Even if permitting began today for other on-island disposal alternatives, it would be unlikely that they would be operational before 2011. The time needed to site and permit a new solid waste landfill on Oahu is approximately seven years. The time necessary to design, permit and build an additional waste-to-energy burner is approximately five years.

EXTENDING THE USE OF THE LOCAL LANDFILL WILL SAVE MONEY FOR RESIDENTS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES AND PROVIDE ECONOMIC BENEFITS FOR THE WAIANAE COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY BENEFITS Ongoing Community Benefits - The City and County of Honolulu has implemented a $2-million community benefits package focused on Leeward communities. THE EXPANSION WILL: Extend use of the landfill to its full life-of-site Fulfill ongoing capacity needs. Alternatives for low-cost, on-island disposal are unlikely to be operational before 2011 Extend the financial benefits to the Waianae community Continue to protect the environment by utilizing the latest environmental safeguards With a team of some of the finest engineers and ecologists, we will continue to employ the latest tools to protect the soil, water and environment we all enjoy.

By extending the use of our local landfill, local residents and businesses will save significantly. The closing of Waimanalo Gulch Landfill in 2008 could cost the City more than $17 million in early closing costs through scheduled depreciation and legal obligations. In addition, barging costs could add up to $20,000 per day. The City and County of Honolulu have also developed a $2-million community benefits package.

An Important Asset Meeting Local Community Needs

Waste Management of Hawaii has been a proud partner with the City and County of Honolulu to provide safe, reliable and efficient disposal services since 1989.

We are committed to keeping our local communities clean and conserving landfill space. To this end, Waimanalo Gulch Landfill is developing plans to extend the permitted use of the landfill beyond July 2008. We are also pursuing a permit modification to allow us to accept ash beyond 2006. Because land is so valuable, the site should be used to its fullest potential before it is closed. Here are some of the ways these modifications would benefit our neighbors and our community.

BECAUSE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IS A CORE VALUE OF OUR BUSINESS, WE EMPLOY THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES TO OPERATE AND MONITOR WAIMANALO

Waimanalo Gulch Landfill has an excellent record of working with city, county, state and federal regulators. Waste Management employees live here too, and we go above and beyond what is required of us to keep our communities and environment safe. Our commitment to our communities’ environmental and social health means that we are continuously working to operate our facilities in the safest way possible. We respect the sensitivity of the Hawaiian landscape and its delicate ecosystem.

With a team of talented engineers and environmentalists, we continue to employ the latest tools, such as air quality controls, leachate collection and removal systems, a landfill gas collection and control system and constant groundwater protection and monitoring. In 2005, we constructed a berm fronting the landfill. The berm improves aesthetics and reinforces the stability of the landfill. Over the next year, we expect to invest $150,000- $250,000 in landscaping improvements at the landfill.

We have also taken steps to effectively mitigate traffic, odor and litter. Some of our Best Management Practices include moveable fences to catch windblown litter, dedicated litter patrol crews, and early/ongoing soil cover for active areas on windy days. Throughout our operations, we are constantly monitored by regulatory agencies to ensure environmental compliance in and around the landfill.

ADJUSTMENTS WILL PROVIDE SAFETY VALVE TO WAIANAE COMMUNITY FOR LIFE-OF-SITE

Under the current permit, the facility is scheduled to close in May 2008. The closure would leave the City with fewer options for the 800,000 residents and 1.8 million tourists who generate a combined 1.6 million tons of solid waste each year. If permitted beyond 2008, the landfill would be a reliable disposal option. The Waimanalo Gulch Landfill would be unaffected by shipping disruptions or technology breakdowns while the City develops waste disposal alternatives.

For more information about Waimanalo Gulch Landfill and our expansion plans, call Russell Nanod, Community Affairs Manager, at (808) 668-2985 ext. 21.

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