction and Demolition Debris” means discarded materials generally considered to
be not water-soluble and non-hazardous in nature including, but not limited to, steel,
glass, brick, concrete, asphalt material, pipe, gypsum wallboard and lumber, from the
construction or destruction of a structure as part of a construction or demolition project or
from the renovation of a structure, including such debris from construction of structures
at a site remote from the construction or demolition project site. The term includes rocks,
soils, tree remains, trees, and other vegetative matter that normally results from land
clearing or land development operations for a construction project, clean cardboard,
5-1
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
paper, plastic, wood and metal scraps from a construction project; effective January 1,
1997, except as provided in Section 403.707(12)(j)F.S., unpainted, non-treated wood
scraps from facilities manufacturing materials used for construction of structures or their
components and unpainted, non-treated wood pallets provided the wood scraps and
pallets are separated from other solid waste where generated and the generator of such
wood scraps or pallets implements reasonable practices of the generating industry to
minimize the commingling of wood scraps or pallets with other solid waste; and de
minimus amounts of other non-hazardous wastes that are generated at construction or
demolition projects; provided that such amounts are consistent with best management
practices of the construction and demolition industries. Mixing of construction and
demolition debris with other types of solid waste will cause it to be classified as other
than construction and demolition debris. (Chapter 62-701.200 (27) F.A.C.)
For the purposes of this Subelement, however, the term “solid waste” excludes
“hazardous waste”.
“Hazardous waste” means a solid waste regulated by the Department of Environmental
Protection as a hazardous waste pursuant to Chapter 62-730, F.A.C. (62-701-200 (54)
F.A.C.).
In addition several terms for facilities will be used throughout this Subelement. These
include:
•
•
•
Transfer Station - a facility for the temporary storage of solid waste or hazardous
wastes prior to transport to a processing plant or to a final disposal site. For the
purposes of this Subelement, only permanent facilities which would require
attendance by trained operators will be addressed
Processing Plant - a facility designed for incineration, resource recovery or
recycling of solid waste prior to its final disposal. This Subelement will address
only such facilities as would serve the needs of the County as a whole. The
purpose of these facilities may include any or all objectives of reduction of the
volume of wastes disposed, energy recovery from wastes or recovery of reusable
materials
Landfill - the final disposal site of solid wastes, as it implies, involves burial of
the wastes. Landfills are classified for regulatory purposes according to the
characteristics of the wastes they are permitted to receive. The three types of
landfills are defined subsequently in this Subelement
II. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
A. Federal
The potential environmental impacts of solid waste facilities have led to the
development of a network of permitting requirements at the federal level. Impacts on
air and water quality are reviewed by the EPA. If dredging and filling activities are
involved in a particular development, the ACOE conducts a review.
5-2
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
For processing plants which will generate electrical power or require tall emission
stacks, DEP and FAA review may be required.
The National Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 directed
EPA to develop a national program to regulate and manage hazardous waste and
provide incentives for states to adopt their own programs consistent with the Act.
The National Comprehensive Emergency Response and Compensation Liability Act
(CERCLA) of 1980 provided EPA with authority and funds to respond to incidents
requiring site clean-up and emergency mitigation (the EPA Superfund Program).
This Act also defined the liability of businesses engaged in hazardous waste
generation, transport, and disposal, and established enforcement processes.
In 1991, the EPA promulgated revisions to the Criteria for Classification of Solid
Waste Disposal Facilities and Practices as set forth in 40 CFR Parts 257 and 258.
These rules set forth revised minimum criteria for municipal solid waste landfills, as
well as, regulations governing the use and disposal of sewage sludge. The State of
Florida Department of Environmental Protection has received delegation from EPA to
implement and enforce solid waste regulations.
B. State and Regional
The DEP and the SWFWMD also conduct development review to determine potential
impacts on water quality and quantity. Actual construction and operation of solid
waste facilities requires further permits and review by DEP.
During the late 1970’s the disposal of solid wastes became an issue of great concern
in Florida and efforts were initiated to protect the environment and public health from
pollution by solid wastes. In 1980, the Florida legislature adopted the “Florida
Resource Recovery and Management Act” (Section 403.701, F.S.). The purpose of
this act was to:
•
•
•
•
•
Plan for and regulate the storage, collection, transport, separation, processing,
recycling, and disposal of solid waste in order to protect the public safety,
health, and welfare; enhance the environment for the people of the state; and
recover resources which have the potential for future usefulness
Establish and maintain a cooperative state program of planning and technical
assistance for resource recovery and management
Provide the authority, and require counties and municipalities, to adequately
plan and provide efficient, environmentally acceptable resource recovery and
management except for hazardous wastes
Require review of the design, and issue permits for the operation of resource
recovery and management facilities
Promote the application of resource recovery systems which preserve and
enhance the quality of air, water, and land resources
5-3
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
•
•
•
Ensure that exceptionally hazardous solid waste is transported, disposed of,
stored, and treated in a manner adequate to protect human health, safety, and
welfare and the environment
Promote the recycling, reuse, or treatment of solid waste, specifically
including hazardous waste; in lieu of disposal of such wastes
Promote the application of methods and technology for the treatment,
disposal, and transportation of hazardous wastes which are practical, costeffective and economically feasible
Amendments to this Act contained in the 1983 Water Quality Assurance Act,
included provisions and established funds to create a cooperative hazardous waste
management program between local, regional, and state governments. These
amendments are discussed in the hazardous waste management section of this
Subelement.
The Resource Recovery and Management Act contained provisions allowing
administrative rules regarding disposal of solid wastes. These rules (Chapter 62-701
of the F.A.C.) include stringent requirements for the construction, maintenance,
closure, and post-closure monitoring of solid waste landfills.
During the 1988 Florida legislative session, the Florida Resource Recovery and
Management Act (FRRMA) was amended. The purpose of the amendment is to
improve solid waste management throughout the state. The major components of this
legislation include County responsibility for solid waste management and reduction in
the amount of solid waste disposed in landfills through a mandatory recycling
program. Specifically, the legislation stipulates that counties must reduce the
quantity of specified wastes disposed in landfills. All used tires and white goods are
restricted from landfill disposal after July 1, 1989, and January 1, 1990, respectively.
These wastes consist of materials that can be recycled.
Furthermore, used oil and lead-acid batteries are restricted from landfill disposal after
October 1, 1988, and January 1, 1989, respectively. The legislation also stipulates
that yard trash is restricted from landfill disposal after January 1, 1992. Provisions
are contained in the amendment for local governments to reduce their waste stream
by 30 percent by December 31, 1994. No more than one-half of this reduction may
be met with a reduction in yard trash, white goods, construction and demolition
debris, and tires. Policies changed somewhat several years into the program. In
2002, the requirement changed to the mandate to recycle at least four of eight
materials (glass bottles, steel cans, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, newspaper,
cardboard, office paper and yard waste). The limit on the amount of yard waste,
C&D material, tires and “white goods” that could count toward the recycling goal
was also removed.
5-4
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
October1, 1988
January1, 1989
July1, 1989
January 1, 1990
January 1, 1992
December 31, 1994
July 1, 2002
Used oil restricted from landfill
Lead-acid batteries restricted from landfill
Counties initiate recycling program
Used tires restricted from landfill
C&D dbris Segregation
White goods restricted from landfill
Yard trash restricted from landfill
30 percent of solid waste recycled
30 percent of recycling requirement amended
C. Local
At the County level, the Citrus County Department of Public Works, Solid Waste
Management Division, is responsible for management of the County owned landfill.
Private solid waste facilities are permitted by the Department of Development
Services, Division of Planning, with consultation from other County agencies, and
approval by state agencies, such as DEP.
III. INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS
A. Collection
1. Existing Situation
Solid waste in Citrus County is transported to the County operated landfill located
south of SR-44, adjacent to the Withlacoochee State Forest by commercial haulers
or by the residents who generate the waste(s) [Figure 5-1].
Approximately 80 percent of the households in unincorporated Citrus County
subscribe to solid waste collection service providers. This leaves about 12,500
households with no collection service. The Cities of Crystal River and Inverness
have exclusive franchise contracts for collecting wastes generated in their
jurisdiction and delivering it to the landfill. Residents who do not subscribe to
one of these companies must establish their own means of transporting solid
waste to the County landfill. The number of individuals who deliver their own
waste to the landfill creates the need for additional personnel and some
inefficiency in operation (average of 500 individual visits per day).
The existing system has two advantages. First, the County is not involved in the
collection system, and therefore, is not required to financially support the service
or enforce a regulatory program for private collectors. Second, the existing
competitive system serves to keep subscriber costs down.
There are, however, problems associated with the present system of solid waste
collection. The collection companies have overlapping routes; consequently, as
5-5
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
they compete for service areas inefficient duplication of efforts is common. Also,
collectors are free to offer their services as economic conditions dictate. This
leads to varying levels of service throughout the County, with some areas not
receiving collection service at all. Because some areas of the County are not
served by collectors, and the fact that some residents may be unable or unwilling
to pay for collection service, a problem of illegal dumping within the County
occurs.
Illegal dumping constitutes a danger to the health of Citrus County residents. It
attracts and promotes the breeding of vermin who are often carriers of disease and
it may introduce contaminants into the aquifer in the form of leachate.
The illegal dumping of solid waste from boats into the surface waters is also a
hazard to the environment. The County shall take measures to ensure that this
practice is eliminated. The County has enforced this through the adoption of a
strict marine/lakes/rivers littering ordinance which prohibits this practice and
requires convicted litterers to perform community services and pay heavy fines.
a. Preventive Measures
Alternatives to mitigate the problem of inefficient service and illegal dumping
include:
•
•
•
County Collection Services - This alternative involves County
participation in solid waste collection as either a supplement or
alternative to private business
Exclusive Franchises - If this option were chosen, the unincorporated
County would be divided into service areas and private businesses
would contract to serve a particular area. The County would act as the
coordinator for solid waste collection
Modification of Present System - Under this proposal, several private
businesses would operate under County regulations. The presumption
underlying this alternative is modification to existing, and the creation
of additional, regulations
Common to each of the alternatives listed above, is subscription by County
residents to a collection service. The extension of collection service to every
County residence is the most effective method to reduce illegal dumping. It is
indicated in other counties, that the incidence of illegal dumping is
considerably lower after the institution of a solid waste collection ordinance.
In March 1987 the BCC appointed a committee of engineers, financial
planners, and attorneys to recommend various components associated with
solid waste collection. These include:
•
A solid waste collection and special assessment ordinance
5-6
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
•
•
•
Negotiated franchise agreements
A negotiated rate structure
Determination of specific boundaries for each franchise collection area
In June 1988, the consultants’ work was completed. According to the
County’s solid waste consultant, Young and Associates (1988), approximately
90 percent of illegal dumping would cease if the County adopted and enforced
a solid waste collection and assessment ordinance.
In 2001, the County again proposed to establish universal collection. The
consultant, R.W. Beck, Inc., prepared a procurement document for selection
of solid waste collection contractors to serve the County. However, the
process was not completed following negative comments from collectors and
some members of the public in a series of public meetings.
5-7
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
5-8
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
b. Clean up of Existing Dump Sites
The County has initiated a program to clean up existing illegal dump sites.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Department, in conjunction with the Citrus
County Department of Development Services and the Soil Conservation
Service (SCS), began a program in March 1988 to locate and clean up existing
illegal dump sites. The first part of this program involved an aerial survey to
identify the site. Staff inspected these sites to determine if violations of solid
waste disposal regulation had occurred. A report summarizing these
inspections was submitted to the County Administrator in late 1988.
Following review of this report, a plan to clean up, or remove, the illegal
dump sites identified was implemented.
This plan utilizes a cooperative approach with affected landowners to clean up
illegal dumps. Through adoption of Administrative Regulation 11.05.01, two
assistance programs were created. The first program involves a waiver of 50
percent of the tipping fee at the Central Landfill upon submittal of an
application. This program has continued until the present (2005) and is
administered by Code Enforcement, in the Department of Public Safety.
The second program allowed owners of property which has been subjected to
illegal dumping, to have their property cleaned by the Department of Public
Works utilizing inmate labor, when available. Prior to authorization for this
clean up, the owner must approve the work and submit an executed Hold
Harmless Agreement to the County. This part of the program has been
discontinued.
The County also sought grants to cover the cost of illegal dump clean ups for
both Class I wastes and illegally disposed tires. Grant funding provided by
the State in 2000-2001 allowed the County to identify 67 illegal dump sites
and clean up 60 of those sites. Grants are no longer available.
When the owners of private property control access to their sites following a
cleanup, repeat dumping is reduced. Unfortunately, many of the sites
identified in 1988 were repeat sites in 2000. In addition to those efforts, the
County added a Code Enforcement Inspector in 2003 whose only
responsibilities are investigation of illegal dumping and littering complaints;
new cases average about 30 to 35 per month. Other actions taken to reduce
illegal dumping include providing fee waivers to Mosquito Control District
workers for disposal of illegally dumped tires, and inclusion of tires, bulky
waste, appliances and electronics in the residential solid waste assessment,
thus making those items a “no-pay” item for residents at the landfill. The
County also supports Keep Citrus County Beautiful Inc.
5-9
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
2. Future Collection System
Universal collection of Class I solid waste, yard waste and recyclables may be
addressed in the future. The most likely scenario to trigger this process would
involve a combination of the need to control the waste stream and revenues in
order to implement disposal contracts, growth including a demographic that
expects those services, and higher population densities which would make the
process more cost effective and at the same time reduce the undeveloped areas
that are often victims of illegal dumping.
B. Disposal
Solid waste disposal in Citrus County was achieved by open pit dumping until 1975
when the various dump sites were closed and the Central Landfill was opened (Figure
5-2). The Central Landfill consists of cells that are constructed to contain solid
wastes. Since 1988, all new landfill cells collect and remove leachate. Current
regulations require double liners.
1. Landfills
The more common and economically feasible method of disposing solid wastes in
Citrus County is the use of landfills. A landfill consists of several individual cells
that are specifically constructed (according to Chapter 62-701 F.A.C.) to contain
solid wastes. There are two types of landfills:
•
•
Class I landfills are those which accept for disposal solid waste that is not
hazardous waste and material that is not prohibited from disposal in lined
landfills (for example, yard waste)
Class III landfills are those which receive only yard trash, construction and
demolition debris, waste tires, asbestos, carpet, cardboard, paper, glass,
plastic, and furniture other than appliances. Class III landfills cannot
accept putrescible household waste
Yard waste composting facilities operate in accordance with Chapter 62-709,
F.A.C. Owners or operators of Class III landfills which were operating on
January 6, 1993, were required to apply for modification of their permits to
comply with this paragraph no later than January 6, 1994.
Construction and Demolition Debris facilities are those which receive debris
which meets the definition of construction and demolition debris. These facilities
are permitted by FDEP under general permit and must also be permitted and
operated in accordance with local regulations. These facilities have largely
received the bulk of generated non-Class I debris within Citrus County since their
development by private landowners.
5-10
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
Although disposal of Class III wastes in a Class I landfill cell is accepted, the
practice is inefficient. Class I cells are specifically constructed to protect the
environment from the detrimental effects of Class I solid wastes. This is why
costs to construct a Class I landfill cell are considerably higher than costs for
construction of a Class III landfill cell.
5-11
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
5-12
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
a. Central Landfill
Since 1975, Citrus County has been operating a single, Class I landfill for all
solid waste disposals. The Central Landfill is located south of SR-44
approximately three miles east of CR-491 (Figures 5-1 and 5-2), adjacent to
the Withlacoochee State Forest.
A 60 acre facility was used from 1975 through 1990. Since 1990, an adjacent
80 acre parcel has been developed and the older site has been closed and
capped.
The waste stream has been increasing at a faster rate than population growth.
For example, in fiscal year 1994-1995, Class I waste delivered to the facility
totaled 62,636 tons for a population of 105,468. This equates to 1,188 pounds
per person per year, or 3.25 pounds per person per day. The projected waste
deliveries for fiscal year 2004-2005 total 104,300 tons of Class I waste for a
population of 132,635. This is 1,573 pounds per person per year, or 4.3
pounds per person per day.
Table 5-1 shows a breakdown of the material types delivered to the landfill
facility in fiscal year 2003-2004.
TABLE 5-1
WASTE ACCEPTED IN THE CITRUS COUNTY LANDFILL
BY TYPE AND QUANTITY
FISCAL YEAR 2003-2004
Type of Material
Quantity - Tons (1)
Class I Waste
96,496
Yard Waste
9,254
Scrap Metal and Freon Units
2,185
Tires
258
Other
615
TOTAL
108,808
Note: (1) Rounded to the nearest ton
Source: Citrus County Department of Public Works, Division of Solid Waste
Management, 2005
Prepared by: Citrus County Community Development Division, 2005
.
5-13
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
TABLE 5-2
WASTE ACCEPTED AT CENTRAL LANDFILL
FISCAL YEARS 2000-2001 THROUGH 2004-2005
Class I Waste
Fiscal Year
Quantity – Tons (1)
2000-2001
82,515
2001-2002
88,611
2002-2003
92,612
2003-2004
96,496
2004-2004
104,200*
Note: (1) Rounded to the nearest ton
*projected based on 11 month date
Source: Citrus County Department of Public Works, Division of Solid
Waste Management, 2005
Prepared by: Citrus County Community Development Division, 2005
The Division of Solid Waste Management is operated as an enterprise fund.
The revenues for capital improvements, operation, long term care of closed
sites, recycling programs and maintenance are derived exclusively from user
fees (tipping fees). The current tipping fee is $30.00 per ton. The current
residential assessment is $25 per household per year. The fees and
assessments are periodically adjusted to reflect the cost for solid waste
operation.
Since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in 1994 declaring local solid waste
flow control ordinances unconstitutional, solid waste management revenue
has been less assured than in the past. During fiscal year 1996-1997, at least
35 percent of the Class I solid waste collected in the County was diverted to
other disposal sites, with a resulting revenue loss. Assessments on both
residential and commercial solid waste were instituted in 1997. This allowed
a lower tipping fee to be used in conjunction with the assessments which
provided economic flow control, an allowable mechanism under the Supreme
Court decision.
Construction and demolition debris constituted up to 42 percent of the waste
disposed in the Central Landfill prior to 1989, when FDEP regulations
required separate disposal areas. While some landfills within the state
developed onsite segregated disposal, private enterprise has provided a
separate disposal option within Citrus County for C&D material. In addition,
the C&D landfills that operate within the County accept waste from other
locations.
Over the years the requirements for operating construction and land clearing
debris landfills has increased. The intended use of this type of landfill is the
disposal of construction wastes such as scrap wood and bricks. However,
5-14
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
other polluting construction wastes, such as paint cans and insulation fibers,
are often introduced to scrap and construction debris disposal sites, thus the
increased regulation at the State level.
b. Landfill Expansion
The current 80 acre site was opened in 1990 and contains one large cell to be
constructed in multiple stages. The cell accepts Class I and Class III wastes.
The site has a leachate treatment facility and a recycling collection facility.
The current site is operated more efficiently than the previous landfill for
several reasons. First, larger compactors result in greater solid waste
compaction and, thus, more solid waste will be disposed per cubic yard.
Second, improved landfill techniques will allow less soil cover and more solid
waste to be placed in the landfill cell. Also, the landfill expansion will be
“high rised”. High rising is the loading of a landfill cell above the ground
surface. Finally, the construction of one large cell eliminates the unused space
between several smaller cells.
The first phase of construction (Phase I) included excavation of a 34 acre, 80foot deep pit, about half of which was lined. This provided approximately
seven years of disposal volume. The second phase (Phase IA) lined an
additional three acre area and provided about eight years of disposal volume
by filling above grade. Phase 2 (completed in 2005) has a use pattern that is
currently uncertain, as detailed below.
The life span of the 80 acre site is not known at this time. Depending on the
details of cell construction and other uses for the site, it could last over 50
years. The County has a recently constructed (2005) disposal cell, known as
Phase 2 that is projected to provide 10 years disposal capacity at full use.
The County also is planning a procurement that would result in construction
of a transfer station, and a reconfigured citizen service area, along with
operation of the transfer station, transport of waste and disposal at an offsite
location. If implemented on schedule, waste could be diverted from the
landfill as soon as mid-2008. Continued limited use of Phase 2 is desirable in
order to postpone costs for closure and to provide a ready disposal location in
case of diversion of material unacceptable at the offsite disposal location,
emergency storm debris disposal, interruption of operation of the transfer
station, the transport system or the alternate disposal location. At limited use,
Phase 2 could provide 50 additional years of disposal capacity. The planning
horizon for the transfer station is 20 years for the original design, with a
requirement to provide a concept for expansion.
In conjunction with Phase 2 and transfer station use, there is space to construct
one additional disposal cell, by lining the north slope of the current
5-15
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
excavation. This would allow waste to be placed in the excavation at least up
to grade, thus making the rainfall runoff from the disposal area self-draining
after closure. The capacity of that cell would provide additional years of
disposal space.
c. Private Landfills
There is one Class III landfill in the County that is not open to the general
public. The Monex Corporation operates a solid waste landfill at the Progress
Energy Crystal River site in northwestern Citrus County (Figure 5-2). Only
flyash generated by the power plants is accepted at the landfill.
Throughout the County, there are several landfill sites that accept construction
materials exclusively. The County will permit the disposal of construction
materials without extensive site preparation because these inert materials do
not pose a threat to the environment. A construction debris landfill requires a
general permit from the DEP, and a Conditional Use approval as provided for
in the Citrus County LDC.
Some private landfill facilities are not adequately monitored by the state.
Thus, solid wastes other than C & D material may be illegally introduced.
C&D landfills are not constructed to contain the solid wastes that are
detrimental to the environment and thereby pose a potential source of
pollution. The County has taken measures, as time and funds allow, to
monitor these sites to preclude illegal dumping of solid wastes in the private
landfills.
State law allows for the disposal of septage on private lands as a disposal
technique. In general, this waste is not harmful to the environment and acts as
a fertilizer. However, in some cases, the waste may be disposed of improperly
and cause adverse environmental impacts to surface and ground waters. The
County monitors entities that dispose of septage to ensure proper disposal
techniques are used in areas which will not create adverse health or
environmental impacts.
d. Closed Public Landfills
Prior to the opening of the central landfill in 1975, the residents of Citrus
County used various sites throughout the County for solid waste disposal.
These sites were not constructed, maintained, or closed according to any of
the current standards. Because of this, these sites are potential sources of
groundwater pollution. The closed public landfills have no monitoring
systems to determine whether pollution is occurring. A comprehensive
groundwater modeling or monitoring program will enable the County to
determine if the supply of groundwater has been affected (refer to
Conservation Element).
5-16
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
DEP is conducting a survey throughout the state to obtain specific
information, if available, on closed landfills, whether public or private. Citrus
County provided this information to the state in 2004.
2. Solid Waste Projections
a. Quantity of Waste Generated
The projected amount of Class I waste to be generated from 2005 through
2020 is indicated in Table 5-3. The projection is based on a Class I waste
level of service estimated of 4.3 ppd, which is the current disposal rate, along
with population projections from the Bureau of Business and Economic
Research.
The bulk of C&D material is disposed at private facilities. The largest
fraction by weight and volume of Class III material is allowed at C&D
facilities. Therefore, rather than constructing a separate Class III cell at the
Central Landfill for the remaining fraction, those items are currently disposed
in the Class I Central Landfill. At the time the transfer station is put into
operation, Class III material may be the only material that continues to be
disposed at this landfill.
b. Acreage Required for Landfill Disposal
Use of Phase 2 and lining the north slope of the existing excavation could
provide disposal space beyond the 2020 planning period. It is unlikely that
landfill disposal will continue through that time.
c. Cost of Landfill Disposal
Landfill operation costs are high but remain the least expensive alternative,
when comparing local landfills with transfer to regional or out of state
landfills or transfer to regional incineration facilities. Capital cost estimates
for future landfill facilities, based on construction of the six-acre Phase 2,
which was completed in 2005, can be expected to be over $650,000 per acre if
excavation is required or about $390,000 per acre without excavation.
The current 80 acre landfill site is expected to provide disposal space for Class
I waste through the planning period (2020). Alternative site development
plans would carry different costs. The preliminary capital cost estimate for
development of a transfer station and replacement citizen service area is
approximately $7 million.
Operation and maintenance costs of all aspects of the solid waste management
program (disposal, recycling, long term care, litter prevention and cleanup and
5-17
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
hazardous waste management) currently are about $4 million per year.
Capital facility costs are in addition to this amount. When the transfer station
is implemented, it is expected that operating costs, including contracts, will
increase to over $6 million annually. The Board has authorized a rate study to
be performed after proposals for the transfer station project are received, so
that sufficient funding can be in place when capital and operating costs
increase.
d. Resource Recovery and Volume Reduction
Current practices of modern living have led to the consumption of an
excessive amount of valuable natural resources, which then enters the waste
stream. These solid wastes are often disposed before their useful properties
are exhausted. This ultimately forces the local government to utilize a
considerable amount of capital for proper waste disposal.
One method to extend the use of natural resources and reduce costs for landfill
development is resource recovery. Resource recovery is defined as:
“the process of recovering materials or energy from solid waste, excluding
those materials or solid waste under control of the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (Section 403.703, F.S.).”
5-18
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
TABLE 5-3
CITRUS COUNTY CENTRAL LANDFILL
WASTE DISPOSAL PROJECTIONS
Class 1 Waste
Fiscal Year
Population*
(Tons)
2004-05
128,352
100,724
05-06
130,900**
102,724
06-07
133,360
104,654
07-08
135,820
106,585
08-09
138,820
108,939
09-10
140,740
110,446
2010-11
143,200
112,376
11-12
145,580
114,244
12-13
147,960
116,112
13-14
150,340
117,979
14-15
152,720
119,847
15-16
155,100
121,715
16-17
157,480
123,582
17-18
159,860
125,450
18-19
162,240
127,318
19-20
164,620
129,186
2020-21
167,000
131,053
* Based on Bureau of Business and Economic Research Bulletin 138
Projections of Florida Population by County 2003-2030
**2005 actual was 132,600
Prepared by: Citrus County Solid Waste Management Division, 2005
C. Recycling
All Florida counties were required to initiate a recycling program by July 1, 1989.
The requirements of the programs were substantially modified in 2002. These
programs often included separation of newspapers, glass, metal cans and plastic from
the solid waste streams prior to final disposal at the landfill. These waste products are
then offered for recycling. Local governments are encouraged to separate and recycle
all other plastics, metal, and paper wastes. Also, counties are encouraged to compost
all yard trash.
Counties must report to DEP each year on the status of their recycling program.
Table 5-4 presents the County’s waste stream and recycling percentages for 2003
from that report. The report must also include:
•
•
A description of the County public education program on recycling
The amount of solid waste disposed of at solid waste disposal facilities by
type of waste such as yard trash, white goods, clean debris, tires, and
unseparated solid waste
5-19
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
•
•
•
The percentage of the population participating in various types of recycling
activities instituted
The percent reduction each year in solid waste disposed of at solid waste
disposal facilities
A description of the recycling activities attempted, their success rates, the
perceived reasons for failure or success, and the recycling activities which are
ongoing and most successful
TABLE 5-4
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
JANUARY 1, 2003 - DECEMBER 31, 2003
POPULATION 2003 – 125,804
Pounds per
Collected
Percent
Materials Type
Capita per
Tons
Total Tons
Day
Minimum 4 of 8
a) Newspaper
10,620
4
0.46
b) Glass
4,108
2
0.18
c) Aluminum Cans
3,081
1
0.13
d) Plastic Bottles
2,076
1
0.09
e) Steel Cans
2,049
1
0.09
f) Corrugated Paper
12,737
5
0.55
g) Office Paper
2,396
1
0.10
h) Yard Trash
51,776
21
2.26
Other Plastics
Ferrous Metals
White Goods
Non-ferrous Metals
Other Paper
Textiles
C&D Debris
Food
Miscellaneous
Tires
Process Fuel
TOTALS
Percent
Recycled
39
14
79
17
42
25
5
91
9,216
2,228
424
2,808
17,622
2,721
4
1
0
1
7
1
0.40
0.10
0.02
0.12
0.77
0.12
0
17
0
48
0
0
99,867
10,338
8,615
1,025
NA
243,707
41
4
4
0
4.35
0.45
0.45
0.04
100%
10.62
0
0
0
92
0
26%
Source: Citrus County Department of Public Works, Division of Solid Waste Management 2005
Prepared by: Citrus County Division of Solid Waste Management, 2005
.
5-20
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
In accordance with the new legislation, the County has the option to implement a
curbside or centralized recycling program. A discussion of the options is included
below.
1. Curbside Recycling
Curbside recycling involves source separation of solid wastes. Thus, cooperation
from all solid waste generators is needed to implement this program.
The two methods of source separation include multi-container and singlecontainer. In the former case, multiple or partitioned recyclable materials
containers are used to store the various materials. This method is something
perceived as inconvenient and can have an adverse effect on participation.
However, operational costs are low since the generator performs waste separation.
The second method of source separation involves the use of one recyclable waste
container per generator. In this instance, the collector separates the material at
pickup. This method may have a higher participation rate, but also higher
operational costs. This is the method of collection selected by the County when
recycling was first implemented in limited higher density areas of the County.
This program, which was quite popular, was very expensive and could not be
implemented in the remaining two-thirds of the county due to costs.
The County was responsible for assuring the availability of adequate processing
for all recyclable solid wastes. Recycling processors are required to prepare the
various recyclable wastes for transport out of the County. The processors in the
County are currently operated by the private sector. Existing commercial
recycling centers have indicated (to County staff) that they have the capacity to
process the volume of recyclable wastes produced by County generators.
2. Centralized Recycling
A centralized program involves separation of recyclable and non-recyclable solid
waste at a central processing facility. This program involves a continuation of the
present solid waste collection system. However, the collectors are required to
transport the solid waste to a central processing plant, commonly referred to as a
dirty Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) instead of the landfill.
Personnel at the processing plant separate and segregate all recyclable wastes
from the waste stream. The recyclable wastes are then prepared for transport to a
regional recycling plant. The non-recyclable wastes are transported to the landfill
and disposed.
A centralized recycling program has several advantages. First, the County is not
required to rely on the cooperation of solid waste generators for solid waste
separation. Second, many types of solid waste can be recycled. Thus, the County
5-21
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
is not limited to four or five recyclable wastes as in curbside recycling. Finally,
no specialized collection vehicles and containers are required.
However, there are disadvantages associated with this program. Since separation
of all recyclable wastes from nonrecyclable wastes is required at the processing
plant, a large facility is needed. A plant large enough to process the waste
generated in Citrus County would require a large capital outlay. Second, a
centralized processing plant is very labor intensive. Finally, in centralized
recycling, paper wastes are contaminated when combined with the remainder of
the waste stream and thus, recyclability of paper is reduced.
Another potential recycling program scenario utilizes waste collection trucks,
allows the generator to place all recyclable materials together on the designated
collection day and the sorting of recyclables takes place at the centralized facility.
When the collected material is all recyclable, the sorting facility is called a clean
MRF. This is a common method of recycling, with few of the disadvantages of
using a dirty MRF.
3. Dropoff Based Recycling
The loss of grant funding from the state prompted the County to find an
affordable program to serve the entire County. The current program involves
approximately a dozen sites where citizens deliver and segregate recyclables to
collection boxes. The County provides site improvements, equipment, and
service to deliver the material to a processing facility. Civic groups provide
volunteer labor in exchange for revenue from the sale of the recyclables. This
program does not have the same level of participation, but can provide broader
area coverage at a much lower cost than the previously existing home container
pickup program.
4. Recycling Program Cost
The cost of operating the current recycling program, including the drop-off
recycling program and those items that are managed only at the landfill, such as
tires, batteries, electronics, office paper, scrap metal, and yard waste is about
$700,000 annually. Capital expenditures for new drop-off locations are not
included in the operating cost. Development costs for new sites vary widely in
the range of tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars each.
5. Nonresidential Recycling Program
Many commercial establishments generate large volumes of recyclable solid
wastes. Because of the large volumes generated, it is not practical for commercial
establishments to participate in a traditional curbside collection or drop-off
program.
5-22
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
Commercial establishments often experience a decrease in solid waste collection
costs due to recycling. For example, a collector may reduce his fee if an
establishment agrees to separate their recyclable waste and transfer it to the
collector free of charge. The collector then sells the recyclable waste to a
recycling center. However, some generators perceive the separation of solid
waste as inconvenient, despite the reduced cost for solid waste collection.
Through the development process, the County can ensure that commercial
establishments participate in County-wide recycling efforts. This is necessary for
several reasons. Consistency should always be applied in the enforcement
process. Applying regulations to households only is not recommended. Since
commercial establishments generate a significant amount of waste, they should
become an integral part of the program. To date, no mandatory recycling is in
place either for household or commercial establishments. While public programs
concentrate on residential recycling; voluntary recycling primarily from the
business sector accounted for ten times the volume of public programs in 1995
accounting for 29 percent of the overall 32 percent recycling rate. Commercial
recycling still accounts for the vast majority of recycling. Excluding yard waste,
the County’s recycling tonnage for 2003 was about 15,000 tons, of which only
about 3,000 tons were from the drop-off programs.
6. Citrus County Resource Recovery Feasibility
On September 22, 1987, the BCC authorized a study to determine the feasibility
of alternative solid waste disposal methods. A primary objective of the study was
to determine the feasibility of a Citrus County regional solid waste disposal
facility. On August 16, 1988, the findings of the study were presented to the
BCC.
The study indicated that there are three solid waste management alternatives in
addition to landfill disposal of raw solid wastes. These include resource/energy
recovery, recycling, and volume reduction. Recycling has already been discussed.
Resource/Energy Recovery and volume reductions are outlined below.
a. Resource/Energy Recovery
Resource/energy recovery involves the reclamation of thermal energy and/or
materials from solid wastes. Four types of resource/energy recovery facilities,
often referred to as waste-to-energy facilities, were investigated for Citrus
County.
Mass Burning - Mass burning is the incineration of raw solid waste. The
energy released is often harnessed for electricity production. The residue ash
is disposed in the landfill.
5-23
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
Refuse Derived Fuel Systems - Refuse derived fuel systems convert solid
wastes into various forms of fuel to be used as a supplement for coal, oil, or
natural gas.
Fluidized Bed - This facility involves use of an incinerator, which utilizes a
fluidized bed of sand as a prime combustion medium. Fluidization is
achieved by pressurized combustion air passing upward through the bed of
sand keeping the bed in suspension. The waste is fed into the bed and the ash
exits the reactor through the flue.
Pyrolysis - Pyrolysis is the physical and chemical decomposition of organic
matter brought about by heat in an oxygen deficient atmosphere. The finished
product is an oil-like liquid fuel.
b. Volume Reduction
The processing of raw solid waste into a condensed form conserves landfill
space. The volume reduction methods used prior to disposal include
composting, baling, shredding, chipping, incineration, and air curtain
destructors. These methods are discussed below.
Composting - This process involves the natural decay of organic matter.
Composting can be performed with the absence of technology in a resident's
yard or under controlled conditions of aeration, temperature, and moisture in a
state-of-the-art facility. The end product of composting is a humus-like
material, which has useful “soil-conditioning” properties, such as fertilizer.
The end product has value and is sold or offered free of charge to residents,
thus eliminating landfill disposal. A full scale municipal solid waste
composting program would require identification of a market before
implementation. Sumter County has attempted composting of municipal solid
waste for over a decade with minimal success and a smaller scale than would
be required for the Citrus County waste stream.
The disposal of yard waste can be accomplished through composting.
Composting may be encouraged on all residential lots large enough to contain
a compost pile without becoming a nuisance to surrounding development.
Also, a County operated compost area may be designated for those residents
wishing to dispose of their yard waste. The composted materials can be
managed by offering it free of charge to County residents and by use in public
projects.
The processing cost associated with this operation ranges between $5.00 and
$50.00 per ton (Development Planning Research Associates, Inc., [DPRA]
1981). The cost depends on the level of technology used. Low technology
methods involve creating unprocessed yard trash piles (windrows). This
method requires large land area and several years for decomposition. High
5-24
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
technology operations include shredding machines (hammermills), conveyors,
mixing machines, and concrete slabs for processing raw yard waste. These
operations require less land area and time for processing.
Approximately 20 percent of all solid waste consists of yard waste; however,
in Citrus County in 2005, only about 3 percent of the total yard waste was
delivered to the landfill for management. Current mulching (not composting)
costs are about $20.00 per ton. If composting becomes required by regulation,
the costs of yard waste handling could double due to the need for increased
area, site capital improvements, equipment, and manpower increases.
High Pressure Baling - This process involves the transfer of waste materials to
a central location. The waste is fed into a hydraulic compressor, which molds
the waste into rectangular bales weighing approximately 1.5 tons each. The
bales are approximately four feet wide, five feet long, and three feet high.
The bales have an average density of approximately 50 pounds per cubic foot
or 1,350 pounds per cubic yard. Current operations are achieving
approximately 1,200 pounds per cubic yard.
Shredding - Shredding of solid waste materials can be used as a preliminary
step to baling, composting, and incineration operations. Also, shredding
reduces the space that is required for landfill disposal of solid wastes. By
utilizing a shredder, the density of solid waste can be increased by 40 percent.
Chipping - Chipping involves the reduction of wood wastes to mulch (wood
chips). All yard waste, except large stumps and logs can be chipped.
Chipping is often a preliminary measure to landfill disposal or composting.
Wood chips are useful in landscaping applications. This process is currently
used, with the mulch product also being screened to separate the fine and
coarse fraction.
Incineration - Incineration is a controlled combustion process used to reduce
solid wastes into gases, such as carbon dioxide, and a relatively
noncombustible, inert residue. The gaseous combustion products are released
into the atmosphere with small quantities of particulate matter. The solid
residue, or ash, from the combustion process must be disposed in a landfill,
and some ash may be considered hazardous. Depending on the nature of the
incoming waste, incineration will reduce the volume of the waste by
approximately 75 to 90 percent.
Air Curtain Incinerator - An air curtain destructor consists of a pit or box lined
with heat resistant panels in which certain combustibles, such as untreated
wood and yard trash, are burned. An “air curtain” is a barrier of rapidly
blown air (greater than 100 mph). The air is blown at a downward angle,
across the top of the pit, and the combustible materials are mixed by the
turbulence of the air flow. Since the smoke particles cannot rise through the
5-25
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
air stream, it prevents particulate air pollutants from entering the surrounding
environment. This facility can reduce the volume of the waste introduced by
over 95 percent (Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jeringan, Inc. and HaydenWegman, Inc., 1988). The ash would require landfill disposal. This
alternative however, may introduce harmful gases into the atmosphere and is
not recommended as a primary source of disposal.
Many of the alternatives discussed above are primary processing methods;
others are preliminary processes applied to solid waste prior to final disposal.
For the purposes of this report there are two primary solid waste processing
methods and one final disposal method. These include resource/energy
recovery (waste-to-energy), composting, and landfills, respectively.
Waste-to-energy technologies produce a certain amount of ash as a byproduct. This ash must eventually be disposed in a landfill. However,
because the amount of ash produced is a fraction of the volume of raw solid
waste, the technology is considered a primary processing method. Leachate
from waste-to-energy plant ash is very difficult to treat because of its high
salinity and corrosivity.
Composting also produces a by-product. However, this by-product has value
as a soil conditioner (such as fertilizer). Therefore, the end product does not
require landfill disposal. Because of this, composting is a primary processing
method. However, approximately 33 percent of the solid wastes generated are
not compostable (Solid Waste, June 1988, page 24). Thus, the noncompostable waste would require an alternative disposal method. This also
requires presorting so that the quality of the resulting compost is good enough
to market.
Landfill disposal is the only final disposal method. The County must continue
to dispose solid waste in a landfill regardless of the alternative waste-toenergy or volume reduction methods employed. The reason, is that
alternatives to landfill disposal often produce a residual waste. Should the
County elect to engage in a waste-to-energy or composting primary
processing facility, the amount of land required, and thus, the cost for landfill
disposal would be greatly reduced. When the County elects to dispose waste
out-of-County, via a transfer station, the same concept applies.
D. Hazardous Waste Management
Hazardous waste management is not only an issue of great concern in Citrus County,
but the State of Florida, as well. Hazardous waste generators consist of commercial
establishments that produce hazardous substances. Also, residents contribute to the
disposal of hazardous wastes when discarding certain chemical products such as
paints, used oil, and cleaning solutions.
5-26
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
There are three types of hazardous waste generators:
•
•
•
Large Quantity Generators are establishments that generate at least 1,000
kilograms (2,200 pounds) of acutely hazardous wastes per month
Small Quantity Generators are establishments that produce between 100 and
1,000 kilograms (220-2,200 pounds) of hazardous waste per month
Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators are establishments that
produce 100 kilograms (220 pounds) or less per month of hazardous waste, or
1 kilogram or less per month of acutely hazardous waste
During the 1970’s and early 1980’s the EPA implemented measures to eliminate the
mismanagement of large quantity hazardous waste generators (1,000 kilograms per
month or more) with the adoption of the following programs: Hazardous Materials
Transportation Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act. Listed below is a brief statement of intent for each act:
•
•
•
•
The Hazardous Materials Transportation Act provides a means of regulating
the transportation of materials by establishing labeling, shipping, and handling
criteria
The Toxic Substance Control Act provides the EPA with greater authority
over the manufacture and distribution of new and existing chemicals
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act establishes a means of
monitoring the disposal of hazardous waste
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act provides for the clean up of abandoned hazardous waste dump site
(Superfund)
It was not until the mid 1980’s that action was taken to require proper management of
hazardous waste generated by small quantity generators (less than 1,000 kilograms
per month). In 1983, the Florida Legislature adopted the Florida Water Quality
Assurance Act. In 1984, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act was amended
to include small quantity hazardous waste generators.
The Water Quality Assurance Act (Session Law 83-310) included several sections
that pertain to hazardous waste management. Portions of this legislation can be found
in Section 403.72, F.S. The major programs associated with this legislation are the
Local Hazardous Waste Management Assessment Program, the Amnesty Days
Program, and Local Hazardous Waste Collection Program. The Water Quality
Assurance Act also established the Water Quality Assurance Trust Fund to provide
monies to implement the various programs.
During the 1988 state legislative session, the Florida Resource Recovery and
Management Act was amended to include provisions for proper management of used
oil, lead-acid batteries, and bio-hazardous wastes. Statutes have since been amended
to include provisions for biomedical and biological wastes.
5-27
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
Biomedical wastes are defined as: “…any solid waste or liquid waste which may
present a threat of infection to humans. The term includes, but is not limited to,
nonliquid human tissue and body parts; laboratory and veterinary waste which
contain human-disease-causing agents; discarded disposable sharps; human blood,
and human blood products and body fluids; and other materials which in the opinion
of the Department of Health represent a significant risk of infection to persons outside
the generating facility. The term does not include human remains that are disposed of
by persons licensed under Chapter 497, F.S.”
Biological waste is defined as “…solid waste that causes or has the capability of
causing disease or infection and includes, but is not limited to, biomedical waste,
diseased or dead animals, and other wastes capable of transmitting pathogens to
humans and animals. The term does not include human remains that are disposed of
by persons licensed under Chapter 497, F.S.”.
The County should assure that all biomedical and biological wastes are properly
disposed.
1. Hazardous Waste Assessment Program
Florida statutes required the DEP, in cooperation with counties and regional
planning councils, to assure that local hazardous waste management assessments
were completed (Section 403.7225, F.S.).
The assessment includes:
•
•
•
A survey of businesses to determine small quantity generators of
hazardous waste by type and quantity;
Current hazardous waste management practices of small quantity
generators within the County;
Effective waste management practices for small quantity of hazardous
waste generators within the County;
The hazardous waste assessment was completed for Citrus County by the
Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council (WRPC) in June 1986. The
assessment was completed by surveying potential hazardous waste generators in
the County and verifying a portion of the surveyed data with telephone calls and
on-site visits. The WRPC plans to verify all the potential generators at a rate of
20 percent per year. By 1990, all the potential generators of hazardous wastes in
Citrus County were verified. The County’s Hazardous Waste section now
monitors and inspects hazardous waste generators.
5-28
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
a. Hazardous Wastes Generated in Citrus County
It was determined via the assessment, that Citrus County contained 1,177
commercial establishments that potentially generate hazardous wastes; two are
known large quantity generators and 235 are known small quantity generators
(a subsequent DER report indicated that Citrus County contained 19 large
quantity hazardous waste generators in 1987).
The WRPC estimates that 20 of the 26 general types of hazardous wastes are
generated by commercial small quantity generators in Citrus County. The
types of hazardous waste generated most frequently by small quantity
generators are waste oils and lubricants and lead-acid batteries. These two
general categories of hazardous waste equal approximately 73 percent of the
estimated hazardous wastes produced by small quantity commercial
generators in Citrus County. Additional types of hazardous wastes produced
frequently by small quantity commercial generators include spent solvents,
heavy metal sludges, and acid/alkaline wastes.
Approximately 45 percent of the improperly disposed hazardous wastes are
used oils and lubricants. State legislators have acknowledged this problem
throughout Florida. Thus, provisions were made in the Florida Resource
Recovery and Management Act (FRRMA) to encourage proper management
of used oil. The provisions include regulating the mixing of used oils and the
establishment of used oil collection centers. The County should coordinate
with the private sector to provide adequate facilities for the collection of used
oil. The County currently operates a used oil collection center at the Central
Landfill for amounts up to 50 gallons. Customers with larger quantities are
referred to bulk oil recycling service providers.
Ideally, in order to reduce the amount of improperly disposed hazardous waste
in the landfill, the County could implement a rigorous solid waste screening
program that would include an inspection of every waste load that enters the
landfill operation to determine if hazardous wastes are present. However,
such a program is extremely cost prohibitive. The County randomly inspects
loads at least three times a week for the presence of prohibited items and
hazardous waste. Each load is observed by a trained spotter for the presence
of obvious materials that should be segregated. The amount of hazardous
waste that is projected to be entering the landfill currently represents less than
one half of one percent of the total waste stream.
Each self-haul load is questioned about the presence of such materials. If any
are in the load, they are segregated and appropriately managed. The County
also promotes education on proper hazardous waste disposal and sponsors
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days to encourage proper disposal.
The County also provides separate approved disposal containers within the
5-29
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
landfill to allow routine acceptance and segregation of hazardous waste items
such as oil, antifreeze, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and beginning in 2006,
paint items.
It must be noted that household waste is exempt as a hazardous waste;
however, household collection days encourage best management practices.
Household collection days are not open to businesses; however, they can
participate in a program where the County contracts a hazardous waste
transporter and accepts the wastes at the same price as the County’s bid price.
b. Businesses Generating Hazardous Waste
Fifty-four types of industries generate small quantities of hazardous wastes in
Citrus County (Table 5-5). The industry types that are estimated to produce
over 100,000 pounds of hazardous wastes annually include general
automotive repair shops, highway and street construction, except elevated
highways, auto, and home supply stores, executive and legislative offices
combined, and automotive repair shops, not elsewhere classified. Almost 80
percent of the hazardous wastes produced from small quantity generators are
from these five industry types. One-third of all the hazardous wastes from
small quantity generators are produced from general automotive repair shops.
The small quantity generating industries are categorized into major industry
groups (Table 5-6). The major industry groups that produce the most
hazardous wastes are services, construction, and retail trade. In context, the
major industry groups that produce the least hazardous wastes include
wholesale trade, agriculture, forestry, fishing, transportation, communications,
electric, gas, and sanitary services.
Progress Energy is categorized as an Electric Services industry. This large
quantity generator industry produces almost one-fourth of the estimated
hazardous wastes generated in Citrus County. Pro-line, Inc. is categorized as
Boat Building and Repairing Manufacturing industry. This large quantity
generator industry produces less than one percent of the large quantity
generator hazardous wastes in Citrus County (Table 5-7).
5-30
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
TABLE 5-5
ESTIMATED QUANTITY OF HAZARDOUS WASTE
GENERATED IN CITRUS COUNTY
ANNUALLY BY INDUSTRY TYPE –
SMALL QUANTITY GENERATORS, 1986
Estimated Annual
Sic Code
Industry Description
Quantity Generated
(Pounds)
0782
0783
1611
1711
1721
1743
1752
1761
1799
2434
2519
2711
2751
3652
3732
3842
3999
4212
4582
4832
4911
4939
4953
5093
5231
5311
5511
5531
5541
5599
5984
Lawn and Garden Services
Ornamental Shrub and Tree Services
Highway and Street Construction, except
Elevated Highways
Plumbing, Heating (except Electric), and Air
Conditioning
Painting, Paper Hanging, and Decorating
Terrazzo, Tile, Marble, and Mosaic Work
Floor Laying and Other Floor Work (not
elsewhere classified)
Roofing and Sheet Metal Work
Special Trade Contractors (not elsewhere
classified)
Wood Kitchen Cabinets
Household Furniture, not elsewhere classified
Newspapers: Publishing and Printing
Commercial Printing, Letterpress, and Screen
Phonograph Records and Prerecorded
Magnetic Tape
Boat Building and Repairing
Orthopedic, Prosthetic, and Surgical
Appliances and Supplies
Manufacturing Industries (not elsewhere
classified)
Local Trucking Without Storage
Airports and Flying Fields
Optical Instruments and Lenses
Electric Services
Combination Utilities (not elsewhere
classified)
Refuse Systems
Scrap and Waste Materials
Paint, Glass, and Wallpaper Stores
Department Stores
Motor Vehicle Dealers (New and Used)
Auto and Home Supply Stores
Gasoline Service Stations
Automotive Dealers (not elsewhere classified)
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Bottled Gas)
Dealers
5-31
43,321
5,267
881,206
13,365
16,584
877
841
680
2,698
66,428
8
18,420
955
140
21,088
67
43,783
838
21,705
395
7,696
21,714
7,314
42,620
955
1,000
34,424
414,268
27,432
76,000
574
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
TABLE 5-5 (Concluded)
ESTIMATED QUANTITY OF HAZARDOUS WASTE
GENERATED IN CITRUS COUNTY
ANNUALLY BY INDUSTRY TYPE –
SMALL QUANTITY GENERATORS, 1986
Estimated Annual
Sic Code
Industry Description
Quantity Generated
(Pounds)
7216
7217
7261
7312
7342
7349
7395
7531
7535
7538
7539
7622
7631
7629
7634
7641
7699
7819
7992
9131
9512
9621
9641
Dry Cleaning Plants (except Rug
Cleaning)
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
Funeral Service and Crematories
Outdoor Advertising Services
Disinfecting and Exterminating
Services
Cleaning and Maintenance Services to
Dwellings and Other Buildings (not
classified elsewhere)
Photo-finishing Laboratories
Top and Body Repair Shorts,
Automotive
Paint Shops, Automotive
General Automotive Repair Shops
Automotive Repair Shops (not
elsewhere classified)
Radio and Television Repair Shops
Watch, Clock, and Jewelry Repair
Electrical and Electronic Repair Shops
(not elsewhere classified)
Miscellaneous Repair Services
Reupholstery and Furniture Repair
Repair Shops and Related Services
(not classified )
Service Allied to Motion Picture
Production
Public Golf Courses
Executive and Legislative Offices
Combined
Land, Mineral, Wildlife, and Forest
Conservation
Regulation and Administration of
Transportation Programs
Regulation of Agricultural Marketing
and Commodities
TOTAL
462
5,544
1,285
1,357
37,530
15,880
19,189
9,496
37,463
1,135,066
117,255
60
63
3,235
2,926
1,590
56,414
34
39,089
119,922
8,210
2,851
7
3,397,591
Source: Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council, 1986
Prepared by: Citrus County Community Development Division, 1988
5-32
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
TABLE 5-6
ESTIMATED QUANTITY OF HAZARDOUS WASTE
GENERATED IN CITRUS COUNTY ANNUALLY
BY GENERALIZED INDUSTRY TYPE –
SMALL QUANTITY GENERATORS, 1986
Estimated Annual
Sic Code
Industry Description
Quantity Generated
(Pounds)
01-09
Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing
48,588
15-17
Construction
916,251
20-39
Manufacturing
150,889
Transportation, Communications,
40-49
59,662
Electric, Gas, and Sanitary Services
50-51
Wholesale Trade
42,620
52-19
Retail Trade
554,653
70-89
Services
1,493,938
91-97
Public Administration
130,990
TOTAL
3,397,591
Source: Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council, 1986
Prepared by: Citrus County Community Development Division, 1986
TABLE 5-7
ESTIMATED QUANTITY OF HAZARDOUS WASTE
GENERATED IN CITRUS COUNTY ANNUALLY
BY INDUSTRY TYPE –
LARGE QUANTITY GENERATORS, 1986
Estimated Annual
Sic Code
Industry Description
Quantity Generated
(Pounds)
20-39
Manufacturing
0
3732
Boat Building and Repairing
3,000
Transportation, Communications,
40-49
0
Electric, Gas, and Sanitary Services
4911
Electric Services
1,056,889
TOTAL
1,059,889
Source: Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council, 1986
Prepared by: Citrus County Planning Division, 1988
5-33
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
c. Assessment Deficiencies
There are several problems associated with the hazardous waste assessment
program. First, the program is based on a survey of the potential generators
and not explicit facts or data. The survey form was sent to each potential
generator and the information returned represents the opinion of the
respondent. This problem relates to the accuracy of the assessment and may
be corrected in the verification process.
Also, an inherent problem with the assessment program is that commercial
establishments are continuously opening, closing, relocating, and working
with different products. This made it difficult to assess the amount of
improperly managed hazardous waste. The assessment completed in 1986
does not reflect the current hazardous waste generation and management
needs.
Finally, the hazardous waste assessment does not provide any indication of the
hazardous wastes generated by households. Households may be contributing
greatly to the problem of mismanaged hazardous wastes and should be
assessed for adequate hazardous waste management planning.
The County has assumed the responsibility of completing the hazardous waste
generator verification program. County employees are able to perform the
verification more accurately than the WRPC employees for several reasons.
First, County employees are more familiar with the businesses throughout
Citrus County that produce hazardous wastes. Also, the County employs
personnel with a specialization in hazardous waste management. Finally, the
WRPC simply does not have the necessary personnel.
The verification program is important for two reasons. The verification
allows the County to closely monitor the hazardous waste stream to ensure
proper storage and disposal. Also, the verification enables the County to be
adequately prepared to respond to a hazardous waste materials accident. (This
is discussed in the Local Hazardous Waste Management section.)
5-34
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
2. State and Federal Programs
a. Amnesty Days
This program was initiated to provide a means for residents and small
business operators to properly dispose of their hazardous wastes free of charge
and to raise public awareness of the mismanaged hazardous waste problem.
During October 8-11, 1986, a waste management company, retained by the
DER, set up a collection site at the County Fairgrounds to accept hazardous
wastes generated by residents and small business operators. Informational
brochures were also distributed throughout the County announcing this
program and educating the public on proper hazardous waste management.
The cost of the four day program was approximately $35,000.00. This
included cost for handling, transporting, and storing the hazardous waste and
publicizing and administering the program.
The DEP operated the Amnesty Days Program in two ways. One method
involved the local government as the lead agency in coordinating the program.
The DEP awards grant money to the local government for operational costs.
This method required the local government to setup a transfer station to store
the collected hazardous waste.
The second method involved a shift in the lead role to DEP. The County
would be required to assist with support personnel and advertisement. Also,
the County must designate a site to collect the hazardous waste. The Amnesty
Days programs have been discontinued.
b. Collection Centers
The purpose of this state program is to provide local governments with
hazardous waste collection centers to augment existing and future hazardous
waste storage facilities. Through this program, grant money is provided to
qualifying counties for the construction or improvement of a hazardous waste
storage facility. The funds are also used to provide hazardous waste
transportation on several collection days (similar to the Amnesty Days
Program). The facility is available on designated days for residents and
conditionally exempt small business operators to dispose their hazardous
wastes properly.
In 1987, Citrus County received $50,000.00 through the grant program, to
construct the necessary improvements to operate a hazardous waste collection
center. The center is located at the Central Landfill site. The collection center
was opened June 4, 1988. The service is offered free of charge for County
residents. Conditionally exempt commercial hazardous waste generators are
allowed to dispose their hazardous wastes at the facility for a fee if
5-35
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
prearrangements are made. Commercial small quantity, notifier generators
are not allowed to bring their hazardous waste to the collection center.
The program encourages local governments to coordinate with small quantity
notifier generators and hazardous waste transporters in order to collect
hazardous waste at one time. This coordination effort reduces the cost for
both generator and transporter through economics of scale. Thus far, Citrus
County has been successful with this coordination effort.
Improvement of the hazardous waste collection center provides increased
safety in the management of hazardous waste. The County utilizes the
hazardous waste collection center to provide collection days on a regular
basis. Since 2001, this program has become increasingly dependent on
contractors to provide collection event services. Some events have been held
at locations within the community such as Floral City, Inverness, Citrus
Springs, Beverly Hills, Lecanto, Crystal River, Sugarmill Woods and
Homosassa, while others were held at the landfill. As a result of using
specialty contract labor, the cost per pound to manage materials has risen from
about $0.38 per pound ($760 per ton) using County staff for collection and
sorting to about $1.12 per pound ($2,240 per ton).
The County staff also hosts hazardous waste seminars to show businesses that
they can act responsibly with their chemical wastes and still be cost effective.
c. Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)
EPCRA is a federal program that establishes requirements for federal, state,
and local governments and industry regarding reporting on hazardous and
toxic chemicals. The intent of the program is for residents to be aware of the
presence of hazardous materials in a community and releases of these
chemicals in the environment.
3. Local Programs
a. Hazardous Materials Accident Management
The incidence of hazardous materials spills is detrimental to the environment
and residents of Citrus County. As the County and region develops, more
industries produce and utilize hazardous materials. This leads to an increase
in hazardous materials accidents. The County must be adequately prepared to
respond to hazardous materials accidents.
Citrus County has implemented a hazardous materials accident management
program (HAZ-MAT). The goal of the program is to provide adequate
manpower, facilities, and technical knowledge to contain hazardous materials
in the event of an accident.
5-36
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
The first portion of the HAZ-MAT program involved an inventory of
commercial establishments that utilize and/or generate hazardous materials.
The inventory included the estimated type and quantity of hazardous
materials. Upon conclusion of the inventory, onsite inspections of each
establishment were conducted. The purpose of the inspections was to verify
the presence of hazardous materials by type and quantity. Finally, the
program includes methods for personnel training (for containment and clean
up of hazardous material spills) and cost provisions for equipment and
facilities needed in the event of hazardous materials spill.
Capital improvements are also required to implement the HAZ-MAT
program. The major piece of machinery required is the hazardous material
response vehicle. This is a large truck (similar to a fire truck) used to
transport the various hazardous materials containment and clean up equipment
needed at the accident site. The vehicles are estimated to cost $100,000.00
each and have a life of approximately seven to ten years (Citrus County Fire
Administrator, 1988).
Emergency response vehicles are also required for the HAZ-MAT program.
These vehicles transport the HAZ-MAT teams to the accident site. The
vehicles are estimated to cost $13,750.00 each and have an approximate life of
five to seven years.
Additional supplementary equipment is also required for the HAZ-MAT
program. This includes, but is not limited to, specialized breathing apparatus
and protective clothing for the HAZ-MAT team, hazardous materials
containers and neutralizers, and various communication systems.
In the event of a hazardous materials incident, the responsible entity can be
charged a fee for the response service. Also, hazardous materials response is
paid for through the State Hazardous Materials Recovery Fund. Thus, some
costs associated with the HAZ-MAT program are to be borne by those
requiring the service and through state funding, thus, lowering the County’s
allotment.
b. Nonresidential Review
On July 1, 1988, the County began reviewing all nonresidential development
plans collectively, to determine if they comply with County regulations and
standards. A staff committee was established to coordinate this review.
Through this process a developer is required to provide, to the various County
review agencies, a site plan of the proposed nonresidential development.
Although the program contains adequate procedures for review, once an
establishment receives a compliance permit, no follow up exists to determine
5-37
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
if the hazardous wastes are properly disposed. Also, similar to the Accident
Planning Program, adequate funding and personnel are needed for follow up.
c. Enforcement Needs
Enforcement procedures are needed to ensure proper management of
hazardous and biohazardous waste after the issuance of building permits. One
method to monitor hazardous and biohazardous waste management is an
environmental review program. All nonresidential establishments that
generate hazardous and biohazardous wastes would be required to maintain a
manifest of the amount and type of hazardous waste produced. The manifest
would include the hazardous waste transportation and disposal methods.
Periodically, trained County personnel make an on-site inspection of the
nonresidential establishment to determine if there is evidence of improper
hazardous and biohazardous waste disposal. Also, the staff member reviews
and verifies the manifest.
IV. SOLID WASTE PLAN
The Solid Waste Management Plan contains strategies and programs to meet the current
and long-term needs of County residents. The plan contains four major sections:
collection, disposal, resource recovery, and management of hazardous waste.
A. Collection
An issue associated with solid waste collection is the relation between inadequate
service and illegal dumping. Inadequacies have arisen since many areas in the
County are served by two or more collectors, while some areas are not served at all.
This inefficiency leads to higher service costs.
1. County Ordinance
As stated in the analysis, County officials have studied the feasibility of a solid
waste collection and assessment ordinance (Nabors, Giblin, Steffens & Nickerson,
P.A., 1988). Solid waste collection service areas would have been created upon
implementation of the ordinance. It was estimated that illegal dumping activity
would have been mitigated following the implementation of this ordinance
(Young and Associates, 1988). This reduction was based on the premise that
residents were willing to pay for low cost collection service and the ordinance
requirement of mandatory subscription to a collection service. The proposed
ordinance also contained a clause that allowed residents to avoid subscription to a
recognized solid waste collector. In order to utilize this option, residents would
provide proof to the County that they have secured an acceptable, alternate
method of solid waste collection. Citrus County voters approved this ordinance
on November 8, 1988. Due to legal and operational concerns this ordinance was
never adopted.
5-38
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
2. Protection of Surface Water
The County shall increase enforcement of littering and open dumping laws in
surface water bodies. Also, the County shall require that commercial boat docks
have facilities to accept raw sewage and solid waste from water craft.
3. Clean up of Existing Dump Sites
The County Department of Development Services staff developed a program to
identify locations of illegal dumpsites, currently implemented by the Department
of Public Safety. Approximately 190 sites were identified by County staff. The
County Administrator received a report in late 1988 summarizing the staff’s
findings. Based upon this report, recommendations were made to eliminate these
sites. The responsibility to clean up existing illegal dump sites ultimately lies
with the individual property owner(s). The County coordinated efforts with
affected property owners to avoid potential public and environmental harm caused
by the illegal dumps. Implementation of this program requires coordination and
cooperation with the respective volunteer groups and/or the Sheriff’s Department,
or jail operator. More recent efforts have included a Code Enforcement Inspector
assigned exclusively to illegal dumping; a multi-agency working group (Solid
Waste, Road Maintenance, Hazardous Materials, and Code Enforcement from the
BOCC staff), Sheriff’s Department, Environmental Health, Mosquito Control, and
Keep Citrus Beautiful representative meet monthly to coordinate efforts. Changes
in County Code in 2005 will allow the County to clean up properties where the
owner is unwilling to do so and place a lien on the property for the costs of
cleanup.
B. Disposal
Landfills
1. Additional Landfill Siting
The Citrus County Resource Recovery Feasibility Study indicated that Citrus
County should continue to dispose its solid waste through the use of landfills.
The 80 acre landfill expansion would adequately serve the solid waste disposal
needs of the County through compliance with the 1988 solid waste legislation and
the construction of the landfill cell to larger specifications. In 2005, the County
began the process to shift most Class I waste disposal to an out-of-county location
by authorizing procurement for services to design and build a transfer station,
operate the facility, transport and dispose waste via contractors.
5-39
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
2. Private Landfills
There are several private landfills located throughout the County that are used for
solid waste disposal. In some cases, incompatible wastes are introduced to these
landfills illegally. Illegal dumping leads to groundwater pollution.
The County has implemented procedures to monitor private landfill sites to
mitigate illegal dumping. This is accomplished by maintaining a current
inventory of private landfills and inspecting them on a regular basis. Another
method to determine if the water supply has been contaminated is to conduct a
comprehensive groundwater modeling program. The County will pursue this
program with assistance (technical and financial) from the SWFWMD.
The County has also initiated a program to monitor the dumping of sludge on
private property to ensure no adverse environmental impacts occur.
3. Closed Public Landfills
As indicated in the analysis, the closed public landfills may contribute to
groundwater pollution since they were not constructed, maintained, or closed to
specific standards. The County may need to monitor the closed public landfills to
ensure the protection of the groundwater supply. As previously mentioned, one
method to detect groundwater pollution is a detailed modeling program.
C. Resource Recovery and Volume Reduction
Resource recovery and volume reduction operations conserve valuable natural
resources and lower landfill space requirements. There are various resource recovery
and volume reduction techniques which can be used: waste-to-energy facilities which
converts solid waste into fuel for energy producing plants; recycling; and volume
reduction which involves the reduction of solid waste to minimize the space required
for final disposal.
The amount of Class III wastes disposed of in the landfill has reduced significantly
since 1980. A joint effort was initiated between Citrus and Hernando Counties to
study the feasibility of alternatives to landfill disposal. The study concluded the most
feasible method of solid waste disposal in Citrus County (through the year 2005) is
use of a landfill facility. The study also indicated that Citrus County should continue
to reduce the disposal of Class III wastes.
In accordance with new state legislation, all counties initiated a solid waste recycling
program by July 1, 1989. Recycling conserves valuable natural resources and is
required in order to receive state funding for solid waste management if any is
available.
5-40
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
1. Household Recycling
Community dropoff centers are being utilized as the most economical and broad
based approach to achieve residential recycling. This program is expected to be
maintained.
2. Nonresidential Recycling
Nonresidential units (commercial, industrial, public buildings) should also
participate in the recycling program. However, due to the large volume of waste
that may be generated, it is not practical for these units to participate in a County
supported program.
The County can encourage these establishments, via the commercial haulers, to
implement the recycling program.
3. Exclusion of Yard Waste
The 1988 legislation required that yard waste be restricted from landfill disposal
after January 1, 1992. Three alternatives were discussed in the analysis including
composting, chipping, and air curtain incinerators.
The County manages the disposal of yard trash through composting and chipping
operations. The County also restricts the disposal of yard trash in the Central
Landfill. As an alternative to landfill disposal, the County reserves an area,
separated from the landfill site, so that residents may dispose their yard trash.
Implementation of this program requires coordination with solid waste haulers
and residents to establish collection days. Also, residents are encouraged to create
yard trash compost windows on their property.
At the designated yard trash dumpsite, the County contracts for operation of a
wood chipping facility. This material is also screened to provide two size grades.
The material is monitored for temperature and if rainfall is not sufficient to
prevent the temperature from rising to the point the mulch may catch fire, it is
watered. The longer the material sits in large piles at the mulching site, it
becomes partially composted. The chipped material is offered free of charge to
residents.
4. Exclusion of Scrap and Construction Debris
Scrap, construction, and land clearing debris constitute the largest type of solid
waste disposed. In Citrus County, much of it is generated outside the County.
The vast majority is disposed in private C&D facilities. According to Chapter 627, F.A.C., scrap and construction debris may be disposed in an unlined landfill
cell. This avenue is practiced by the private sector and the County monitors the
operators for compliance.
5-41
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
5. Exclusion of Used Tires and White Goods
All used tires and white goods were excluded from landfill disposal after July 1,
1989, and January 1, 1990, respectively. The County has implemented a
recycling program for these types of waste.
The components of the recycling program include waste separation and
transportation to recycling centers. The County reserves an area at the Central
Landfill for temporary waste storage.
D. Hazardous Waste Management
1. Local Programs
As indicated in the hazardous waste assessment, approximately 1.2 million
pounds of hazardous waste produced by small quantity generators is improperly
managed. More than one-half of the improperly managed waste is ultimately
disposed in the landfill. The remaining improperly managed hazardous waste is
disposed in pits, ponds or lagoons, public sewer systems, and onsite sewage
disposal systems.
There are many commercial establishments that produce or use hazardous
materials. The County is adequately prepared to respond in the event of a
hazardous materials accident. Additionally, many residents produce hazardous
wastes by discarding common household goods. Facilities at the Central Landfill
now exist for residents to properly dispose their household hazardous waste on a
regular basis.
The following section contains recommendations for proper management of
hazardous waste:
a. Landfill Screening
It is recommended the County continue a program to screen selected waste
loads entering the landfill facility. This program involves an inspection of
random waste loads.
This program does require staff trained to detect hazardous and biohazardous
materials.
If hazardous wastes are detected in commercial waste load prior to disposal,
the transporter is notified. When hazardous waste is detected during or after
disposal, the transporter is responsible for removing the hazardous waste from
the landfill cell or paying for the proper handling of the material.
5-42
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
b. Enforcement Plan
The County has initiated a program to review plans of nonresidential
establishments. Applicants do not obtain development permits, if appropriate
provisions for hazardous waste management are not included in the plans.
Once the developer obtains a development permit, follow-up to ensure proper
hazardous waste management is provided by the County’s hazardous waste
staff.
The environmental review program involves a County maintained manifest of
hazardous and biohazardous waste produced by nonresidential establishments.
Trained County personnel inspect the manifest and determine if any evidence
of mismanaged hazardous waste exists. If evidence exists, mitigative
measures are taken.
c. Hazardous Waste Collection Days
The County operates hazardous waste collection days on a regular basis. The
County conducts collection days at the hazardous waste collection center
located at the Central Landfill or alternate sites at least six times a year.
Eventually, the County should allow residents and conditionally exempt
business operators to properly dispose of their hazardous waste on at least a
weekly basis.
To accomplish this, the collection center must have adequate capacity to
safely store the waste until it can be transported. This may require additional
construction of storage structures and hiring additional staff. Also, the County
must continually train its personnel to work with the hazardous waste brought
to the collection center. Finally, the County must coordinate the
transportation of the hazardous materials to a disposal facility.
d. Used Oil Collection
The analysis indicates that approximately 45 percent of the improperly
disposed of hazardous waste is used oil. The County operates a collection
center for recycling of used oil from County residents. The program also
provides information on the commercial establishments that will accept used
oil.
e. Hazardous Materials Accident Management (HAZ-MAT)
The County implemented a HAZ-MAT program to protect residents from the
dangers of a hazardous materials accident.
5-43
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
In order to be prepared for a hazardous materials incident, the County must
complete and verify an inventory of all establishments that produce or use
hazardous materials. This inventory must include the type of hazardous
material by quantity. Implementation of this program involves purchase of
the following equipment: transport vehicles, protective clothing,
communication equipment, and containment and neutralizing supplies.
f. Public Awareness
Many of the programs discussed throughout this Subelement become more
effective through public education. The County ensures that the various
programs are well publicized through the news media by providing
informational literature to households, businesses, and industries. Also,
literature is available concerning the various solid waste management
programs at all County offices.
2. State and Federal Programs
During the 1988 state legislative session, funds were appropriated to continue the
Amnesty Days and Local Collection Center Programs. The County participated
in these two state programs, which have been discontinued.
The County maintains a designated hazardous waste collection site and has the
ability to coordinate collection programs.
Citrus County monitors the State and Federal programs to ensure that all
nonresidential establishments are in compliance. These programs are monitored
by the County Department of Public Safety via the verification program
(discussed in the Hazardous Materials Accident Management and Hazardous
Waste Assessment sections).
E. Financial Considerations
Currently, the responsibility of the County in solid waste management is landfill
operation. The revenue needed to operate the landfill is derived entirely from user
fees (tipping fees) and assessments.
During the planning period, solid waste management should include landfill
operations, recycling of all required residential commodities, long term care of closed
disposal facilities, litter and illegal dumping prevention, and hazardous waste
management. Additionally, transfer station operation, waste transport and disposal at
out-of-county facilities should be included. At some point in the planning period,
collection may be added to the service list.
The revenue required to implement the solid waste management programs should be
derived exclusively from user fees and assessments. Households should be charged
5-44
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
an annual fee for disposal, recycling, yard waste chipping, litter prevention and
cleanup, and household hazardous waste collection. Businesses should be charged for
their proportional share of all applicable programs. Collection may also be included
in the program costs, at some point, for residential and/or nonresidential customers.
The nonresidential establishments that work with hazardous wastes should be charged
their pro-rata share for the HAZ-MAT Program. Also, establishments that require the
use of the HAZ-MAT response team are required to pay additional service fees.
5-45
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
V. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES
Goal #5 -
Provide adequate solid waste collection, disposal, and resource
recovery facilities to meet the existing and projected needs and
demands of the County’s current and future population.
Collection
- County-wide Systems
Objective 5.1
The County shall ensure that, by the year 2010, every residential
unit and nonresidential establishment shall be serviced by a County
operated or franchised solid waste collector.
Policy 5.1.1
The level of service standards of 4.3 pounds per capita per day for
Class I waste shall be used as the basis for determining the
availability of facility capacity and the demand generated by a
development.
Policy 5.1.2
The County shall periodically perform a rate study to determine the
solid waste management fees.
- Existing Dump Sites
Objective 5.2
The analysis has shown that illegal dumps are prevalent and cause
environmental detriment. To reverse this trend, the County’s
objective is to eliminate illegal dumps by 2010 through a
combination of education, law enforcement, and adequate
collection services.
Policy 5.2.1
The County recognizes the responsibility to clean up illegal dumps
lies with the individual property owners. The County shall
implement procedures for the clean up of existing dumpsites,
including placing liens on properties for the costs of cleanup by the
County.
Disposal
- Landfills
Objective 5.3
The analysis has demonstrated that the County operated landfill
must be expanded to meet the projected needs for solid waste
disposal. To accomplish this, the County shall expand the landfill
by 0.78 tons/year/capita to assure adequate landfill space or
provide disposal capacity via contract with out-of-county facilities.
5-46
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
Policy 5.3.1
The County shall maintain a division within the Department of
Public Works for the sole purpose of solid waste management.
Policy 5.3.2
The County shall initiate a disposal method evaluation during the
planning period.
Policy 5.3.3
The County shall buffer and maintain the appearance of the
landfill.
Policy 5.3.4
The County shall pursue solid waste management grants jointly
with the Cities of Crystal River and Inverness.
Policy 5.3.5
Proposed Capital Improvement projects will be evaluated and
ranked according to the following level guidelines:
Level One - whether the project is needed to protect public health
and safety, to fulfill the County’s legal commitment to provide
facilities and services, to preserve or achieve full use of existing
facilities, or if permitted capacity has been reached.
Level Two - whether the project increases efficiency of use of
existing facilities, prevents or reduces future improvement costs,
provides service to developed areas lacking full service or
promotes in-fill development.
Level Three - whether the project represents a logical extension of
facilities and services within a designated service area.
- Waste Exclusion
Objective 5.4
The County shall maintain separate areas for the management of
Class I and Class III wastes.
Policy 5.4.1
Yard trash shall be restricted in the Central Landfill.
Policy 5.4.2
The County shall maintain procedures for the disposal of yard trash
through the use of chipping, partial composting, offsite recycling
or disposal or approved use as daily cover for the landfill.
Policy 5.4.3
High and medium density residential developments shall be
encouraged to set land aside, within the development, for
composting of yard trash.
Policy 5.4.4
The County shall encourage homeowners, through incentives, to
compost their yard trash.
5-47
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
Policy 5.4.5
The County shall designate an area for the segregation and
recycling of scrap metal.
Policy 5.4.6
The County shall encourage the proper use of private scrap metal
recycling and construction and demolition debris and Class III
landfills.
Policy 5.4.7
Landfill disposal of used tires shall be prohibited in the Central
Landfill.
Policy 5.4.8
Landfill disposal of white goods shall be prohibited.
Policy 5.4.9
The County shall maintain a program to monitor the disposal of
sludge on public and private property to ensure that
environmentally sound techniques are used.
Policy 5.4.10
The County shall continue a program through its LDC to require
commercial boat docks to provide raw sewage and solid waste
disposal facilities.
Policy 5.4.11
The County shall continue to provide solid waste disposal
containers at all County boat ramps and shall provide RV/boat
sewage tank disposal sites at specified boat ramps within the
planning period.
Recycling
Objective 5.5
The analysis has indicated that resource recovery and volume
reduction practices conserve valuable natural resources and lower
landfill space requirements. To accomplish this and to meet the
state goal that the County reduce its waste stream by 30 percent, no
more than one-half of this 30 percent can be met with a diversion
of yard trash and process fuel from landfilling.
Policy 5.5.1
The County shall maintain a recycling program for residential
units.
Policy 5.5.2
The County shall encourage and support a nonresidential
development recycling program.
Policy 5.5.3
The County shall recycle or properly dispose of waste tires.
Policy 5.5.4
The County shall coordinate the recycling of white goods.
5-48
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
Goal #6 -
Ensure proper management of hazardous wastes and materials used
and generated in and transported through the County.
Hazardous Waste Management
Objective 6.1
As indicated in the analysis over 1,000,000 pounds of hazardous
waste produced in the County is improperly managed. Over
500,000 pounds are disposed of in the landfill. To reverse this
trend, the County shall continue existing and implement new
programs to reduce improper hazardous waste disposal.
Policy 6.1.1
The County shall maintain a hazardous waste screening program at
the Central Landfill during the planning period.
Policy 6.1.2
All nonresidential development plans shall be analyzed to
determine if appropriate provisions for hazardous waste
management are included.
Policy 6.1.3
Nonresidential establishments that generate hazardous waste shall
be required to meet all State and Federal reporting requirements.
Policy 6.l.4
The County shall implement an environmental review process to
ensure proper management of hazardous materials.
Policy 6.1.5
The County shall maintain the hazardous waste collection center at
the Central Landfill.
Policy 6.1.6
Household hazardous waste collection days shall be conducted on
an on-going basis.
Policy 6.1.7
Reserved.
Policy 6.1.8
The County shall pursue state funding to improve solid waste
management objectives.
Policy 6.1.9
The County shall ensure that all hazardous waste management
programs are well publicized.
Policy 6.1.10
Citrus County shall assist the Withlacoochee Regional Planning
Council or its successor in function in conducting their hazardous
waste survey and verification program.
Policy 6.1.11
Any nonresidential establishment that stores in bulk containers any
hazardous material or hazardous waste shall post in a conspicuous
place, easily seen by first responders, a National Fire Protection
5-49
Infrastructure Element
Solid Waste Subelement
Association (NFPA) 704 hazardous warning system or a
comparable OSHA acceptable labeling system.
Hazardous Materials Accident Management
Objective 6.2
Maintain a Hazardous Materials Accident Management (HAZMAT) program to protect County residents and businesses in the
event of a hazardous material spill.
Policy 6.2.1
Conduct an inventory and inspection of all nonresidential
establishments that produce and/or use hazardous materials or
biohazardous waste.
Policy 6.2.2
The County shall continue to provide funding and personnel for a
HAZ-MAT team.
Policy 6.2.3
The County shall require all nonresidential establishments to
comply with State and Federal hazardous reporting requirements.
Policy 6.2.4
The County shall maintain a Hazardous Materials Accident
Management Plan that is consistent with the State Hazardous
Materials Accident Management Plan.
5-50