Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Waste Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Waste management: landfill volumes steady, RNG plant construction progressing with delays
Summary
Waste Management told the court the landfill handled about 2.6 million tons in 2024 with host fees to Gilliam County totaling about $5.17 million; construction on the RNG plant is underway but delayed toward a Q4 startup target.
A Waste Management representative provided the Gilliam County Court with operations and revenue figures and a construction update for the county landfill on Jan. 22.
Paul Wilson said the landfill received approximately 2.6 million tons in 2024 and that host fees paid to Gilliam County for the year were about $5,170,934. For the fourth quarter of 2024 he reported 676,000 tons and host fees of about $1,300,000.
Wilson said the company recorded 15 OSHA‑recordable injuries for the year and is pursuing training and safety measures to reduce incidents. He described construction progress at the renewable natural gas (RNG) plant: buildings and vessels are up, a new flare has been installed, and testing is ongoing; however, the plant is not yet operational. He said project timelines slipped and that operations are now expected in about the fourth quarter of the current year, subject to remaining testing and commissioning.
Wilson also reported that cell 17 construction has begun, including moving roughly 1.8 million cubic yards (reported as "1,800,000 tons of soil" in the briefing) to prepare the cell, and that a new contractor has mobilized for that earthwork.
He briefed the court on a safety improvement at a neighboring operation (Ken‑Waste) where automation reduced employee exposure in an active processing bin: an excavator was converted to remote operation, allowing operators to work from a protected trailer with remote controls and video monitoring.
Wilson said Waste Management and county staff will arrange a site visit and that the company has upcoming meetings about the post‑fee agreement and a conditional‑use matter in May. He invited the court to tour the facility.
Why it matters: Disposal volumes and host fees are a substantial source of county revenue and the RNG plant could affect future operations and revenue streams when online.
