Williamson forming landfill watchdog committee
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

ACORN FILE PHOTO TRASH TALK- Rumor has it that the Simi Valley Landfill is planning an expansion. That possibility has driven one City Council member to initiate plans for a citizen-led advisory group to provide input into the matter.

In response to rumors that the Simi Valley Landfill & Recycling Center is planning an expansion in the near future, Councilmember Barbra Williamson said last week she is forming an ad hoc advisory committee to gather facts and listen to the concerns of residents before the possible landfill growth proposal goes forward.

The independent committee, which would not be affiliated with the City Council, could explore all concerns about the potential expansion without bias, Williamson told the Acorn on Monday.

The landfill in question is operated by Waste Management Inc. and is located in unincorporated Ventura County near the 118 Freeway between Moorpark and Simi.

Although expansion plans are not yet confirmed, Williamson said, the public should know what's going on and be given the opportunity to provide comment.

"I don't believe that a proposal that affects our environment, traffic, health and quality of life should be negotiated without public input," Williamson said in a press release.

If the public waits until county officials formally review the plans, it will be too late for the community to influence any necessary changes, Williamson said, so now is the time for input.

"I'm not saying we can't expand the landfill, but we need to know how residents will be affected and how many trucks will be generated," she said, adding the growth would have a prolonged effect on all residents who live along the 118 Freeway.

Katherine Cole, director of external affairs and sustainability initiatives for Waste Management, said she agreed with the idea of forming a public advisory committee.

"It makes sense to have community input on our operations all the time, whether we expand or not," Cole said.

The landfill is permitted to operate until 2034, but based on the rate at which it's filling up, Cole said, it's likely the site will be full by the year 2026. The current permit allows for 822 vehicle trips per day, which includes commercial and personal vehicles as well as recycling trucks.

About 185 acres of the 235-acre Waste Management site is currently used for trash. The remaining land is used for offices and a green power generator, Cole said.

Seventy-five percent of the trash collected at the landfill comes from Ventura County, with most of the remaining 25 percent coming from Malibu, Agoura Hills, Calabasas and the western parts of the San Fernando Valley, Cole said.

The landfill is also used by cities in Orange and San Bernardino counties.

Since the landfill is in the sphere of influence of Simi Valley, the city gets a $2.50 tipping fee for every ton hauled here, Cole said.

The county and the state also receive a portion of the landfill fees, which generally cost $45 per ton for miscellaneous refuse brought by independent individuals. The fee is lower for large trash haulers because they negotiate better rates, she said.

"We stay in business working with our neighbors," Cole said.

Local authorities allow the facility to operate, "so it's very important to us for folks to know we run a very safe operation and we have open door facilities," she added.

Although Waste Management has proven itself a good corporate neighbor, Simi Valley must make sure it gets a fair share of the tipping fees, Williamson said.

According to the Simi Valley council member, county officials have already met informally with Waste Management to discuss the possible expansion plans. Supervisors were invited to tour the facility and to get a preliminary overview of the plans, she said.

County Supervisor Peter Foy, who represents the Fourth District, told the Acorn the board hasn't received any official expansion application yet. He also said he wouldn't approve the project if it generates more truck trips on local roads.

Rumors about the expansion began to surface two years ago during the supervisor's race between Foy, Jim Dantona and Judy Mikels, although the landfill still has not made that announcement publicly.

The committee Williamson is forming will consist of six members she will appoint and the council member herself. They would keep an eye on developments and speak on behalf of residents. A Waste Management representative will also be asked to participate.

Moorpark Councilmember Keith Millhouse was invited to participate but he declined.

"The Moorpark Council will have an opportunity to review the expansion plans, so I assume we will have an opportunity to have some input on it," Millhouse said.

Individuals who live in Simi Valley, Moorpark and nearby areas who wish to apply for a position on the advisory committee can contact Williamson at 1197 E. Los Angeles Ave., Unit #3C PMB#227, Simi Valley, CA 93065. Or e-mail irishart@sbcglobal.net.

For more information, reach Williamson at (805) 231-2497.

The application deadline is April 20 and participants will be selected May 1.