Conversion Technologies as part of a Sustainable Solid Waste System

A Presentation to theCommission on Local Governmental Services

Department of Public WorksEnvironmental Programs Division

Pat Proano

November 5, 2013

What are Conversion Technologies?

• Conversion technologies (CTs) are processes capable of converting post-recycled residual solid waste into useful products and chemicals, including green fuels and renewable energy.• Includes non-combustion thermal, biological,

mechanical and chemical processes

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County Conversion Technology (CT) Efforts Assisted 11 jurisdictions and 9 private companies

through various stages of project development. Technical and grant procurement assistance to

first Southern CA-based CT project—to break ground in 2013.

Build coalition of cities and state agencies in support of CTs.

Support/sponsor CT legislation

Public Works, Environmental Programs Division

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2013 CT Legislation: Assembly Bill 1126 and Senate Bill 804

AB 1126 (Gordon/Mullins)EMSW Conversion

Chaptered by the Secretary of State on September 28, 2013

Sponsored by:

CalRecycle

SB 804 (Lara)Biomass Conversion

Vetoed by Governor Brown on October 11, 2013

Sponsored by :

Los Angeles County and the California State Association of Counties

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What does AB 1126 include?• Defines Engineered Municipal Solid Waste Conversion (EMSW

Conversion) and EMSW Conversion Facility. • Classifies EMSW Conversion as disposal and EMSW

Conversion Facilities as disposal facilities.• Creates specific technical requirements for EMSW Conversion.• EMSW facilities must be included in the Countywide Siting

Element, however double majority approval is no longer required.

• Tires and Biomass that are converted at an EMSW facility are no longer counted towards disposal.

What was in SB 804?• Added Conversion Technology to the definition of biomass• Defined Biomass Conversion Facility• Required Air Districts to ensure that new facilities meet all the

requirements for best available control technology for criteria air pollutants, toxic air contaminants, and greenhouse gases

• Allowed CalRecycle to inspect the facility to ensure it is processing only biomass that meets the local certification and is limited to the eligible biomass waste stream

• Required facilities to prove to local jurisdictions that they will cause no net increase in toxic air emissions, and are not designed to produce hazardous waste unless it is treated on site and disposed of in accordance with State law.

SB 804 Vetoed• On Oct. 11, 2013, Governor Brown vetoed SB 804. In his veto

message, the Governor indicated that he agreed with the intent of the bill, however, "last minute amendments made the bill overly complicated and unworkable."

• He also directed CalRecycle to work with stakeholders to "develop a sensible approach that would apply to all biomass facilities irrespective of the technologies used.“

• LA County will continue to work with stakeholders throughout the state to promote conversion technologies and overcome regulatory hurdles.

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Long-Term StrategyCT’s Role in Long-Term Sustainability

Environmental Benefits• Reduced air emissions• Increased landfill

diversion• Increased recycling and

material recovery

Economic Benefits• Production of energy and

biofuels• Green collar job creation

(construction and operation jobs)

Community Benefits• Reduced truck traffic

through communities• Local options for waste

management

Public Works, Environmental Programs Division

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Innovation in Los Angeles County

• Kroger Foods– Anaerobic Digestion (AD)

of pre-consumer food waste from Kroger-owned grocery stores at their Compton facility

• City of Glendale– RFP for AD system at

Scholl Canyon Landfill

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Innovation in Los Angeles County• Waste Management/CSD

– Piloting 2-year food waste co-digestion at Carson Waste Water Treatment plant

• Waste Management– RFP issued for organics and

green waste CT system at Lancaster Landfill

– Piloted covered composting at Lancaster Landfill

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CTs as Part of Overall Disposal Capacity

• Diversion Rate up to 75%

• In-County landfill expansions

• Conversion technology is operational

• Waste-by-rail is operational

Public Works, Environmental Programs Division

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Waste-to-Energy & Conversion

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Disposal Demandat 75% Diversion

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In-County Landfill Capacity

Diversion

Disposal Demand

at 55% Diversion

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Conclusion

• Increasing waste reduction and recycling is critical to long-term sustainability

• A complete waste management strategy needs to include CTs for hard to manage wastes and residuals

• Conversion Technologies are a valuable tool in our effort to achieve a waste free future

• Must continue to support CTs and establish a clear permitting pathways

Public Works, Environmental Programs Division

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Thank you

Public Works, Environmental Programs Division