[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6118087,"mediaKeyId","2725087-8f30e31816dbf009267121a9b2128c89","parentId",2725087,"title","Solid Waste Authority warns EPA draft limits could force costly retrofits, earlier closure of REF‑1","audioSeconds",1470,"startMs",1221000,"endMs",2691000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2725087-8f30e31816dbf009267121a9b2128c89&start=1221&end=2691","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2725087-8f30e31816dbf009267121a9b2128c89/thumbnail_1221000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6118087/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Solid-Waste-Authority-warns-EPA-draft-limits-could-force-costly-retrofits-earlier-closure-of-REF1","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6118087-87de4461a6ee5d1e9fb46d9cc0471abe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178133&Signature=iEFbZ3~QrQlh9Ob3rhVoDdip5g5URCSQcb4orrfrBfpLI5WozUsqwxSPNuSmB3yfm6s9yB8WhpFHex8X9rDmgku1RkWTiGsXzLBVLgPEy25y9i5w-4WZP7zvs6FwYxtyfVEL00AanVkUMrxZdhUEfmyiln25KL0KWHygacQ5AiaWDOJVgA9n0zEWVt9Y6urOdYJx4g4fE3RFuVF6yVQS15BrWlC8nG38njWldNXUduMKMR0UEUFUi786JDsX0AB0nFWzAyo7PTxshqmLBzVJUxBx35Uh4lx3twWB9N963s3RB2aHOrhWORO1BBj8oit0qsiWWIC4LX9cl1pJP8WIpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Palm Beach County","date","2025-03-21T11:21:34.917Z","article","The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County was briefed on proposed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revisions to Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards for large combustor units and directed staff to seek broader industry and legislative help to extend the federal comment period and evaluate impacts.

Executive Director Dan Pelowitz said EPA’s draft would apply to existing waste‑to‑energy units that combust more than 250 tons per day, including the Authority’s Renewable Energy Facility 1 (REF‑1) and Renewable Energy Facility 2 (REF‑2). “We support all environmental standards intended to protect public health where necessary. I want to make that clear,” Pelowitz said, adding the concern is “where and how they’re established and whether they’re achievable or not.”

Pelowitz told board members the proposed rule would lower emission limits and remove longstanding exclusions for startup, shutdown and malfunction periods. He warned that change, combined with EPA’s expectation of continuous operation of emissions monitors, could produce frequent permit exceedances even where plants have historically complied.

Why it matters: REF‑1 was permitted in the 1980s, refurbished in 2010 and has an operating contract that the Authority has planned to extend through 2029 while building a replacement. Pelowitz said spending large sums to retrofit an older facility that may operate only a few more years raises difficult budgeting and planning questions.

Details of authority’s concerns

- Retrofit costs: Pelowitz said REF‑1 likely would need “advanced selective non‑catalytic reduction technology” at an estimated $10–$15 million and substantial upgrades to baghouses and reagent systems. REF‑2 would likely need similar but smaller upgrades. Pelowitz also cautioned that some retrofit technologies are proprietary and not widely available.

- Monitoring and enforceability: EPA’s draft assumes continuous operation of Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS). Pelowitz said CEMS outages and maintenance are normal; treating each outage as a violation could produce multiple unavoidable exceedances annually and would require redundant systems with additional capital and operating costs.

- Operational impacts and landfill planning: If REF‑1 were shut earlier than planned or not replaced, Pelowitz said landfill life would shorten from an estimated 2054 to 2044 — a reduction of about 10 years — increasing the likelihood of hauling waste out of county or siting new landfill capacity.

- Emissions examples: Pelowitz cited nitrogen oxide figures showing REF‑2 often operates well below proposed limits while REF‑1 operates higher (he cited an example NOx value of about 142 parts per million at REF‑1 versus about 32.6 at REF‑2). He said carbon monoxide is especially difficult to control during startup and shutdown.

Board directions and next steps

Board members asked staff to pursue several actions. Pelowitz said staff will request a 60‑day extension of EPA’s comment period, coordinate test protocols with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the plant operator (Covanta) to evaluate operational mitigation, and work with industry groups including the Waste‑to‑Energy Association (WTEA) and the Florida Waste‑to‑Energy Coalition. He also said the Authority will consider letters to the congressional delegation asking for assistance.

Legal and financial exposure

In response to a question on penalties, staff said fines vary by pollutant and duration and can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars per violation; Pelowitz added the Authority could face large one‑time capital needs and ongoing costs and said he would not knowingly operate plants in a way that knowingly produces violations.

Board comment and support

Commissioner Weiss and others urged pursuit of the extension and broader outreach. Pelowitz asked for board guidance before any litigation, noting industry organizations have already initiated legal action; he recommended working through those coalitions rather than the Authority filing independent suit.

Ending

The board directed staff to move forward with requests for an extension, coordinate testing with FDEP and the operator, and collaborate with industry partners and the congressional delegation to ensure the Authority can provide informed comments to EPA and evaluate financial implications.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","SWA MEETING 2-14-2024","oneSentenceSummary","The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County was briefed on proposed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revisions to Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards for large combustor units and directed staff to seek broader industry and legislative help to extend the federal comment period and evaluate impacts.","taxTitle","Palm Beach County, Florida","taxId",2875,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6118077,"Authority approves Citizens Advisory and Small Business Advisory committee appointments",876,357000,1233000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2725087-8f30e31816dbf009267121a9b2128c89&start=357&end=1233","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2725087-8f30e31816dbf009267121a9b2128c89/thumbnail_357000.jpg","/articles/6118077/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Authority-approves-Citizens-Advisory-and-Small-Business-Advisory-committee-appointments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6118077-3312808268c5560992cb6a97a080ba8c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178133&Signature=JDsPBhkh3UsVTIPldULqr3RATMNR6VEntXVfhXfUQbMxLPOxs1eXlkrjmlJw-cofW8SgqGXXa5kbZD3ZzRXX8BYglKUl0l4FxOffBNiwXhYdP9dchafv6J3fFyX0TJ3iFXD1g2fC8L1AzIowwE11yIyDWfjLiXxDtI9LPeXJAUk8xZo5kmkrsGOXJEVu7RmwUBJ6xRF5c-cdmLiny5uH7bXp-jcvuzj6EiPR8r8~~NqdO3ogTErVZP~i4SczVX9CMDC2dssUY35CEQqdjKAUtNY4ySrC5~kyU2n8LloQxq17pd~gF9cpIavDkBZsy1wqFZERhTXgNljajGKms8U5IQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Solid Waste Authority approved appointments to two advisory bodies and ratified at‑large seats for the Small Business Advisory Committee (SBAC).

Under item 9A‑2 staff presented current Citizens Advisory Committee membership, noting one vacancy in District 4 and a redistricting change that moved a current District 6 representative, Ray Maurer, into Commissioner Weiss’s district so he could no longer serve as the District 6 representative. Commissioner Marino nominated Justin Bosnoyan for District 1. Commissioner Barnett said his prior nominee, Rafael Amaro, no longer wished to serve and nominated Jose Rendon as his replacement.

Financial management staff also presented SBAC appointments. The SBAC has 11 members (one appointment per board member plus four at‑large seats confirmed by the board). Michelle Demotter was reappointed for District 3. The board approved the at‑large appointments by voice vote.

Why it matters: The SBAC is a standing advisory body that provides input on procurement and small business matters; maintaining complete membership supports that advisory function.

Board action

A board member moved and the board approved the Citizens Advisory Committee and the SBAC appointments and ratified the at‑large SBAC seats by voice vote.

Ending

Staff will update committee rosters and proceed with onboarding of newly approved members.","The board approved appointments to the Citizens Advisory Committee and annual appointments to the Small Business Advisory Committee, including the appointment of Justin Bosnoyan and replacement nomination of Jose Rendon.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6118082,"Authority OKs concept for Customer Convenience Drop‑Off center at Central County Transfer Station",621,500000,1121000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2725087-8f30e31816dbf009267121a9b2128c89&start=500&end=1121","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2725087-8f30e31816dbf009267121a9b2128c89/thumbnail_500000.jpg","/articles/6118082/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Authority-OKs-concept-for-Customer-Convenience-DropOff-center-at-Central-County-Transfer-Station","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6118082-cbceee86dca4690ab5b7c190f74f984d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178133&Signature=RAOfdaEgD9gHbnbfyDb3QXI5t5tn0tHT7~DpbqM-zAf9~eAsEfwn8rKrT4ze1-spKHPp9NRzL6dpcr2Ht3QQLcYZhVYy7fRKHXItkaj~v6Q1B8Q81Psm2IQiF3S8sVGbwGbtasGTxr-5Wnp6hsCVYNA337PvXiTN2KgvgVcExKBFUwq0d3nMjuQfs6syb6GW3CWIDdf9lUI4n1eAWTnSQ5OhPub0RAAIH7IzCdtVwcbycDRLmq4feuUoUjH~n2Dh7jsYVRQSvZ6fSBZyke4pacuGC30fgnoiRVMjYh6bhUiCDikwTQV4BGBJjwcuzskaJiyv2a18PDzXwBeQk0KSIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Solid Waste Authority board approved staff’s request to advance a concept for a Customer Convenience Drop‑Off Center (CCDC) at its Central County Transfer Station to reduce peak wait times and separate contractor and trailer traffic from the main tipping floor.

Operations staff said the Central County Transfer Station — located at the I‑95 and Lantana intersection near High Ridge Road — is the Authority’s busiest site and handled roughly 450,000 tons last year. Staff showed photos of long queues during peak periods and explained that many vehicles (contractors, pickups with trailers, curbside collection trucks and residents) must hand‑unload, which can take 30–45 minutes and causes bottlenecks on the tipping floor.

Operations staff described the CCDC as a series of pull‑through stalls and ramps where vehicles would offload specific material types (C&D, vegetation and recyclables) into roll‑off boxes or directly onto ramps. Staff emphasized that no household garbage would be handled at the outdoor stalls and that the project would be submitted to the City of Lantana for planning and zoning review. Staff also said they will mail outreach materials and hold onsite meetings with the High Ridge and Lake Osborne communities.

Why it matters: The CCDC is intended to reduce idling and queue lengths at the Central County station; staff listed operational examples from the landfill and the North County Transfer Station.

Board action and implementation

A board member moved to approve staff’s request to move forward with the concept; the motion was seconded and carried. Staff said the project will be budgeted in the FY 2024–25 budget cycle, with funds becoming available in October 2024 and construction beginning thereafter.

Questions and coordination

Board members asked whether staff had discussed the plan with the Town of Lantana and with FDOT projects on Lantana Road (the I‑95 interchange/figure‑8 project). Staff said the Authority had informed the mayor of Lantana and would continue coordination so there would be no conflict with road work.

Ending

The board approved the concept and directed staff to proceed with design, community outreach and coordination with the Town of Lantana and FDOT before returning with budgeted plans.","The board approved staff’s request to advance a conceptual plan for a Customer Convenience Drop‑Off center at the Central County Transfer Station to reduce queueing and handle contractor loads off the main tip floor; project will be budgeted in the FY 2024–25 cycle and proceed through City of Lantana planning review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Solid Waste Authority warns EPA draft limits could force costly retrofits, earlier closure of REF‑1

Authority approves Citizens Advisory and Small Business Advisory committee appointments

Authority OKs concept for Customer Convenience Drop‑Off center at Central County Transfer Station