It is the understanding of the TWG that we have been given the additional task of investigating and evaluating the disposal options available to the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System.  There was a sense, among at least some of the Liaison Board members, that certain disposal options had been eliminated from consideration perhaps prematurely.

As such, the TWG met on a number of occasions with industry representatives, contractors and System representatives to discuss in detail realistic options for disposal.  Additionally we reviewed a 2007 study King County commissioned which evaluated all disposal options available to meet their needs.

The consensus of our group is that at this time, with contracts expiring in 2011, our options are very limited.  We have previously expressed concern about bidding out the operation of the WTE facility separately from the long haul contract.  It makes more sense to us that the tonnage should be combined in one bid thus providing a true market response regarding the best cost option(s) available.  That being said, we also see the benefit in continuing the operation of the WTE facility for a period of time now that the $17 m/yr debt service has been or is about to be retired.

The factors that govern long haul are fairly straight forward and so are the cost projections.  The variables associated with the WTE are far more complex due to factors such as electrical revenue, capital improvements, environmental regulations, etc…

Our group would like to put forth for consideration that the Regional System extend existing, or negotiate new contracts until 2014, coinciding with the expiration of many of the interlocal agreements.

The purpose of the extension is threefold. First, it will provide enough time to properly investigate alternate solid waste disposal solutions. Second, it will give a newly formed Regional Governance structure a chance to be part of the decision making process. And third, it will give time to prove the viability of operating a 20-year old waste-to-energy plant under market conditions.