articleLandfills Technology*

The biggest challenge to the operation of a landfill is containment, i.e. causing problems with the environment. Rates of Decomposition for Various Forms of Wastes 2-5 months Paper Orange Peels 6 months Milk Cartons 5 years Filter Tip Cigarettes 10-12 years Plastic Bags 10-20 years Leather Shoes 25-40 years Plastic Containers 50-80 years Disposable Diapers 75 years Tin Cans 100 years Aluminum Cans 200-500 years Styrofoam NEVER

Determining a landfill location requires an environmental impact study at the site. It can take up to twenty years and cost in excess of $15,000,000.00 before a landfill can be authorized or operational.

Recycling programs are in place at both Teapot Dome and Visalia Landfills. Recycling programs include wood and yard waste, tires, construction and demolition debris, metal, and appliances and, as of January 1, 2015, mattresses.

In place are constant measures to monitor for methane, ground water and any pollutants that may leak from the landfills. These systems are mandated by state, federal and county laws which are in place forever.

Equipment such as a new Caterpillar D-7 Dozer costs $800,000.00. This dozer is used for pushing, spreading, compacting waste and deploying Alternative Cover (ADC) Tarps (ADC reduces the amount of soil necessary for cover by use of tarps). RECOMMENDATIONS: None REQUIRED RESPONSES: 1. Solid Waste Department Disclaimer Grand Jury reports are based on documentary evidence and the testimony of sworn or admonished witnesses, not on conjecture or opinion. However, the Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing such evidence except upon specific approval of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, or another judge appointed by the Presiding Judge (Penal Code Section 911, 924.1 (a) and 929). Similarly, the Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing the identity of witnesses except upon an order of the court for narrowly defined purposes (Penal Code Section 924.2 and 929). COUNTY OF TULARE SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT Phone: 559-624-7195 5955 S. Mooney Blvd. Fax: 559-624-1041 Visalia, CA 93277 BRYCE HOWARD, DIRECTOR March 26, 2015 The Honorable Judge Hillman County Civic Center, Room 303 221 S. Mooney Blvd. Visalia, CA 93291 S. Mooney Blvd. Visalia, CA 93277 Tulare County Board of Supervisors 2800 W. Burrell Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 RE: Department Response to 2014/2015 Tulare County Grand Jury Report, "Landfills – Technology of Waste Disposal" Dear Sirs and Madams, The Tulare County Solid Waste Department is pleased to have had the opportunity meet with members of the Tulare County Grand Jury at the County landfills and provide information for the preparation of their 2014/2015 report entitled, "Landfills - Technology of Waste Disposal." The Solid Waste Department has reviewed the final report and agrees with the findings presented with the exception of Finding F.3. The finding states incorrectly that mattress recycling began on January 1, 2015. The mattress recycling program began at the landfills on March 1, 2015. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (559)747-4907. Yours very truly, Bryce Howard, Director Solid Waste Department cc: Jean Rousseau, County Administrative Officer