The Ballroom
Questions for ISWMMP
RECEIVED Fri., July 31, 2009
Dear Editor,
I have a few questions for the Integrated Solid Waste Management Master Plan planners [“A Plan to Plan for a Zero-Waste City,” News, July 31]. I didn't catch their meeting announcement in time to attend last Thursday, July 30. The questions the ISWMMP pose seem to lead to the obvious answer of locating waste disposal in Webberville. (This is Parenting 101: When you want the kid to do something, you give them the choice between one obviously bad and the other, which is the outcome that you desire.) Solid Waste Management in Austin is obviously going to have to change, but the options presented don't serve Austin's long-term potential. Locating a landfill within a mile or two of the Colorado River on the bluff with views of the river valley is stupid.
What are the results of an impartial environmental impact study on the Colorado River and local watersheds?
Will the state and/or federal government conduct an economic analysis that considers alternative development of the city-owned Webberville tract and its impact on the Del Valle, Manor, and Elgin economies and school districts?
Is the city of Austin going to make use of its investment in rail infrastructure to collect and transport solid waste? What are the benefits of a regional or state waste facility? Is the city government able to correct its reputation as arrogant asses and work with the state and neighbors for a better solution?
Will the city of Austin implement a surcharge for trash service farther from the dump because the trash has to be hauled farther?
Is the city of Austin going to expand the "pay-as-you-throw" model with bar codes or radio-frequency identification on individual trash cans?
What is the cost of road upgrades throughout the county that will be needed due to the larger heavy trucks?
Is the city of Austin going to expand city limits to encompass the site before construction? Shouldn't the city take responsibility and own all of the consequences of its decision?
Given the future changes in solid-waste handling, is there opportunity for an empowered solid-waste worker union?
I have a few questions for the Integrated Solid Waste Management Master Plan planners [“A Plan to Plan for a Zero-Waste City,” News, July 31]. I didn't catch their meeting announcement in time to attend last Thursday, July 30. The questions the ISWMMP pose seem to lead to the obvious answer of locating waste disposal in Webberville. (This is Parenting 101: When you want the kid to do something, you give them the choice between one obviously bad and the other, which is the outcome that you desire.) Solid Waste Management in Austin is obviously going to have to change, but the options presented don't serve Austin's long-term potential. Locating a landfill within a mile or two of the Colorado River on the bluff with views of the river valley is stupid.
What are the results of an impartial environmental impact study on the Colorado River and local watersheds?
Will the state and/or federal government conduct an economic analysis that considers alternative development of the city-owned Webberville tract and its impact on the Del Valle, Manor, and Elgin economies and school districts?
Is the city of Austin going to make use of its investment in rail infrastructure to collect and transport solid waste? What are the benefits of a regional or state waste facility? Is the city government able to correct its reputation as arrogant asses and work with the state and neighbors for a better solution?
Will the city of Austin implement a surcharge for trash service farther from the dump because the trash has to be hauled farther?
Is the city of Austin going to expand the "pay-as-you-throw" model with bar codes or radio-frequency identification on individual trash cans?
What is the cost of road upgrades throughout the county that will be needed due to the larger heavy trucks?
Is the city of Austin going to expand city limits to encompass the site before construction? Shouldn't the city take responsibility and own all of the consequences of its decision?
Given the future changes in solid-waste handling, is there opportunity for an empowered solid-waste worker union?
Jerry Henrichs
