2006-7 Newsletter

PRESIDENTS CORNER

by John Briest

A new year is upon us! With the recent snowstorms in Colorado we have the opportunity to see how important our profession is. Without public and private collection, recycling facilities and landfills providing this needed service, one could only imagine how many trash bags or recyclables would sit in front of everyone's home.

This year looks to be very exciting for the Chapter. We want to bring in more technical sessions for landfills and work to make the hauling portion of the business further involved into the Chapter. The place for the annual meeting has been set and a Road-E-O is in the planning stages.

The Chapter this year looks to build upon its past two years of success. The Chapter is as strong as it has ever been and is only getting stronger. This of course wouldn't be possible without an active membership full of ideas for the Directors. The Board encourages its membership to forward ideas whenever and not just at the annual meeting.

The Board has already been active in setting policy for providing grants as it relates to the industry. As issues come before the Board we will respond in a timely manner. I encourage everyone to visit the Chapters website at www.coloradoswana.org to find out information on the latest Boards meetings, events, and general information. I look forward to seeing everyone at the various upcoming events held throughout the year.

Technical Sessions

Technical Training Sessions planned for this year include a Session on analyzing Environmental Data provided by Ken Niswonger of the Colorado Department of Health and Environment on February 20, 2007. The registration form is attached to this newsletter article (see pages 10-11). Secondly, we are planning on a hauling technical session in the month of May; watch for details.

Director Introductions

Since our annual meeting in October, Tom Strickland of the City of Denver has joined the Board. Tom has eight years of experience in the Solid Waste Management field and has held a SWANA certification as a Recycling Systems Manager since 2000. His current position is as Recycling Program Administrator with Denver Recycles, a program of the City of Denver's Solid Waste Management.

The Board is continually looking for new Board members to make the Chapter even more exciting and dynamic. The more Board members we have the more opportunities the Board has to give back to the organization. With Toms inclusion the current make up of the board includes four consultants, two City employees from various locations in the State, three County employees, one State employee, and one individual from industry.

ROAD-E-O

By John Briest

The Road-E-O is Back! The Chapter is in the current planning stages of a 2007 Road-E-O. The effort is being led by David Villalobos of the City of Longmont. If you are interested in sponsoring, volunteering or participating for the event please contact him at (303) 651-8767. Details will follow in the coming months.

2006 COLORADO ROCKY MOUNTAIN SWANA CHAPTER ANNUAL MEETING

by Leonard Butler

The largest and best Colorado Rocky Mountain SWANA Chapter Annual Meeting was held October 4-6, 2006 in Alamosa.

The meeting began with a tour of the San Luis Valley Regional Landfill in Rio Grande County. The landfill located west of Monte Vista was host to approximately 40 visitors. Darrius Allen, Chairman of the San Luis Valley Regional Landfill Regional Solid Waste Authority and Don Valdez, the Site Manager provided an excellent overview of their operation.

Upon returning to the Inn of the Rio Grande in Alamosa, a reception and dinner were held to welcome the meeting attendees. One highlight of the dinner was a presentation by Jay Young, Colorado Gators, Inc. Attendees were given a presentation to better understand and appreciate the ideal environment provided for these animals in the San Luis Valley. In addition, the presentation was concluded with the opportunity to hold a live gator being escorted by Jays 10-year old daughter, Samantha Young.

The second highlight was recognition of the Chapters outstanding member for 2006. This honor was given to Roger Doak with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The award included a pet gator. Roger was very appreciative (just kidding!!).

The next morning began with a series of presentations by experts in their professional fields. The presentations were well-organized and covered topics concerning wastes that require special solutions, collecting, recycling and composting (Part A), landfill gas impacts to shallow groundwater, wastes that require special handling along with a fascinating keynote presentation entitled, China and India's Ravenous Appetite for Natural Resources Their Potential Impact on Colorado. The keynote presentation was given by Vince Matthews, Colorado State Geologist.

The lunch included a color guard, and a presentation by Mark Seaton, Facility Manager and Fred Bunch, Park Ranger concerning the solid waste management at the nearby Sand Dunes National Park. The programs that have been instituted at the Sand Dunes were very interesting. It was particularly amazing to hear how much horse manure so few horses can generate!

The afternoon programs continued on the same professional level. The presentations were focused into two segments that covered collection, recycling and composting (Part B) and a regulatory rulemaking update. The second collection, recycling and composting segment highlighted a local composting program using cull potatoes. CDPHE staff gave several presentations concerning stakeholder group progress on geotechnical, financial assurance and groundwater. CDPHE's support of the Chapters 2006 Mission for Helping Solid Waste Professionals to Manage was evident in their level of participation at the meeting. In summary, all of the presentations received high marks from the solid waste community in attendance.

The 2006 Annual Meeting was a hit with all that attended. Stay tuned for more information about the 2007 Annual Meeting to be planned for the fall!

FORECAST FOR THE 2007 ANNUAL MEETING

by Cathryn Stewart

Weather: Marvelous
Date: First week of October
Place: Southeastern Colorado

For those who attended the recent annual meeting in Alamosa and for those who didn't get to plan now to attend the 2007 annual meeting. Where? When? Well, we haven't finalized the location or date yet. Well likely choose October 3-4-5, to visit our host and landfill in the plains of southeastern Colorado (Rocky Ford and La Junta, Otero County)!

We expect to announce the annual meeting theme, date, and place within the next few weeks.

And to all those hopeful speakers, start collecting your thoughts on that paper you've been meaning to present to your cohorts, because the Call for Papers will be coming soon to an email box near you! Thanks in advance for your support of your Colorado Chapter of SWANA.

COLORADO SWANA BOARD MEMBER TO BECOME PRESIDENT OF SWANA NATIONAL

by Dick Sprague & Susie Gordon

Do you know which of your chapters Board of Directors will become the next President of the SWANA's International Board? well give you a hint: she has been the Colorado Chapter Director on International Board of Directors for SWANA for at least eight years. You may have guessed by now that we are talking about Laurie Batchelder Adams.

Currently the national organizations Vice President, Laurie will become President in October 2007. Her inauguration will be at SWANA's Wastecon conference and exhibition in Reno. Since this event will mark the first time that a Colorado solid waste professional has achieved this post, your Board is planning a celebration in Reno. Several Board members will make the trip, in part to show our support for Laurie. Please consider attending this event if you are able. Remember that scholarships are available for this event.

Laurie is also active in the Colorado Association for Recycling, which is the local affiliate of the National Recycling Coalition. She is President of LBA Associates, a firm dedicated to assisting public agencies in developing and implementing solid waste management and recycling practices. She has been active in Colorado solid waste management for nearly 20 years, currently with LBA Associates and previously with HDR Engineering and Woodward Clyde.

Come to Reno and support Laurie as she accepts the responsibility of Presidency of SWANA!

When interviewed for this article, we asked Laurie how she sees SWANA changing in the future years and what she has as priorities for her Presidency: I have watched SWANA's focus change from primarily collection and landfill issues to a broad and comprehensive approach to the entire solid waste industry - including diversion and special waste management as well as disposal. I applaud SWANA's understanding that we need multiple technologies and practices in each of these areas as no one set of solutions works for every community or company. Here are a few of my priorities as a SWANA officer:

1. Continue working with other associations to provide more comprehensive and cost-effective resources to our members - how many of us can still afford to go to multiple national conferences every year? This means joint certifications with sister organizations, more electronic delivery of our courses and products, & co-conferencing with chapter and regional events.
2. Continue reducing the footprint (negative environmental impacts) made by SWANA's conferences - at nearly 8,000 members, SWANA has become an organization to be reckoned with, and we have both responsibilities and privileges associated with our growth.
3. Expand SWANA's training program: It used to be that we could upgrade our classroom courses every 5 years or so - not any more! Equipment improvements, technical advancements and whole new ways of looking at the industry require much more rapid updates, as well as alternatives to traditional classroom training.
4. Find ways to create more cohesive interaction between the international SWANA mother ship and the chapters - such that training, research and advocacy service and products match what local members look to SWANA to provide.

SWANA needs your input and participation. Get involved and get vocal - starting with the Colorado Rocky Mountain Chapter at www.coloradoswana.org.

GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIP OFFERINGS EXPANDED

By Susie Gordon

In its 2007 adopted budget, the Colorado Chapter of SWANA approved a $2,250 fund for the scholarship and Awards Committee program to use to provide opportunities for professional development, training, and classes that are related to solid waste issues. Our goal is to award as much of this money to members, prospective members, and students as possible throughout the year.

Over the past several years, the Committee has not received very many applications, so several new ways to increase participation have been adopted. A number of awards will available in the $25 - $500 range, which may be applied toward a variety of expenses, including:

• Short-course training fees (partial or total reimbursement)
• Mileage reimbursement to attend training or conferences
• Installation of DSL computer hook-ups for on- line training
• National SWANA on-line training sessions
• Other expenses as deemed appropriate by the CO-SWANA board.

Another new feature of the program is that non- members may apply; in this way, we hope to stimulate interest in joining SWANA. We also want to remove any stigma about whether someone has to be needy to apply; everyone is eligible regardless of income levels.

Scholarship money is available for students who demonstrate commitment to helping raise standards of excellence for the waste management field. To be eligible, student must be enrolled, or have been accepted and are preparing to enroll, in any Colorado college, community college, or university in the following types of programs:

• Engineering
• Environmental Sciences, Planning, Economics, or Education
• Natural Resources Management
• Chemistry, Hydrology, Geology, or other related sciences.

The Committee is working to get an on-line application installed on the CO-SWANA website in early February. This will provide an easy-to-fill-out, one-page form to use for applying for grants and scholarships. Also watch for check-off boxes that will begin to appear on meeting registration forms to request consideration for reduced fees for attendance. For further information, contact Scholarship and Awards Committee members Susie Gordon or Roger Doak.

RESEARCH FUNDING PROGRAM ESTABLISHED

By Dick Sprague

During 2006, the Colorado Chapter of SWANA was approached by a member representing his employer and requesting assistance in funding a research program. This public agency was interested in funding a demonstration project to reuse otherwise unusable cullet glass in glassphalt. The Board was interested, but we had no policy to guide our chapter in analyzing the merits of a request for research funding.

During the late fall and early winter 2006, your Board of Directors developed a draft policy on awarding research grants, debated the merits of the policy, and adopted a final policy. This policy defines procedures for public or private agencies to apply for research funding, and defines the requirements for a project to qualify for funding. One of the key requirements set out in the policy is that a project must be able to demonstrate that it would provide benefit to other agencies in its regional area within Colorado.

With adoption of this policy, the Board is prepared to evaluate research projects on their merits. The policy limits these grants to a maximum of $7,500, or 15 percent of the Chapters cash assets, which is defined as checking plus savings accounts.

REGULATORY UPDATE

by Roger Doak

During the 2005 legislative session two bills, SB 05- 141 and HB 05-1126, were passed by the Colorado General Assembly that necessitate changes to the states Solid Waste Regulations 6 CCR 1007-2 (Regulations). Although SB 05-141 did not specifically require the CDPHE to promulgate rules, implementation of this bill would be problematic without regulations. HB 05-1126 does mandate that the department promulgate regulations.

HB 05-1126

This bill requires commercial waste tire haulers to:

• Transport waste tires only to a waste tire storage site, waste tire landfill site, permitted municipally- or privately-owned solid waste landfill site. Additionally, waste tires may also be transported to tire recycling facilities and beneficial users.
• Register with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
  • We have created a registration application sheet for waste tire transporters titled: Waste Motor Vehicle Tire Hauler Certificate of Registration Application Form. The direct hyperlink address is http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/regulations/solidwaste/
• To post a bond in a form and an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

The Waste Motor Vehicle Tire Hauler regulations were promulgated by the State Board of Health on November 15, 2006 and became effective on January 30, 2007. These new rules can be found in Section 15 of the Colorado Solid Waste Regulations 6 CCR 1007-2. The solid waste regulations are located at the following address: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/regulations/solidwaste/

SB 05-141

Specifically, Senate Bill 05-141 prohibits the disposal of residentially generated used oil, lead acid batteries and waste tires. This law will affect automotive retailers, recyclers, transfer stations, solid waste disposal facilities and waste haulers. Haulers are responsible for educating their residential customers on the waste ban. Landfills must amend their waste characterization plans to include procedures aimed at minimizing the disposal of these wastes. This ban takes effect July 1, 2007.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is holding a series of stakeholder workshops to solicit input on draft regulations being written to implement a new law intended to promote recycling of these prohibited types of motorized equipment waste.

The proposed Motorized Equipment Waste Regulations can be found at: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hm/regs.htm

The current time frame includes three additional stakeholder meetings scheduled for January 31, February 14, and March 1. The Final version of the regulations would be sent to the Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission by mid-March and rule making would occur during the May Commission meeting.

30^TH ANNUAL LANDFILL GAS SYMPOSIUM

from SWANA National

As North America turns to alternative sources for energy and fuel, landfill gas programs continue to grow and thrive. Many partnerships have formed to consider landfill gas utilization and the technology that drive these various programs. One prominent forum is the Annual Landfill Gas Symposium given by the Solid Waste Management of North America (SWANA). Although acknowledgement of diminishing fossil fuel reserves is higher than ever, renewable energy sourcing is not a new concern. For 30 years, landfill gas professionals have come together to discuss this issue and share their insights on landfill gas management. SWANA's Annual Landfill Gas Symposium will celebrate its 30^th anniversary on March 4-8, 2007 in Monterey, Calif.

The landfill gas conference has covered a range of topics including emerging landfill gas utilization technologies; the fate of Section 29 and 45 tax credits; old and new market prospects for landfill gas-to-energy given the expanding green-power market in the United States; microturbines and their increasing application for supplying on-site landfill power needs and grid-supplied power; current landfill gas research and modeling projects; monitoring landfill gas area and point source emissions; and combined gas and leachate management. This years special anniversary conference reaches out and covers topics such as landfill gas management and its effects on climate action issues, renewable energy credits, carbon financing and greenhouse green emission control.

To celebrate the 30^th anniversary Landfill Gas Symposium, this years trade show will exhibit a display of memorabilia from past conferences. This array of various items will remind participants, old and new, about the distinguished achievements and remarkable progressions within the landfill gas industry. Additionally, SWANA's Landfill Gas Management Division will recognize those who have made significant contributions to the industry and whose efforts have shaped the development and management of landfill gas projects. The Division will applaud these honorees and their endeavors at the Awards Luncheon, while inducting them into the prestigious Hall of Flame. Only twice before has this honor taken place.

The anniversary conference will also include other extra special offers. SWANA will provide 10 technical sessions featuring more than 30 industry- leading professionals; a focus on project case studies and landfill gas utilization at small landfills; training courses covering Landfill Gas Basics and Landfill Gas System Operations; and extended Table-Top Trade Show hours. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend hands-on facility tours to Santa Cruz County's Buena Vista Landfill and the Monterey Regional Waste Management District. Symposium attendees can also participate in this years 12th Annual Landfill Gas Symposium Golf Tournament. Located at the Poppy Hills Golf Course, this event takes place at a scenic, tree-lined location that consistently ranks among the premier courses in the region by Golf Digest.

This milestone anniversary returns to its most favored venue, Monterey, Calif. The city of Monterey has an abundance of sights and activities to offer its visitors. Art lovers can visit the Monterey Museum of Art, which currently showcases the celebrated works of Pablo Picasso. History buffs can tour Colton Hall, the historic site where officials drafted California's first Constitution in 1849, or perhaps browse The Maritime Museum of Monterey.

Just about anyone can enjoy a walk through the Monterey Aquarium or along the Municipal Wharf, a popular location for beach weddings. With so much to offer, Monterey is the perfect location for such an extraordinary event. Convened in San Diego, Calif., and St., Petersburg, Fla., the previous two years, this years symposium will move to the Hyatt Regency Monterey. For more information about the 30^th Anniversary Landfill Gas Symposium, please contact SWANA's Member Services Team at 1-800-GO-SWANA (467-9262) or visit www.SWANAstore.com.

2007 THINKING OUTSIDE THE BLUE BOX CONFERENCE

from SWANA National

The United States alone generated approximately 245.7 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2005 according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The amount of recycled MSW went up to 58.4 million tons, which makes for a 2 percent increase in the tons recycled over a one-year period. Doesn't sound like a lot? That slight-sounding 2 percent consisted of around 1.2 million tons of recyclables! As the recycling industry continually grows, it constantly searches for new technologies to increase waste diversion rates. Recycling and special waste professionals explore innovative ways to go above and beyond blue box recycling programs. One upcoming opportunity for these professionals to come together in these efforts is SWANA's Recycling & Special Waste Symposium: Thinking Outside the Blue Box in Tampa, FL. on February 26 27, 2007.

This symposium covers a range of topics, which include finding new markets for glass, building reuse-partnership programs, extended producer responsibility programs, increasing waste diversion rates, the national rebranding initiative, recycling difficult wastes, and legislation and developments in the field of electronics recycling. Attendees can listen to the keynote speaker, Gary Connor, the manager of environmental affairs in the Corporate Auditing & Compliance Division at Caterpillar, Inc. This industry mogul will talk about his goal to reach a 70 percent recycling rate by 2010, and reduce hazardous landfill and special waste materials through global initiatives, along with the specific steps he will take to get there.

Attendees also have the opportunity to attend panel discussions. Each with a selected moderator, the panels consist of various industry experts. One panel will focus on the way collection events and awareness programs shape the way hazardous and recyclable materials are diverted from the waste stream, while another will concentrate on the best options for recycling construction and demolition material. A third panel about the successes and challenges of extended producer responsibility programs will also make for an exciting discussion. The conference includes a welcome reception, table- top trade show and endless networking opportunities. Following the conference, SWANA's Training Center will offer six different training courses from February 26 March 3, 2007.

For more information about Thinking Outside the Blue Box, please contact SWANA's Member Services Team at 1-800-GO-SWANA (467-9262) or visit www.SWANAstore.com.

COLORADO ROCKY MOUNTAIN SWANA YEAR END FINANCIAL REPORT

by Stephen Gillette

Fiscal year 2005 and 2006 was a great year for your Colorado Rocky Mountain SWANA Chapter. Our annual meeting was very successful and during the course of the year we hosted several successful training events. The Chapter ended the fiscal year with a balance of $15,131.96 and a savings account balance of $17,565.91. The Chapter also has loaned National SWANA $10,000. This loan is intended to assist SWANA in its efforts to become more accessible to e-business, and the investment is accruing a competitive interest rate for the Chapter.

This years budget is also included for your information. This budget includes monies for training seminars, professional development, scholarships, a collection vehicle road-e-o, and the other usual chapter expenses. If you have any questions concerning any of this information please contact me.

Balance Sheet (As of 10/31/2006) ASSETS   Cash and Bank Accounts   Checking $15,131.96 Savings $17,565.91 TOTAL $32,697.87     OTHER ASSETS   E-Business Loan $10,000.00     TOTAL ASSETS $42,697.87     LIABILITIES $ 0.00     OVERALL TOTAL $42,697.87

Income and Expenses for 2005-2006 Rocky Mountain Colorado SWANA INCOME   Advertising $ 50.00 Annual Meeting $12,300.63 Dues $ 3,791.30 Interest $ 260.55 Other income $ 750.00 Tech meeting revs $ 1,805.00 Interest $ 319.54     Total Income $19,277.02     EXPENSES   Uncategorized $ 0.00 Annual Meeting $12,262.31 Board meeting costs $ 3,521.50 Ins/legal/acctg. $ (37.46) Other expenses $ 1,682.20 Postage $ 34.19 Printing $ 53.16 Scholarship $ 1,000.00 Tech meeting cost $ 1,824.67     Total Expenses $20,272.19     OVERALL TOTAL $ (995.17)

COLORADO CHAPTER SWANA-ANNUAL BUDGET

Fiscal Year: 2006-2007 November 1 through October 31			Budget 2006-2007
OPERATING BUDGET	Number	Unit rate	Costs	Revenue
Programs & Training
Annual Meeting			(6,000.00)	13,000.00
Bi-Monthly Programs
Feb-06			(450.00)	450.00
				0.00
Jun-06			(450.00)	450.00
Partnering Training (State, Others)	1		(1,000.00)	0.00
Road-e-o			(3,000.00)	3,000.00
Board Support
Meetings (Monthly)	10	$100.00	(1,000.00)
Board Retreat
Travel - IB Meetings	2	$1,500.00	(3,000.00)
Travel - WASTECON	1	$1,000.00	(1,000.00)
Membership Costs	1	$350.00	(350.00)
Newsletter
Printing/Reproduction	1	$25.00	(25.00)
Postage	1	$18.50	(18.50)
Website	1	$2,000.00	(2,000.00)
Advertising Revenue	6	$100.00		600.00
Promotion/Advertisements
CO-SWANA Banner	0	$100.00	0
Dues Rebates from National
Regular	90	$22.00		1,980.00
Sustaining	40	$47.60		1,904.00
Small Enterprise	5	$38.60		193.00
Student	1	$10.20		10.20
Other revenue
Officers E&O Liability	1	$950.00	(950.00)
Professional Development
Professional Development	2	$625.00	(1,250.00)
Scholarships/Awards	1	$1,000.00	(1,000.00)
Miscellaneous Revenues/Expenses
CD Interest	0.05	$17,565.91		878.30
E-Commerce Loan to National		$10,000.00		0.00
Checking	0	$15,131.96		0.00
Subtotals			(21,493.50)	21,587.20	Operating Budget
				93.70	Operating Profit/Loss

Send Your News Items to:

Dick Sprague
HDR Engineering, Inc.
103 East 17th Avenue, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80203

(303) 764-1520
(303) 860-7139 fax
Email