 |
|
 |
June 9, 2006
Simi Valley Acorn
Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center States Goals
Michael E. Smith, vice president and general manager of the Ventura Market Area for Waste Management, recently issued a statement regarding the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center expansion plans.
Smith explains in that statement that Waste Management of California acquired the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center (SVLRC) in 1983 from the Ventura County Regional Sanitation Department and has operated it as a Class III municipal solid waste facility.
In addition to waste disposal, SVLRC engages in recycling green waste, scrap metal, wood waste, asphalt and concrete and white goods. Waste Management is generating "green energy" from landfill gas.
Waste Management has developed and maintains a longstanding relationship with the local communities served. Currently, it is in the early stages of planning for an expansion and improvements to the facility. Although plans and preliminary designs are still under review, the next phase of the landfill will include a substantial increase in buffer area between the active landfill site and surrounding property.
Additionally, it plans to relocate the GI Rubbish hauling facility from its present site to the landfill to consolidate operations and reduce traffic on city streets. The site will be designed to blend in with the character of the natural terrain and continue the theme of existing operations to be aesthetically compatible with surrounding land uses.
Future landfill plans are being designed to serve the long-term needs of the county. The plan must be carefully developed and it will reflect a demonstrated interest in the environment. Plans are being created to create maximum benefit for the community, local cities, county and Waste Management.
The company invited and has met with more than 150 key stakeholders (current supervisors, local elected officials, political candidates, local residents, community groups, planning staff) to tour the facility and give input on future plans. Waste Management will continue to meet with interested parties over the next several months to carry out outreach efforts. Waste Management anticipates submitting formal plans to the county within the next 12 months.
Currently, there are two landfills operating in Ventura County. County experts estimate that Ventura County could run out of landfill space within the next 20 years with no local disposal options. Waste Management's intent is to accommodate the disposal needs of the county beyond 2025.
Because of Waste Management's interest in meeting the long-term waste disposal and recycling needs of Ventura County, the company will submit a plan that takes into account the long-term needs of the county while remaining sensitive to traffic and environmental concerns.
The established permitting process conducted by the county and state agencies will evaluate Waste Management proposals in accordance with local land use requirements, California law, California Environmental Quality Act requirements and other applicable regulatory requirements. This will be a public process with multiple opportunities for residents to provide input at a number of public hearings.
The Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center has served Ventura County, the central coast and west San Fernando Valley for nearly 30 years. They plan to continue an emphasis on service for their local refuse hauling operations, including G I Rubbish (a Waste Management company), and prepare for continuing county growth.
# # #
|
|
|
|
