Kuskokwim River
Solid Waste Backhaul Questionnaire Report “We should backhaul so trash can be properly disposed, not kept in the village, so our water resources and subsistence resources areas can be protected.”
Results compiled by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service for Kuskokwim River Watershed Council By Daniel E. Lung, Extension Program Assistant America’s Arctic University The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service programs are available to all without regard to race, color, age, sex, creed, national origin, or disability and in accordance with all applicable federal laws. Provided in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Pete Pinney, Office of Interim Vice Provost for Outreach and Director of Cooperative Extension Service, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report • Page 15
Contents Introduction.............................................................1 Background Contacts Additional Outcomes Results......................................................................2 I. Community Outreach and Interest Level............................................. 2 1.1 Community Outreach .......................3 II. Local Handling of Waste Materials .........3 2.1 Recycling vs. Backhauling . .............3 2.1.1 Recycling . ........................................3 2.1.2 Backhauling.......................................4 2.2 Electronics Waste (e-waste) .............4 2.3 Lead-acid Batteries . .........................5 2.4 Fluorescent Lamps/Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs ...................5 2.5 55 Gallon Metal Drums . ..................6 2.6 Waste-Oil...........................................6 2.7 Electrical Transformers (and Electrical Lighting Ballasts) . ...........7 2.8 White Appliances .............................8 2.9 Vehicles/Heavy Equipment/ Scrap Metals . ...................................8 III. Backhaul Planning and Coordination......8 3.1 Backhaul Inventory ..........................8 3.2 Heavy Equipment . ...........................9 3.3 Summer 2009 Backhaul ...................9 3.4 EPA IGAP Funding ..........................9 3.5 Partnering Villages .........................10 3.6 Backhaul Coordination . .................10
IV. Training and Information Needs ...........10 4.1 HAZWOPPER Training . ...............10 4.2 Appliance Freon Removal Training ..........................................10 4.3 Recycling and Backhaul Training ..........................................10 Conclusions............................................................11 Questionnaire limitations . ................................11 Recommendations ................................................13 Backhaul “To do” Summary . .............................13 References .............................................................14 Appendices A. KRWC Backhaul Phone Questionnaire (blank) B. Interview Contacts Table C. Questionnaire Comments Summary D. YRITWC Backhaul Inventory sheet E. Quick reference Summary Table Project Funding Funding came from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) Award No. 2005-4504602323, under supervision of Bob Gorman, Extension resource development agent. Acknowledgements: Editing: Mark Dudick, Media Services Editorial Assistant, UAF Extension Layout: Susan Bybee, Administrative Assistant, UAF Extension
To read or print a copy of this report, go to www.uaf.edu/ces/ruraldevelopment/publications.html
Introduction
During June 2008, the UAF Cooperative Extension Service (Extension), and the Kuskokwim River Watershed Council (KRWC) surveyed communities along the Kuskokwim River to assess the potential to backhaul solid waste on the river. This (unscientific) questionnaire will determine recycling tendencies and interest in backhaul. The goals of this questionnaire include: • • • • •
Allow village-based environmental planners to share concerns and knowledge on this topic. Inform tribes about recycling and backhaul efforts elsewhere in the state. Identify training, information and outreach needs to help communities prepare for this project. Encourage communities to begin inventorying waste materials for backhaul. Determine next steps for a comprehensive riverwide backhaul planning process.
environmental coordinators and assistants, one tribal administrator, one tribal council member, one city clerk and one village based AVCP Housing Authority coordinator (see list of participants in Appendix B). Larson King, U.S. EPA Tribal Solid Waste liaison, and Joe Sarcone, US EPA rural sanitation coordinator, provided input during three separate community interviews. Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) EPA IGAP director Roberta Chavez and EPA circuit rider Minnie Fritz provided general feedback and correspondence via e-mail, while Rosalie Kalistook, EPA IGAP director from Orutsaramiut Native Council (ONC) in Bethel also gave general feedback. Afterward, interviewees received an e-mail or Faxed copy of their survey responses and a backhaul inventory sheet developed by Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council.
i. Background
iii. Additional Outcomes
For the past three years, the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC) has been coordinating backhaul efforts of various solid and hazardous wastes out of communities along the Yukon River. In May 2008, YRITWC invited 15 participants from around the state, who deal with solid waste issues, to a backhaul seminar. This three-day training included topics on backhaul planning, transportation, funding, logistics and safety. Attendees were to contact communities in their regions to determine interest level in backhauling (short of an actual waste inventory). In response, David Griso, director of Kuskokwim River Watershed Council, and Dan Lung, Extension Rural Development Projects program assistant, put together a questionnaire (see Appendix A) to contact villages and gather that information through a 45-minute phone interview.
Along with gathering information, this questionnaire begins a planning process and encourages future participation in this important effort. “This will take a lot of coordination before this can happen. For some communities, this will be down the line to determine how they want to backhaul and what they want to backhaul. I recommend an MOA between city and tribal governments to decide matters associated with the dump and for projects like backhaul.” – Larson King, US EPA Tribal Solid Waste liaison
ii. Contacts The 15 participating communities are: Aniak, Upper Kalskag, Lower Kalskag, Chuathbaluk, Takotna, Akiak, Akiachak, Kwethluk, Kwigillingok, Kongiginak, Napakiak, Napaskiak, Eek, Quinhagak and Nunapitchuk. Interviewees included 17 village-based tribal EPA Indian General Assistance Program (IGAP)
Vehicles, scrapmetal and large appliances in a rural dump.
Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report • Page 1
Rural communities face challenges with basic solid waste disposal.
Results
: Reason to get invloved backhauling tables and charts summarize responses Thein following Observations in reasons why your community is involved or might want to get involved in a solid waste backhauling plan from 15 community interviews. Find summary of comConserving landfill space was the ife of landfill 10 ments in the Comments Summary in Appendix C. participate in large-scale backhaul,
I. Community Outreach and Interest Level These questions give a general idea of existing recycling, backhaul and outreach efforts and over-all interest. Chart 1 ranks priorities for solid waste backhaul.
Reasons for solid waste backhaul program
%*
%*
'*
"$*
%%*
#&*
Note: Responses to this question were often combined with other answers.
Page 2 • Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report
primary reason to especially considering the high costs of closing a landfill and constructing a new site. Further questioning sparked discussion about future intentions (if any) to expand recycling and backhaul efforts. Thirteen out of 15 villages plan to expand, while most respondents acknowledged the importance to reducing health hazards. “To free up and make more space available at the new landfill, so we don’t need to seek funds to create new site. We are on our third dumpsite so the landfill would have more longevity. This (backhaul) would save on construction and engineering fees to build a new landfill and would save on management and maintenance. Metals etc can be reused. Instead of a throw away society we can inform people about what other options are available as far as recycling and alternatives to dumping, “ “We should backhaul so trash can be properly disposed, not kept in the village, so our water resources and subsistence resources areas can be protected.”
Chart 2:Community Outreach Posting fliers
Chart 3 Chart 3 What are currently you recycling ( separating from your waste stream)? What are currently you recycling ( separating from your waste stream)?
aluminum cans hicles/ h-equipment/ scrap met lead-acid batteries aluminum cans hicles/ h-equipment/ scrap met lead-acid batteries white appliances 13 9 9 7 13 7 7 7
1.1 Community Outreach 2 shows the most effective methods to inform 7 the public about backhaul planning. / / /
Posting fliers Chart
w
II. Local Handling of Waste Materials
2.1 Recycling vs. Backhauling Recycling (Chart 3) and backhauling (Chart 4) differs Community Outreach Activities
since some communities “recycle” (divert from the waste stream) but are not backhauling those materials. “Backhauling” refers only to materials actually shipped out of the community. no chart
/
/
Is your community currently involved in backhauling or recycling any of any kind? Recycling Recycling and backhaul (not aNeither note difference between recycling (collec 9 5 2
/
.
!
-
2.1.1 Recycling ! Chart 3 Chart 3 reports the materials recycled by responding What are currently you recycling ( separating from your waste stream)? aluminum cans hicles/ h-equipment/ scrap met lead-acid batteries white appliances communities. 13 9 7 7 Materials recycled (separated) from waste stream
.
,
,
,
-
,
,
+
, +
+ + & +
&
+ + +
!
%
%
%
%
Chart 4 Chart 4 $ $ 1b.Whatbackhauling are you currently backhauling (shipping out of your community)? & 1b.What are you currently (shipping out of your community)? % " % " cans batteries lamps # aluminum cans aluminum lead-acid batteries lead-acid fluorescent lamps fluorescent electronics waste e #
'# &# $ )
'# &# $ ) % 9 Chart 3% $ 3 3 9 3 4 3 " " 1b.What are you currently backhauling (shipping out of your community)? &) # aluminum cans lead-acid batteries fluorescent lamps electronics waste # &) # # # # 9 3 3 ! " ! 3 # # # # ! # aluminum cans lead-acid batteries fluorescent lamps waste e aluminum cans lead-acid batteries fluorescent lamps aluminum cans lead-acid batteries fluorescent lamps electronics waste electronics # $ 9 3 3 3 9 3 9 3 3 3 3 # &*# $ # # & $
% # &*# $ # &
% Note: Responses to this question were often combined with other answers.
“Education is what we are working on first, some of the Elders are reluctant to change old ways to let go of things they think are ‘useful’ but they are working toward it.”
Vehicle salvage area.
Note: Responses to this question were often combined with other answers.
Observations “Separating from the waste stream” involves door-todoor pick up, a designated collection point or storage in various locations throughout the community. Separation of larger items such as trucks, snow machines, four-wheelers, heavy equipment, scrap metals and white appliances meant that there is a designated (or undesignated) location either at the dump or elsewhere in the community which enables separation of these items from general waste entering the dumpsite. “We have snow machines ATVs, freezers refrigerators in one section and used vehicles in another section. Everyday waste is in different section for burning or compacting. Most vehicles were brought up to the landfill with tractor maybe 4-5 years ago, problem: many Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report • Page 3
houses are too close and so vehicles in those areas need to be dismantled before moving.”
people living in the Interior on the road system can just drop off. We have to find air carriers that are cheaper.”
“Separation at the dumpsite can start at anytime; getting stuff to the staging area is the hang up.” — Joe Sarcone, US EPA rural sanitation coordinator, Region 10 Alaska Operations Office
“There’s an increase in office equipment like computers in the village, especially after satellite dishes came, more people have computers at home.”
2.1.2 Backhauling Electronics Waste (e-waste) Chart 4 reports materials backhauled by responding 4. What are 2.2 the challenges you are experiencing to manage or recycle your e-waste? Cost/lack of fundingelectronChart 5 reports the challenges to manage communities. 8 ics waste. Materials backhauled from community
4. What are the challenges you are experiencing to manage or recycle your e-waste?
Challenges to manage Cost/lack of funding or recycle electronics waste 8
+
+
*
*
)
) '
& & & ' 4. What are the challenges you are having to manage your lead &acid batteries? & & # Cost/lack of funding $ $ # 4 manage your lead acid batteries? What are the challenges you are having to
Note: Responses to this question were often combined with other 4. " # Cost/lack of funding answers.
4
$ $ # "
Observations
“Right now we do not have a backhauling system, just doing aluminum cans. We’re in the first stages of developing our recycling program.” “(Challenges are) air cargo backhaul rates and having the nearest hub in Anchorage, whereas,
Note: Responses to this question were often combined with other answers. ) ) ) Observations Nine villages separate electronics waste from ( their waste stream. Of those, few had actual des-
)
)
'
'
)
4. What are the challenges you are having to manage your fluorescent lamps and CFLs? Need "How to" information/training & & 6
( #
$ $ #
'
'
4. What are the challenges you are having to manage your fluorescent lamps and CFLs Need "How to" information/training & & 6 #
Typical electronics or e-waste in a village dump.
Page 4 • Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report
E-waste palletized for backhaul.
$ $ #
4. What are the challenges you are experiencing to manage or recycle your e-waste? + Cost/lack of funding 8
*
ignated+ drop-off points and often stored old comput) ers in various office spaces or other locations until a recycling program is in place. Three villages actually ' * backhaul e-waste.
& & & ) What are the challenges you are having to manage your lead acid “Looking into e-waste recycling and talkedbatteries? to # ost/lack of funding Lynden air cargo for a quote... always hard for $ $ # ' 4 " & & & communities along the coast since (there are) 4. What are the challenges you are having to manage your lead acid batteries? limited places to recycle....” # Cost/lack of funding $ $ # 4
2.3 Lead-acid Batteries Chart 6 reports the challenges to manage lead-acid batteries. "
Challenges to manage or recycle lead-acid batteries )
) )
)
) )
lect batteries and heavy equipment to move them and loading full pallets onto smaller planes due to their weight and size. Because of weight, freight costs can be extremely high depending whether batteries go by barge or plane. Of the three communities that backhaul batteries, two shipped by air cargo and the other by barge. “Need info to learn how to ship out, need more fish totes donated or container specific for that or work with recycler that would send totes back to the village.” “Probably how they will get it on the plane & how to palletize and shrink-wrap. Don’t know where to get pallets, packaging materials, etc., not sure how to get a pallet or tote in a smaller plane.”
(
2.4 Fluorescent Lamps/Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) ' ' ' ' Chart 7 reports the challenges to manage old fluorescent lamps. What arechallenges the challenges youare arehaving having to your fluorescent lamps lamps and CFLs? What4. are the you tomanage manage your fluorescent and CFLs? (
Need "How information/training & Need "Howto"to" information/training && & 6 6
# #
$ $ # $ $ #
Note: Responses to this question were often combined with other answers.
Observations Seven villages separate lead-acid batteries from their waste stream and three villages actually ship them out. Shipping challenges involve locating fish totes, packaging materials and proper labeling. Other problems include identifying local storage areas to col-
Lead acid battery in the dump.
Challenges to recycle fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent bulbs
!
Note: Responses to this question were often combined with other answers.
Fish tote used to backhaul lead acid batteries.
Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report • Page 5
Observations Five villages separate fluorescent lamps from their waste stream and three of those villages actually send them out. In most cases, people know that fluorescent lamps contain mercury, but are unaware of how to handle these lamps for shipping and backhauling.
oil, glycol, solvents or a combination of unknowns, often contaminated with water and sometimes leaking. Drums with unknown liquids require testing by trained individuals to identify the contents which require proper handling and labeling prior to removal, often as hazardous waste (Gay, YRITWC Backhaul Strategic Planning Seminar, May 14-16, 2008). Empty drums or drums that contained strictly waste-oil are not counted.
“Compact fluorescent bulbs are becoming more available, therefore there will be more of that type of waste. Need containers to recycle these and inform the community.”
“A model demonstration project to remove abandoned drums in villages in Russia, and in 5 gal) drums chart 8 Gallon Metal Drums 2.5 55 Sand Point, Alaska resulted in development of u have metal Chart drums8 in your community knosummarize Reports the presence (of of metal drums withthis un-in a table two (educational) films, curriculum, work"No" don't know is in a table known shop, and other training materials that are useliquids. No answer 4 ful for Alaska Tribes in their clean up activi s where are they? Metal drums in community with unknown liquids ties.” - Santina Gay, US EPA tribal coordinator (55 gal) drums chart 8 dump&Metal No answer 1.elseelsewhere Do you have metal drums in your community (of knosummarize this in a table (Region 10 Alaska Operations Office). "No" 2 don't know No answer 2 "Yes" 3 11 4 1a. If yes where are they? dump dump& elseelsewhere 6 2 2
No answer 3
“Yesdrums we have Metal (55 gal) chart 8metal 55 gallon drums at the 1. Do you have metal drums in your community (of knosummarize this in a table dump that are old andNorusty. There are three "Yes" "No" don't know answer 11 4 contaminated sites that belong to the old 1a. If yes where are they? school that are still standing (old tank farms). dump dump& elseelsewhere No answer 6 2 fuel tanks 3at the river from There2 are two old
old fueling station & two other old tank farms from the power plant.”
Observations il Most villages reported metal drums with unknown u liquid contents either at the dump or throughout the 2.6 "No" No answer note: some may or may notWaste-Oil be avilable for publi is in a table community. These generally designated waste oil drop-off point drums fo summarize this in a tablecontain wasteChart 9 reports the use of waste-oil burners. 3 1 Waste Oil chart 9 chart 9 1. Do you have a waste oil burner heating system in thesummarize this in a table "Yes" "No" No answer note: some may or may not be avilable for publi have a waste oil burner heating system in thesummarize this in a table 11 3 1
ay or may"Yes" not be "No" avilabledon't for know publi 3
6
1
No answer
Waste Oil chart 9 1. Do you have a waste oil burner heating system in thesummarize this in a table "Yes" "No" No answer note: some may or may not be avilabl Villages with waste-oil burner heating system 11 3 1
2
d waste oil drop-off point fo summarize this in a table "No" don't know No answer 3 6 1 2
designated waste oil drop-off point fo summarize this in a table
"Yes"
2. If so, are you currently backhauling them? "Yes" "No" No answer yes=AVEC or utility does 3 8 4
l Transformers chart 10 u have old transformers in your community? "No" don't know 4 3
are you currently backhauling them? "No" No answer yes=AVEC or utility does 8 4 Waste-oil storage tank supplies heating fuel for city shop.
3
"No"
6
don't know 1
No answer
2
Electrical Transformers chart 10 1. Do you have old transformers in your community? "Yes" "No" don't know 8 4 3
Page 6 • Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report
Observations
Electrical Transformers chart 10 villages burn offin waste oil from 1. DoMost you have old transformers your community? "Yes" "No" don't know plant, while three communities have 4 3 8
the generator a designated waste-oil drop-off point for residents. Backhaul ex2. If so, are you currently backhauling them? suggest using waste-oil as a heating source rath"Yes"perts "No" No answer yes=AVEC or utility does 3 than paying 8 4 er to ship drums out of the community (Waterhouse, YRITWC Backhaul Strategic Planning Seminar, May 14-16, 2008). With the cost of heating oil on the rise, investing in a waste-oil burner to heat
arize this in a table
arize ome
Un-spec steel drum used for hazardous waste disposal.
Metal (55 gal) drums chart 8 1. Do you have metal drums in your community (of knosummarize this in a table "Yes" "No" don't know No answer 11 4 this in a table 1a. If yes where are they? may or may avilable for publi No answer dump not be dump& elseelsewhere Fiber drum2used to backhaul fluorescent lamps. 6 2 3
a public building space makes economic sense. Furthermore, residents should have access to a collection point to dispose of waste oil from privately owned Waste Oil chart vehicles and9 four-cycle outboard motors.
Electrical lighting ballasts and transformers containing Polychlorinated biphenyls must be handled and disposed of properly.
1. Do you have a waste oil burner heating system in thesummarize this in a table "Yes" "No" No answer note: some may or may not be avilable for publi Observations 11 “Needs 3to be a way to1dispose of used oil,
people dumping on the river bank, designated waste are oil drop-off pointoil fo summarize this in a table "Yes" especially "No" don't know No answer with four-strokes. No used old col 3 6 1 2 lection point in community although used to be at city shop until burner quit”.
2.7 Electrical Transformers (and Electrical Lighting Ballasts). Chart 10 reports on old electrical transformers.
Electrical Transformers chart 10 1. Do you have old transformers in your community? Presence of old electrical transformers "Yes" "No" don't know 8 4 3
2. If so, are you currently backhauling them? "Yes" "No" No answer yes=AVEC or utility does 3 8 4
More than half of the villages have old electrical transformers (removed from electric utility power poles). Three communities will ship them out through the electrical utility company, while the remaining five no plan. Old transformers contain Polychlorihave nated biphenyls (PCBs), a cancer-causing chemical compound used in manufacturing of electrical components through early 1979. Similarly, electrical ballasts to power fluorescent light fixtures manufactured prior (or during) 1979 contain PCBs. These items require special handling since they are considered hazardous waste and should be dealt with accordingly. “We’re asking around where transformers can be properly disposed or how to have them shipped out. They are not contained-need information.”
Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report • Page 7
hicles (trucks, cars, snow-machines, four-wheelers, etc.), heavy equipment or scrap metal. None of the communities have successfully backhauled these items. “…there is a need out here, something that should be planned on especially since ATVs end up at the dump. More cars and trucks are being bought in the village; vehicles last about 5 years then end up in the dump. Past vehicles were disposed of (buried) during old dump closure.”
Refrigerator in the dump.
III. Backhaul Planning and Coordination
Refigerator palletized for backhaul.
2.8 White Appliances Observations Eight out of 15 villages designate a location at the dump or elsewhere in the community to separate refrigerators, freezers or other larger appliances from general waste. None of the communities have succeeded in backhauling large appliances.
3.1 Backhaul Inventory Two out of 15 villages have inventoried various waste items, including snow machines, refrigerators and scrap metals, to eventually remove from the community. The remaining communities recognized the need for an inventory. All communities (and organizations) received a digital or Faxed copy of the Backhaul Inventory Sheet developed by Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (See Appendix D).
2.9 Vehicles/Heavy Equipment/Scrap Metals Observations Nine out of 15 villages designate a location at the dump or elsewhere in the community to separate ve-
Large items often require heavy equipment for transport to staging area.
Page 8 • Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report
“Inventoried old snow machines, refrigerators, did survey to find out how many fluorescent lamps in community to throw away. I’ve talked to Northland to get estimate of removal of old snow machines, scrap metals-we would need to find money to get it done.” “. . . this is a priority and a good project for our (RurAL CAP) RAVEN AmeriCorps program.”
3.2 Heavy Equipment Chart 11 reports local access to heavy equipment.
Available Heavy Equipment
erials in cassummarize in a table
summarize
Heavy Equipment/Staging
Observations Due to limited road access, heavy equipment use in some communities is often seasonal, requiring frozen rivers, lakes and tundra to effectively move materials.
epinorlarge-scale summarize comments not). “Without a barge landing site this would be Will you have access to heavy equipment to move materials in cassummarize in a table summarize important: being realistic about this, impossible and also need heavy equipment "Yes" "No" Uncertain etc.-(whether have equip or not). 10 1 4 (which is) currently not written in our budget
for equipment rental, therefore applying for heavy equipment grant. Also need grant for Would your village be ready or willing to participate in large-scale summarize comments "Yes" Uncertain important: being the realistic about site; this, first need to have all of lining staging 10 5 these things in place. Were at the early stage to try to get things done…filling out grants to try to meet the demands and waiting for grants.”
Observations 3.3 Summer 2009 Backhaul Most communities with access to heavy equipment Observations have at least a bulldozer to skid larger items to a stagarge equipment to a staging area (such as bar moving Ten orbar willing” to begin backhaul ing areaexpect (airstrip or bargeanylanding), fewlarge comDo you to encounter problemswhile in equipment to villages a staging are area“ready (such as "Yes" "No" Uncertain summarize in a table of large items (by barge or air cargo) in 2009, while munities have a front-end (bucket) loader to actually 2 7 6 five are uncertain. lift and move materials. Respondents recognized the advantage of having either a fork lift, small skid-steer in a table summarize materials in cassummarize “Yes, but would also have to coordinate with (Bobcat) or bucket loader to transport materials. The Heavy Equipment/Staging quip or not). city since they own the dump, we can’t just “uncertain” category means heavy equipment might heavy equipment to move materials in cassummarize in a table summarize Will you have access to go in the dump and take all this because there be available. Costs associated with this equipment in"Yes" "No" Uncertain would liability.” etc.-(whether have equip or not). 10 1 4 clude rental, operation and fuel costs.
Chart 12 reports ability to move large items to backhaul staging area.
“It all comes down to accessing heavy equipment and establishing staging area at barge landing… (we) want it to be sustainable.
Problems moving large equipment to a staging area (barge landing or air strip)
3.4 EPA IGAP Funding Thirteen out of the 15 communities receive IGAP funding. Seven of those communities have recycling g large equipment to a staging area (such as bar and/or backhaul activities written into their work e moving large equipment to a staging area (such as bar Do you expect to encounter any problems in plans. "Yes" "No" Uncertain summarize in a table 2
7
6
“The most logical way to coordinate backhaul locally (is through IGAP) working with public works to tie into existing programs, must build this into existing Public Works programs.”
“Discussion in villages should be that contractors should be required to hall out and dispose of own waste, rather than disposing of them in our landfill, including chemicals. Waste removal should be viewed as part of project instead of community needing to find ways to get rid of it.
Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report • Page 9
3.5 Partnering Villages Table 1 lists communities most likely to coordinate backhaul efforts. Table 1: Nearby villages most likely to coordinate backhaul efforts.
Community Partnering communities Aniak Upper/Lower Kalskag, Chuathbaluk Upper Kalskag Lower Kalskag, Aniak villages most likely to coordinate backhaul efforts.Aniak Lower Kalskag Upper Kalskag, Chuathbaluk Any villages working on backhaul projects. Partnering communities Takotna Nikolai, McGrath Upper/Lower Kalskag, Chuathbaluk Lower Kalskag, Aniak Akiak Akiachak, Tuluksak, Kwethluk mautluak Upper Kalskag, Aniak Akiachak and Tuluksak Any villages working on backhaulAkiak projects. Nikolai, McGrath Kwethluk Akiachak, Akiak, Tuluksak, Kalskag Akiachak, Tuluksak, Kwethluk Napakiak Napaskiak, Oscarville, Bethel, Kasigluk, Nunapitchuk, Atmautluak Akiak and Tuluksak Akiachak, Akiak, Tuluksak, Kalskag Napaskiak Napakiak, Kwethluk, Oscarville Napaskiak, Oscarville, Bethel, Kasigluk, Nunapitchuk, Atmautluak tchuk, Bethel Napakiak, Kwethluk, Oscarville Kasigluk (Atmautluak has different barge routing) Nunapitchuk Kasigluk (Atmautluak has different barge routing) Kwigillingok Kongiginak, Tuntutuliak Kongiginak, Tuntutuliak Tuntutuliak, Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, Eek, Quinhagak Kongiginak Tuntutuliak, Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, Eek, Quinhagak o or what organization would you think would beQuinhagak, best ab Nunapitchuk, Bethel Tuntutuliak, Kongiginak, Atmautluak, Eek Eek, Goodnews Bay, Platinum Tuntutuliak, Kongiginak, Atmautluak, Quinhagak, Nunapitchuk, Bethel Quinhagak Eek, Goodnews Bay, Platinum ate in a multi-village large-scale backhauling operation, who or what organization would you think would be best ab
“It will work best to coordinate efforts with all river.”
Local Tribalalong Councilthe villages 1
IV. Training and Information Needs
4.1 HAZWOPPER Training Ten out of the 15 villages report individuals with previous HAZWOPPER training. However many individuals need full recertification or an eight-hour refresher course. Respondents recognize the need for Organization able to coordinate backhaul efforts proper training to process and handle materials for backhaul.
3.6 Backhaul Coordination Chart 13 reports anticipated agency training support and coordination.
Observations Respondents generally prefer local agency providers to coordinate backhaul projects. Almost all respondents report close working relationships with both AVCP and KRWC, while looking to both organizations for help with backhaul planning and coordination. “AVCP works good with us, financially stable & know how to communicate with them... will work with KRWC also.” Page 10 • Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report
4.2 Appliance Freon Removal Training One out of 15 villages report someone with Freon (re frigerant) removal training. Most respondents were
not aware of such training, but recognized the need to remove refrigerants prior to shipping old refrigerators and freezers.
4.3 Recycling and Backhaul Training All communities need specific information and training to package, palletize, shrink wrap and label materials to ship out. They also need to know where to purchase packaging materials, such as fish totes, pallets, absorbents, waffle-board, shrink-wrap and where to get required placards, freight manifests and bill of lading information for various items. In addition, they will need contact information for barge and air cargo companies who transport, as well as recyclers who
receive these materials. Training will also be required to process vehicles and heavy equipment to remove fuels, oils and antifreeze and other necessary preparations prior to backhaul. “Right now we’re just maxed out. Mostly need training, need to know how to get stuff out, need safety equipment, we’re brand-new at this….need Freon removal training, need heavy equipment operator training & training how to ship out.”
“My main thing that I need is training on the Freon removal, and to be well trained as far as safety. I need HAZWOPPER training. For safety and liability concerns, need to hire people that are trained whoever is working on this. Also would need information on prepping items.” “We’re at step- one so need information and training.”
Villages require training to handle and package hazardous and non-hazardous materials for backhaul.
Conclusions The questionnaire sparked discussion about backhaul. If nothing else, it created a venue to share concerns and laid the groundwork to begin a river-wide backhaul planning process. Participants offered detailed information about recycling and backhauling in their communities and the challenges they face with basic solid waste disposal. This non-scientific survey, also represents a wide variety of communities. Valuable feedback came from upriver as far as Takotna down to Quinhagak on the lower river near the coast and villages in between. The resonating themes are: • Villagers favor backhauling but recognize the challenges. • Villages need to prepare/train for this process. • Communities need to work together and combine resources. • Villages need funding to cover heavy equipment use (or purchase) and worker costs. • Villages look to KRWC and AVCP for technical assistance and support.
• Communities expect agencies serving the region to coordinate efforts on this project. • Villagers recognize the huge undertaking involved. This survey also provided an opportunity for villages along the Kuskokwim River to inform agencies about information, training and resources needed to support backhaul. Respondents generally reported comfortable working relationships with AVCP and KRWC, and they recognize the need for both organizations to work together and coordinate efforts.
Questionnaire Limitations
Time restraints prohibited an actual scientific survey. This “quick and dirty” effort gathered general information, but proved difficult to summarize and quantify. Also, lack of time limited efforts to contact all of the 30 or so communities directly on the river, as well as coastal and inland communities outside of the immediate Kuskokwim River watershed. Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report • Page 11
Mainly, tribal EPA IGAP workers responded to the questionnaire. Their feedback was valuable, but comments from city office personnel, since public works (dump) oversight is generally run out of the city office, would have been beneficial. After each interview, interviewees received an e-mail or Faxed copy of their survey responses and a backhaul inventory sheet developed by Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council for their reference. In summary, many communities are at the very early stages of developing their recycling programs and face challenges with basic solid waste disposal. Several villages reported difficulty simply separating recyclable items out of their dumps, while others are already backhauling items such as lead-acid batteries and e-waste. This disparity makes it critical to bring challenged communities up to speed with systems in place to collect and store materials. Villages will respond better to local recycling efforts once they have a plan in place to remove materials. The success of backhauling will rely on local ability to separate wastes, but that process will require significant outreach and training.
Suggested Backhaul Items
• • • • • •
Lead Acid Batteries Snow Machines/ATVs Cars/Trucks/Bicycles Washers/Dryers Refrigerators/Freezers Furnaces/boilers/water heaters
Separation of materials at the dump supports backhaul efforts while improving overall dump organization, operations and maintenance.
Page 12 • Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report
• • • • • •
To that extent, Jon Waterhouse, director of the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council, describes the backhauling process as a “Successful military operation.” He adds that it’s often necessary to combine and coordinate efforts with other communities that have close working relationships and to share knowledge and resources. This project will therefore rely heavily on local coordination, manpower and heavy equipment, often on an In-kind basis. Villages will need to step up efforts on their end to provide available resources to make this happen (Waterhouse, YRITWC Backhaul Strategic Planning Seminar, May 14-16, 2008). “This (backhauling) is a big need in our region, and communities because most of the time things get buried or covered… could extend the life of the landfill with simple backhaul of materials. (We need) man power, timing commitment and funding-who’s gonna pay for it?” “Need a plan, means and way to get the stuff out first before developing community recycling program.”
Computers/monitors/hard drives Televisions Stoves/Ovens 55 and 300-gallon metal drums Hazardous waste drums Heavy Equipment (forklifts, dozers, etc)
• • • • •
Propane Bottles Scrap Metals Aluminum/steel cans #1 PET/#2 HDPE plastic bottles Fluorescent lamps/compact fluorescent light bulbs • Electrical transformers/lighting ballasts
Recommendations This report recommends the following to initiate/ enhance future backhaul planning efforts. Communities can begin air freighting items that don’t necessarily require a barge, such as fluorescent lamps, electronics waste, alkaline (household) batteries and other smaller hazardous and non-hazardous wastes (Waterhouse, YRITWC Backhaul Strategic Planning Seminar, May 14-16, 2008). These items pose the highest threat to humans and the environment and are relatively easier to remove than vehicles, scrap metal and other large metal items. In the meantime, communities can begin inventorying larger items, like vehicles heavy equipment and scrap metals. Agency providers have the resources to help communities with this process but should limit committing to large-scale backhaul until they are ready to support it. Villages must also be aware that this program is a work-in-progress and some materials may not go out right away. Some large items may require a storage or staging area often for extended periods of time. Villages will also need technical assistance to set up these staging areas (at the barge landing, airstrip or elsewhere) to process vehicles, refrigerators and other large items. Similarly, some materials will require proper containment, packaging and labeling according to state and federal regulations, especially hazardous materials. Many of these activities will require properly trained individuals. The following suggestions will improve backhaul planning and coordination on the Kuskokwim River. • Community buy-in. Establish a regularly scheduled forum with villages along the river to begin discussing backhaul (i.e. audio conference, e-mail or web-based). • Develop an informational website for relevant information, progress and updates. • Provide a backhaul “how-to” manual. • Begin backhaul inventory. It is essential for negotiations with barge/air cargo companies to let them know quantities in each community. • Provide HAZWOPPER and Freon removal training for villagers.
• Start shipping “smaller” items, such as fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent light bulbs, electronics waste and other items, by air cargo. • Hire a “Backhaul Coordinator” as a contact point for information. This person will communicate (on behalf of villages) with barge and air cargo companies, local and out-of-state recycling businesses and other agencies and organizations supporting this effort. • Organize a river wide backhaul planning meeting to include agency providers, stakeholders, barge/air cargo companies and recycling businesses. • Seek guidance and support from Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council to develop a backhaul program on the Kuskokwim that will include all communities inland and on the coast. • Distribute copies of this report to all villages in or near the Kuskokwim River Watershed and other interested parties.
Backhaul “To do” Summary
Begin immediately: 1) Establish transportation partners. 2) Establish End Game. Find out: What do you need to get out? Where does it go? How does it get there? 3) Get community buy-in. 4) Get initial inventory. 5) Begin negotiating with barge and recycling companies before barge season starts. 6) Establish accountablility in each community i) Identify village-based contacts. ii) Get municipalities and tribes to agree and work together. iii) Identify In-kind that communities will provide (i.e. maintenance worker hours, heavy equipment and local staff who will coordinate the project). iv) Inventory and gather materials in one location in village (establish staging area). v) Recognize that materials might not go out right away since barges will backhaul based on space available. (Waterhouse, YRITWC Backhaul Strategic Planning Seminar, May 14-16, 2008) Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report • Page 13
“Need to have a river-wide meeting to determine who would be a good coordinator for that project and for each village.”
“Information needs to be distributed by organizations coordinating efforts. This type of approach would cut down on costs to get stuff out to staging areas. Each (local) entity would be responsible for getting their stuff to the barge. There needs to be enough lead time by giving the school for example, sufficient time to clean out their storage area (sufficient notice) so each organization would be responsible for getting their stuff together, and moving as needed... this would cut down on costs”.
References Gay, Santina (2008), US EPA tribal coordinator (Region 10 Alaska Operations Office). Information received from the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council Backhaul Strategic Planning Seminar, Anchorage, Alaska, May 14–16, 2008. Waterhouse, Jon (2008), director Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council. Information received from the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council Backhaul Strategic Planning Seminar, Anchorage, Alaska, May 14–16, 2008.
Appendices A. KRWC Backhaul Phone Questionnaire B. Interview Contacts Table C. Questionnaire Comments Summary D. YRITWC Backhaul Inventory sheet E. Quick Reference Summary Table
Page 14 • Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report
Appendix A KRWC Backhaul Phone Questionnaire Community:
Ph:
Date:
Fax:
Names of those participating/job title (if IGAP how long?): (Interview should include IGAP workers and others making decisions on solid waste management issues) Introduction: The UAF Cooperative Extension Service is assisting the Kuskokwim River Watershed Council (KRWC) to gather information to assess backhaul potential of solid waste through phone interviews with communities on the Kuskokwim. KRWC is currently exploring options for backhaul of various solid and hazardous wastes similar to the backhaul program being coordinated on the Yukon River by Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council. The goal of this interview is to basically find out where communities are at and what the interest level is for this kind of project. Q: Are you aware of these efforts on the Yukon and know why this is being done? (read this if not aware) There are many reasons why backhauling is of great importance for your community. They include: i). Improving the health conditions of the community by taking toxic pollutants and hazardous materials out of your village including lead acid batteries, electronic computer waste (E-waste), fluorescent lamps, etc. ii). Extending the life of your landfill by taking out metals that can be then sold to recyclers in-state and in the Lower 48 such as snow machines, 4-wheelers, boat motors, big appliances, cars and heavy equipment. iii). Other benefits include the beautification of the village and reducing potential injuries to children caused by abandoned vehicles, used metal drums, etc. Another benefit involves economic development, since some villages are backhauling in their communities so that tourists can appreciate the beauty of the place and increasing the over-all well being of the community.
I.
General Questions:
To gather this information, I have a handful of prepared questions that I would like to ask you: 1.
Is your community currently involved in recycling any of any kind? Yes/no If so, what are currently you recycling (or separating from the waste stream)?
2.
Is your community currently involved in backhauling waste of any of any kind? Yes/no If so what are you currently backhauling (shipping out of your community)?
3.
Is your community planning to get involved with (or expand upon) current recycling or backhaul efforts? Yes/no If so, what?
4.
Please tell us which one do you think are the main reason(s) why your community is involved (or might want to get involved) in a backhauling plan: a. Take pollutants out of the community/reducing health hazards. b. Remove junk vehicles and other materials so to extend life of landfill c. Make the village look nicer/beautification. d. Reduce the risk of injury to children and adults. e. Other (please explain what)
Community Outreach The most successful recycling and backhauling experiences in rural Alaska have begun with intensive community outreach. 1. Please name what community outreach activities you are currently performing in your village to increase awareness why it is important to separate hazardous and undesirable waste from your waste stream (such as): a) Classroom presentation at the school. b) Organizing community events/meetings c) Posting fliers d) Signs at the dump e) Creating/distributing educational brochures f) Home visits
g) VHF announcements h) IGAP Newsletter I) City/tribal council meetings presentations j) Community clean-up activities k) nothing currently l) no answer Backhaul Inventory One goal of this program will be to estimate the total amount of items by category that need to be backhauled from the Kuskokwim region, in coordination with a statewide backhauling effort to be designed. This may include a door-by-door questionnaire in your community, inventory of materials at the dump, or count of those materials already being stored for recycling. This information will enable KRWC to coordinate backhaul scheduling with barge and air carriers who serve the Kuskokwim region. (for schedule and rates) 2.
Have you performed an inventory of materials intended for backhaul in your community? (either door to door, the dump or elsewhere in the community) Yes/no if yes, would you be willing to share that information?
3.
(If not) Would you be willing to conduct an inventory of backhaul materials in your community? Yes/no
EPA IGAP Funding 1. Do you currently receive and IGAP grant? yes/no Are submitting a new work plan for 2009/2010? 2. Are any recycling projects written into your work plan? yes/no If so, what kind of recycling? 3. Are any backhaul projects written into your work plan? yes/no If so, what? 4. If not, would you consider including recycling backhauling into your work plan? yes/no
II.
Questions about handling specific waste items:
Some items may be expensive to backhaul like junk vehicles, large appliances and heavy equipment. Other stuff can be taken out with relatively less cost, like electronic waste, lead-acid batteries, fluorescent lamps, while some items can be done for almost no money like pop cans. The following are specific questions to find out how you deal with each of these waste items. Vehicles/Heavy Equipment/Scrap Metals 1.
Has your village had any successful previous experience backhauling vehicles, scrap metal or other large heavy equipment? Yes/no
2.
Do you have a separate location for these items such as a salvage area at the dump or elsewhere in the community? Yes/no
Refrigerators/Freezers also take up space and require special preparations prior to backhaul by removing Freon, which requires proper training and equipment. 1.
Do you have any successful previous experience backhauling refrigerators, freezers or other large appliances? Yes/no
2.
Do you have a separate location for these items such as a storage area at the dump or elsewhere in the community? Yes/no
3.
Has anyone in the village received Freon removal training? Yes/no If so how many?
4.
Has anyone in the village received Hazwopper training? Yes/no If so how many?
Electronics Waste or “E-Waste” is one of the most polluting and dangerous types of waste to have around your village. These include computer monitors, CPU’s, keyboards, copiers, fax machines, etc. There are various businesses organizations and cargo companies assisting villages in rural Alaska to get rid of them. 1.
Are you aware of services that are available to recycle electronics waste? Yes/no
2.
Are you currently separating computers and other electronic wastes from your waste stream for recycling? Yes/no (if so is there a designated collection point)?
3.
Are you currently backhauling electronic waste out of your village? Yes/no If yes, could you give us an estimate of how many pounds of this waste you have you backhauled up to date?
4.
What are the challenges you are experiencing to manage or recycle your ewaste? (Such as):
a) Lack of knowledge of best practices b) Need “How to” information/training c) Lack of storage space d) Cost/ lack of funding e) Where to get packaging materials? f) Lack of heavy equipment (to move materials) g) No problems h) Other? please explain Lead-acid Batteries are very toxic for various reasons and are one of the priority items your community should consider backhauling instead of landfilling. 1. Are you currently separating lead-acid batteries from your waste stream for recycling? Yes/no (if so is there a designated collection point)? 2.
Are you currently backhauling lead-acid batteries out of the village? Yes/no If so, what method-barge or plane?
3.
How many lead acid batteries have you backhauled so far? (lbs.)
4.
What are the challenges you are experiencing to manage or recycle your lead-acid batteries?
a) Lack of knowledge of best practices b) Need “How to” information/training c) Lack of storage space d) Cost/ lack of funding
e) Where to get packaging materials? f) Lack of heavy equipment (to move materials) g) No problems h) Other? please explain Fluorescent Lamps/Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) contain mercury, and should not be disposed of in your dump. 1. Are you currently separating fluorescent lights from your waste stream and storing for recycling? Yes/no (if so is there a designated collection point in the community)? 2. Are you currently backhauling them out of your village? If so, what method are you using? 3. How many fluorescent lights have you backhauled so far? 4. What are the challenges you are experiencing to manage or recycle your fluorescent lamps? a) Lack of knowledge of best practices b) Need “How to” information/training c) Lack of storage space d) Cost/ lack of funding e) Where to get packaging materials? f) Lack of heavy equipment (to move materials) g) No problems h) Other? please explain 55 gal Metal Drums often contain unknown liquids such as Glycol, used oil, solvents or other unknown potentially hazardous liquids. These liquids must be properly identified and processed and labeled accordingly prior to removal from the community. Similarly, empty drums must be properly rinsed and processed according to standards identified by the EPA prior to removal or recycling. 1.
Do you have metal drums in your community (of known or unknown contents) yes/no If yes, where are they?
2.
Do you know what’s in them?
Waste-Oil 1.
Do you have a waste-oil burner heating system in the community? yes/no If so, is there a designated waste oil drop-off point for residents?
Old Electrical Transformers from power poles often contain Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are a chemical compound know to cause cancer. (Similarly, Electrical Lighting Ballasts manufactured prior or during 1979 can often contain PCBs) These are considered hazardous wastes which should be properly handled, stored and back hauled according to strict federal and state laws. 1.
Do you have old transformers in your community? yes/no If so where are they?
2.
Are you currently backhauling them? yes/no If so, what method are you using?
III.
Backhaul Planning:
The goal is to begin backhauling larger items starting in summer 2009. In order to do that, it will be necessary to have an accurate inventory of vehicles, appliances and other large metal items to be backhauled by the end of this summer (2008). 1.
Would your village be ready or willing to participate in large-scale backhauling for 2009? yes/no/uncertain
2.
If yes, who would be the person to contact in this matter and their title?
3.
What type of materials are you considering to backhaul from your village during THIS summer?
Heavy Equipment/Staging Some villages rely on their city governments for the use of heavy equipment, which is very much needed for backhauling large items. 1.
Will you have access to heavy equipment in case it is needed? yes/no/uncertain
2.
Do you expect to encounter any type of problems in moving large items to the staging area (such as the barge landing)? yes/no/uncertain
Preparation Many of the items need to be staged, sorted, processed and packaged in preparation for back haul in specific ways before they are delivered to the transportation company. 1. Do you have any training or knowledge about how to properly package and label these materials or prepare vehicles for backhaul? yes/no (If so please explain) Partnering Villages According to the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council, the backhauling process has been described as a “successful military operation”. Often it’s necessary to combine and coordinate efforts with other communities that have close working relationships among their environmental workers and organize regional backhauling events so they share knowledge and combine resources 1.
If you were to do a similar cooperative work with other villages, what nearby communities would you most likely work with?
2.
In case your village would participate in a multi-village large-scale backhauling operation, who or what organization would you think would be best able to coordinate the efforts from your area? (AVCP, KRWC, TCC, etc.)
KRWC Role There are several resources available in the Kuskokwim region to help you with the planning of backhauling items from your village, such as the Kuskokwim River Watershed Council. Cooperation between the villages, the watershed council and other organizations is extremely important. 1. In general, how do you think would your community respond to a backhauling program? 2. Would you be comfortable contacting KRWC to help you out with backhaul planning? yes/no 3. What other information would be helpful to you to help meet your backhaul needs? Closing Comments?
Appendix B Interview Contacts Table
GRANTEE NAME Contact Akiachak Eric Phillip, IGAP Dir.
Email
[email protected]
Status Done
[email protected]
Done
Aniak
Nettie Beatty, IGAP 765-7118 Stephanie Ivan, Asst. Dwayne Hoffman, IGAP 675-4507
[email protected]
Done
Association of Village Council Presidents
Roberta Chavez (IGAP) 543-7362 Minnie Fritts (Circuit) 543-7373
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Chuathbaluk Eek
Abe Rose, IGAP 467-4113 Janet McIntyre, IGAP 536-5210 Nick Carter-TA Fritz Petluska-City Clerk Larson King-EPA Tribal Liason (visiting) Billy Jean Stewart, IGAP 471-2322
[email protected]
Received general e-mail feedback from Roberta Chavez and Minnie Fritz. Done Done
[email protected]
Done
Akiak
Kalskag Kongiganak
Phone/Fax 825-4615/4664
557-5223
[email protected]
Done
757-6030
[email protected]
Done
Quinhagak
Deloras Lozano, IGAP Dir. Betty Phillip, Asst. Peter Daniel, Sr. TC member. Jim George, IGAP Joe SarconeEPA(visiting) Willard Church, IGAP
556-8167 ext. 412
[email protected]
Done
Kwigillingok
Emma Kiunya, IGAP
588-8116
[email protected]
Done
Lower Kalskag
Anna Morgan, IGAP Dunia Morgan, Tribal grant writer. Joe Sarcone-EPA (visiting) Walter Nelson-AVCP Housing Authority
471-2246
[email protected] Done
[email protected]
589-2135
[email protected] [email protected]
Done
Ross Nicholas-IGAP 737-7364 . Nunapitchuk Sophie Chaliak, IGAP 527-5730 Peter Nicholai Orutsararmiut (Bethel) Rosalie Kalistook, IGAP 543-2608 ONC ONonkkkkkkk
[email protected]
Done
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Done
Takotna
[email protected]
Kwethluk
Napakiak
Napaskiak
Nell Huffman
298-2211
Received general feedback from Rosalie who recommends contacting City of Bethel Public Works Dept. and Jack Heraldson-ONC Council member at 5430504 (not cantacted). Done
Appendix C Backhaul Questionnaire Comments Summary General Questions Is your community currently involved in backhauling or recycling any of any kind? If so, what? •
Looking into e-waste recycling and talked to Lynden air cargo for a quote… always hard for communities along the coast since limited places to recycle. Bethel only takes pop cans and Napa in Bethel takes lead-acid batteries.
•
Waiting for the city to approve a sight by the barge landing for staging larger stuff like white appliances and big equipment.
•
Right now we do not have a backhauling system, just doing aluminum cans. We’re in the first stages of developing our recycling program.
Is your community planning to get involved with (or expand upon) current recycling or backhaul efforts? •
Yes, we formed an environmental planning committee to discuss urgencies. We’re very interested in backhauling activities-we are also in the process of prioritizing projects with council on solid waste activities.
•
Yes would like to, there is a need out here, something that should be planned on especially since ATVs end up at the dump. More cars and trucks are being bought in the village; vehicles last about 5 years then end up in the dump. Past vehicles were disposed of during old dump closure. There’s an increase in office equipment like computers in the village, especially after satellite dishes came, more people have computers at home.
Please tell us which one do you think are the main reason(s) why your community is involved (or might want to get involved) in a backhauling plan: •
Our landfill is gonna fill up; sending those (materials) out to recycle and reuse is essential.
•
We should backhaul so trash can be properly disposed, not kept in the village, so our water resources and subsistence resources areas can be protected.
•
We have an uncontrolled open dump sight, everything going in there including hazardous waste and vehicles (that caught on fire), refrigerators, etc. Closest house is 50 feet away from dump. Need to get control of what’s going in there. Also there are four-wheelers, snow machines and etc. by every house, there is junk all over the place.
•
Main reason is our landfill is very unmanageable right now, local entities and households are bringing their trash to the landfill including abandoned vehicles, etc., and dealing with prior waste from projects left by construction companies.
•
Given the study that was done (by UAF Cooperative Extension Service); the study of the land, there is real bad stuff going on. The SWM plan calls for reuse and recycling. There are fish tenders that can backhaul, which could be coordinated with Coastal Villages Region Fund CDQ. We are a member village, tenders can get around to several rivers and should be able to arrange backhaul, should be able to get some help from them.
•
One of the main reasons is the lifespan of the landfill to save space; any recyclables in the village we want to ship out. The community cares about there environment where they live. At the school they are learning about recycling and it continues to take a life of its own. They are interested in backhaul, looking at abandoned vehicles, white goods, old four-wheeler frames, bicycles because they are taking up space at the landfill and want to extend the life of it because it’s beyond its capacity. We’re worried about the health of the people since there are four old dump sites.
•
We had a community meeting with IRA Council, they wanted to see less waste in the community for health for our children
•
To free up and make more space available at the new landfill, so we don’t need to seek funds to create new site. We are on our third dumpsite so the landfill would have more longevity. This (backhaul) would save on construction and engineering fees to build a new landfill and would save on management and maintenance. Metals etc can be reused. Instead of a throw away society we can inform people about what other options are available as far as recycling and alternatives to dumping,
Community Outreach Please name what community outreach activities you are currently performing in your village to increase awareness why it is important to separate hazardous and undesirable waste from your waste stream: •
RAVEN AmeriCorps will go house-to-house in the community and provide different colored trash cans to begin separating in house for recycling such as alkaline batteries, and etc. We’re in early stages; this effort begins from one household at a time.
•
Education is what we are working on first, some of the Elders are reluctant to change old ways to let go of things they think are ‘useful’ but they are working toward it.
Backhaul Inventory Have you performed a door-to-door questionnaire or inventory? •
Inventoried old snow machines, refrigerators, did survey to find out how many fluorescent lamps in community to throw away. I’ve talked to Northland to get estimate of removal of old snow machines, scrap metals-we would need to find money to get it done.
•
Not yet, this is a priority and a good project for our (RurAL CAP) RAVEN AmeriCorps program.
(If not) Would you be willing to conduct an inventory of backhaul materials in your community? •
We can-as far as businesses, (but) if community has wastes that they want to recycle or backhaul we could let them know, then they can drop off at staging areas, although not sure how to organize that…pretty sure if we hung up signs and spread the word then people would know…could stop by landfill or peoples houses that have vehicles to inventory.
Vehicles/Heavy Equipment/Scrap Metals Has your village had any successful previous experience backhauling vehicles, scrap metal or other large heavy equipment? •
No, looking into asking for price quotes from barge services & have already done inventory. Right now biggest problem is limited barge services, whereas upper Kuskokwim has daily service.
•
“…there is a need out here, something that should be planned on especially since ATVs end up at the dump. More cars and trucks are being bought in the village; vehicles last about 5 years then end up in the dump. Past vehicles were disposed of (buried) during old dump closure.”
Do you have a separate location for these items such as a salvage area at the dump or elsewhere in the community? •
Four- wheelers and snow machine are piled up at dump in one area. In 2006 they did a summer clean-up and separated metals, refrigerators, metal tanks, aluminum boats etc. Each is stored in generally separate areas.
•
We have a temp site for old refrigerators, 4-wheelers, old bikes, old washers, people salvage what they can. Workers are hired to move stuff there from the community.
•
Yes the scrap yard, which is located outside the dump and is only for metal.
•
Tried to separate at the dump but now being mixed with everyday trash. Some people put stuff to the side at dump but right now it’s hit or miss.
•
There’s a location on one side of the dump for people to put refrigerators/freezers but not anymore. Cars, trucks and refrigerators all go in the same place at the dump.
•
We have snow machines ATVs, freezers refrigerators in one section and used vehicles in another section. Everyday waste is in different section for burning or compacting. Most vehicles were brought up to the landfill with tractor maybe 4-5 years ago, problem: many houses are too close and so vehicles in those areas need to be dismantled before moving.
Electronics Waste (e-waste) Are you currently backhauling electronic waste from your village? •
Yes, Arctic Transportation Service is backhauling for free, but trying to find better rate from Bethel to Anchorage. In past, received some funding from American Seafoods and Best Buy to help with fees.
What are the challenges you are experiencing to manage or recycle your e-waste? •
Cost, coordination, just having a staging area
•
No problems, we were provided with those packing boxes that we could use till we were able to ship them out.
•
No designated collection site-although trying and writing letters to local agencies and households about this stuff…also, trying to get households to separate recyclables and burnable waste from non-burnable waste.
•
(Challenges are) air cargo backhaul rates and having the nearest hub in Anchorage, whereas, people living in the Interior on the road system can just drop off. We have to find air carriers that are cheaper.
•
Probably how they will get it on the plane & how to palletize and shrink-wrap. Don’t know where to get pallets, packaging materials, etc. Not sure how to get a pallet or tote in a smaller plane.
•
Last year shipped out two pallets, the airline company stopped picking up because they were too heavy and we had no equipment available locally to lift pallets. We need a forklift. Freight cost and lack of storage are also problems, we need connexes.
•
Just started our (IGAP) program and just learning about all of this. Just trying to communicate the serious health risks to the community.
•
Getting info to people as far as what’s recyclable as (such as) e-waste & how to locate funding to get a program started and find out what resources available to begin backhaul.
•
There’s an increase in office equipment like computers in the village, especially after satellite dishes came, more people have computers at home.
Lead-acid Batteries What are the challenges you are experiencing to manage or recycle your lead-acid batteries? •
Having heavy equipment to load on plane and someone who would be able to operate the landfill could take care of that as well.
•
Not sure yet whatever method is cheapest (barge or plane). Need info on whatever is cheapest, can’t get pallet of batteries on small plane. Maybe need to go by barge?
•
Need to contact NAPA auto parts in Bethel, transportation to airstrip was problem (now have four-wheeler and trailer). People are generally interested in bringing batteries to us.
•
Wanted to see if we can get fish totes for lead-acid batteries but don’t have totes or money to ship out by barge.
•
Challenges with how to get those out from the village; need funding and packaging materials, (absorbents, DOT placards etc.)
•
Need info to learn how to ship out, need more fish totes donated or container specific for that or work with recycler that would send totes back to the village.
Fluorescent Lamps/Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs What are the challenges you are experiencing to manage or recycle your fluorescent lamps? •
Don’t have the space and facility to have collection site.
•
Recycling cost per pound+ freight cost.
•
Dangerous to handle for residents and for those shipping.
•
Compact fluorescent bulbs are becoming more available, therefore there will be more of that type of waste. Need containers to recycle these and inform the community.
55 Gallon Metal drums Do you have metal drums in your community If yes, where are they? •
Some at dump… also a lot of old propane tanks that could be backhauled.
•
Empty ones are used for burn barrels. There’s a couple gathered together at a temp site-some might have unknown liquids. Currently asking people to store and contain antifreeze and oil, looking for safe disposal of antifreeze of used oil.
•
Yes we have metal 55 gallon drums at the dump that are old and rusty. There are three contaminated sites that belong to the old school that are still standing (old tank farms). There are two old fuel tanks at the river from old fueling station & two other old tank farms from the power plant.
Waste-Oil •
Needs to be a way to dispose of used oil, people are dumping oil on the river bank, especially with four-strokes. No used old collection point in community although used to be at city shop until burner quit.
Electrical Transformers (and Electrical Lighting Ballasts) Are you currently backhauling them? If so, what method are you using? •
We’re asking around where transformers can be properly disposed or how to have them shipped out. They are not contained-need information.
Backhaul Planning How do you think would your community respond to a backhauling program? •
The (City/Tribal) Council’s are going for it. This is one thing that we would like to really see happen. This is a priority and is a 10 (on a scale of 1-10). The store and village corporation is interested in this happening and would support a backhaul program to help the community. We will provide anything that would help such as supporting documents, resolutions and etc.
Would your village be ready or willing to participate in large-scale backhauling for 2009? •
Yes, would also have to coordinate with city since they own the dump, we can’t just go in the dump and take all this because there would liability.
•
Yes, it would be another step to get it going, and would take getting help from other sources (to do so).
•
Yes, this is the first priority.
•
Yes, for those metals, vehicles, ATVs-maybe not for the refrigerators/freezers since need to Freon removal training first.
•
The inventory would take a month or at least a couple weeks. If we got inventory, we would need permission from homeowners to move stuff, but first need to get approval on backhaul staging site... would be a lot of work to go house-to--house. Not ready to do this w/o planning and let people know ahead of time.
•
W/o barge landing site this would be impossible and also need heavy equipment (which is) currently not written in our budget for equipment rental, therefore applying for heavy equipment grant. Also need grant for lining the staging site; first need to have all of these things in place. Were at the early stage to try to get things done…filling out grants to try to meet the demands and waiting for grants.
Do you expect to encounter any type of problems in moving large items to the staging area? •
I think if we requested for use of local equipment and have money to pay for the fuel we would be able to do that.
•
Could do it with four wheelers and trailer in summer.
•
Need laborers, and boss to oversee crews moving items. Have dozer but need bobcat forklift to lift and move stuff.
•
We are applying for funding for heavy equipment including a bobcat to move metal stuff around at the dump and lead-acid batteries as needed.
In case your village would participate in a multi-village large-scale backhauling operation, who or what organization would you think would be best able to coordinate the efforts from your area? •
AVCP, (we) work closely with AVCP Environmental Department, also work closely with KRWC David Griso and keep in contact.
•
AVCP works good with us, financially stable & know how to communicate with them... will work with KRWC also.
•
AVCP for downriver villages, KNA for upriver.
KRWC Role What other information would be helpful to you to help meet your backhaul needs? •
Where to get funding for staging area and where will that come from? The city, TC or KRWC? Also need communication & training such as dealing w/ automotives and how they want vehicles prepared.
•
Funding information, better barge service, proper training.
•
Training, get people qualified and trained ahead of time in proper areas where they would be needed.
•
Right now we’re just maxed out. Mostly need training, need to know how to get stuff out, need safety equipment, we’re brand-new at this…need Freon removal training, need heavy equipment operator training & training how to ship out.
How do you think would your community respond to a backhauling program? •
Good. We did soil and water sampling at dump, and community leaders and people from school district were pretty concerned. We found lead, zinc copper, nickel, and creek along landfill.
•
The residents want to have all that stuff gone.
Closing Comments? •
This (backhauling) is a big need in our region, and communities because most of the time things get buried or covered…could extend the life of the landfill with simple backhaul of materials. (Need) man power, timing commitment and funding-who’s gonna pay for it?
•
We would like to see the backhaul program; to have the recycling loop …it’s hard for us to have the resources available. Need a full river wide system in place, more barge services that would be available for the communities in the lower Kuskokwim areas. We have been sharing information with other tribes as far as our information on how to do things... would like to hear back about this summary if available.
•
We’re at step one so need information and training.
•
Biggest challenges because we are so far up river it’s hard to get barges up there for the really large backhauling projects.
•
I’m glad that they (KRWC) are helping us try to solve our backhauling problem. Need to get information for setting up backhauling staging site, fences, liner, etc.-and what are the regulations for such a site.
•
Need an Inventory sheet, conference calls and updates on this project. “My main thing that I need is a training on the Freon removal, and to be well trained as far as safety. I need HAZWOPPER training. For safety and liability concerns, need to hire people that are trained whoever is working on this. Also would need information on prepping items.”
•
When city has meetings, I communicate that we can’t keep doing what is currently going on at dump. I also remind them that stuff coming in from contractors needs to be dealt with since it’s not re-useable.
•
Need to have a river wide meeting to determine who would be a good coordinator for that project and for each village.
•
It all comes down to accessing heavy equipment and establishing staging area at barge landing…. (we) want it to be sustainable.
•
We are gonna do an assessment from each household to see what they have.
•
We’ve been working with the environmental planning committee to deal with this issue; we get more support and direction. It’s important that we work with the committee and work with other communities to work together to take care of our environmental issues.
•
Need a plan, means and way to get the stuff out first before developing community recycling program.
•
Getting info to people as far as what’s recyclable as (such as) e-waste & how to locate funding to get a program started and find out what resources available to begin backhaul.
•
The most logical way to coordinate backhaul locally (is through IGAP) working with public works to tie into existing programs. Must build this into existing Public Works programs.
•
Discussion in villages should be that contractors should be required to hall out and dispose of own waste, rather than disposing of them in our landfill, including chemicals. Waste removal should be viewed as part of project instead of community needing to find ways to get rid of it. Power lines and ground lines end up in landfill. Left over paint, adhesive, flooring, construction crews bring in and don’t haul out.
•
Information needs to be distributed by organizations coordinating efforts. This type of approach would cut down on costs to get stuff out to staging areas. Each (local) entity would be responsible for getting there stuff to the barge. There needs to be enough lead time by giving the school for example, sufficient time to clean out their storage area (sufficient notice) so each organization would be responsible for getting there stuff together, and moving as needed... this would cut down on costs.
Appendix D Sample backhaul inventory sheet developed by Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council YRITWC Backhaul Inventory Sheet
Backhaul inventory - Season 2008 Items Vehicles (total) Cars Trucks Heavy equipment Batteries (total) Vehicle Household (# of containers full) Computers (monitors, CPUs, keyboards, etc) Office equipment (copiers, fax machines, etc) Refrigerators/Freezers Boats (metal only)\ Outboard motors Snowmachines ATVs Generators** Fuel Tanks* Tires* Tire rims Drums* (total) Empty Glycol Used oil Other (specify if possible) Electrical transformers** Miscellaneous (please describe
*These are items that we cannot take yet but need to know about for our records **Contact us about these items. We need more information before they can be backhauled
Amount
Appendix E Survey Quick Reference Summary Table (Provided to Kuskokwim River Watershed Council) Table summarizes detailed information provided by each participating village intended for specific backhaul planning purposes.
