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<br />2020 Solid Waste and Moderate <br />Risk Waste Management Plan Update <br /> <br />9-4 AX0304191054PDX <br />9.1.2.1 Solid Waste Advisory Committee <br />The State requires that counties establish a Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) to assist in the <br />development of programs and policies concerning solid waste handling and disposal (Chapter 70.95 <br />RCW). The Kittitas County SWAC is an advisory board to the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners <br />and makes recommendations to the Commissioners on matters relative to the development of solid waste <br />handling programs and policies. One of its main functions is to provide a forum within the community for <br />the expression of opinions regarding solid waste handling and disposal plans, ordinances, resolutions, <br />and programs prior to adoption. The members of the SWAC represent citizens, public interest groups, <br />business, the waste management industry, and local government. The SWAC has a significant role in <br />developing and updating Kittitas County’s Solid Waste Management Plan. A list of current members is <br />provided in Appendix B and bylaws that will be adopted in 2019 are provided in Appendix B, as well. Each <br />representative is appointed for an indefinite term. The SWAC met during the planning process and <br />meeting minutes are kept at the Solid Waste Department office. The most recent copy of minutes in <br />provided in Appendix B. <br />Additionally, representatives from the regulatory community attend SWAC meetings and provide <br />guidance with respect to solid waste issues. Their roles are described in the following sections. <br />9.1.2.2 Kittitas County Public Health Department <br />An Environmental Health Representative of the Kittitas County Health Department (KCHD) currently <br />serves on the SWAC. KCHD is the lead agency for permitting waste handling facilities in the County, and <br />for enforcing violations of waste disposal ordinances. State law gives local health departments <br />responsibility for: <br />“ordinances governing solid waste handling implementing the comprehensive solid waste <br />management plan covering storage, collection, transportation, treatment, utilization, <br />processing and final disposal including but not limited to the issuance of permits and <br />establishment of minimum levels and types of service for any aspect of solid waste <br />handling.” (Chapter 70.95.160 RCW) <br />In addition, RCW 70.95.160 states that: <br />“such…ordinances shall assure that solid waste storage and disposal facilities are <br />located, maintained, and operated in a manner so as properly to protect the public health, <br />prevent air and water pollution, are consistent with the priorities established in <br />Chapter 70.95.010 RCW and avoid the creation of nuisances.” <br />Falling under the definition of “solid waste handling facilities” are landfills, wood and tire piles, <br />construction and demolition debris sites, compost and recycling facilities, transfer stations, and landfills. <br />The Kittitas County Public Health Department works with the public, cities, County, and state agencies to <br />develop and implement plans for the safe storage, collection, transportation, and final disposal of solid <br />waste. The Public Health Department works to assure compliance with Chapter RCW and WAC 173-304 <br />- Minimum Functional Standards for Solid Waste Facilities. The Department is responsible for the <br />following: <br /> Permitting all new solid waste facilities operating in Kittitas County. <br /> Assure that permits are consistent with the Solid Waste Management Plan, local ordinances and <br />appropriate Washington State and Federal regulations. <br /> Oversight of existing permitted facilities: <br />– The Ryegrass Landfill <br />– The Ellensburg Transfer Station <br />– The Cle Elum/Upper County Transfer Station