HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/10/2008 (2)June 10, 2008
SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT
The Board of Commissioners of the Solid Waste Disposal District met at the County
Commission Chambers, 1801 27th Street, Vero Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, June 10, 2008.
Present were Chairman Sandra L. Bowden, Vice Chairman Wesley S. Davis, and Commissioners
Joseph E. Flescher, Peter D. O'Bryan, and Gary C. Wheeler. Also present were County
Administrator Joseph A. Baird, County Attorney William G. Collins II, and Deputy Clerk Leona
Adair Allen.
Chairman Bowden called the meeting to order at 10:07 a.m.
15. SPECIAL DISTRICTS AND BOARDS
15. B. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT
15.B. I. REQUEST TO TRADE EMISSION OFFSETS OF LANDFILL GAS ON THE
CHICAGO CLIMATE EXCHANGE
Managing Director of the Solid Waste Disposal District Himanshu Mehta, recapped his
memorandum dated May 27, 2008. He explained how the $1.5 million gas control system,
installed in 2004, captures the landfill methane gas and converts it to CO2 by flaring off the
methane, preventing it from escaping into the atmosphere. He revealed that this system was
installed on a voluntary basis, permitting the County to now take advantage of a system that sells
carbon offsets, or credits, on the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX).
June 10, 2008
S.W.D.D. 1
Director Mehta reported that a third parry verification company had reviewed the
County's records, flow rates, and emissions offsets. This verification proved that the County
would have the ability to sell about 19,000 metric tons of CO2. He said that the market rate of
$7.40 per offset could bring the County a net revenue of about $90,000.00, and by the year 2010,
with about 160,000 metric tons of CO2, this process could net between $350,000 and $700,000.
Director Mehta told how staff has been considering other ways to earn money with the
methane gas, including a process that converts it to energy so it can be sold as electricity.
MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Flescher,
SECONDED by Commissioner Wheeler, to authorize:
(1) the County Administrator to execute the verifier report;
(2) the County Administrator to execute further documents
to the extent needed to facilitate the transfer and sale of the
offsets upon review and approval by all appropriate staff;
and (3) the Chairman to execute the sale contract with
Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. for exchange of landfill
methane emission offsets with direction to sell the market
day following the deposit of emission offsets by CCX into
Geosyntec's account, as recommended in the memorandum
of May 27, 2008.
Under discussion, Commissioner Flescher supported staff's recommendation; however,
he urged Director Mehta to go beyond selling it on the exchange. He wanted to see the methane
gas harnessed and used for energy within the County.
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S.W.D.D. 2
Commissioner Wheeler echoed Commissioner Flescher, and felt that it would benefit the
County to recoup some of the money that was initially spent on the project.
When Vice Chairman Davis questioned the County's commitment with CCX, Director
Mehta acknowledged that the County would be in control of any agreements/contracts.
Assistant County Attorney Marian Fell informed the Board that the signed document
would allow the County to contract with Geosyntec, and that before the County would sell the
offsets, the documents would be reviewed and coordinated by her office, the County
Administrator, and all appropriate staff.
Commissioner Flescher wanted confirmation that if a better resource is found for
utilizing the methane gas, that the County would have a "clear avenue to move forward."
Attorney Fell acknowledged that there would not be a continuing obligation should the County
decide to take a different direction.
Director Mehta concluded his presentation by expressing the importance of protecting
the environment.
The Chairman CALLED THE QUESTION and the Motion
carried unanimously. The Board unanimously authorized:
(1) the County Administrator to execute the verifier report;
(2) the County Administrator to execute further documents
to the extent needed to facilitate the transfer and sale of the
offsets upon review and approval by all appropriate staff;
and (3) the Chairman to execute the sale contract with
Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. for exchange of landfill
June 10, 2008
S.W.D.D. 3
ok 132 bC S23
methane emission offsets with direction to sell the market
day following the deposit of emission offsets by CCX into
Geosyntec's account, as recommended in the memorandum
of May 27, 2008.
CONTRACT ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD
ALL BACKUP DOCUMENTATION IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD AND
IS HEREBY MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES
There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 10:26
a.m.
ATTEST:
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Jeffrey K. Barton, Clerk
Minutes Approved: JUL 15 2008
LAA/S WDD Minutes
June 10, 2008
S.W.D.D.
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S dra L. Bowden, Chairman
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