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Committee and Republic Services discuss fire‑risk monitoring and emissions measurement at Coffin Butte
Summary
DSAC members and Republic Services discussed fire‑safety measures, low‑cost alternatives, and the feasibility and cost of remote detection equipment; members also agreed to arrange technical meetings including the local fire department and emissions monitoring experts.
DSAC members and Republic Services representatives discussed fire prevention and detection options at Coffin Butte and the interplay with emissions monitoring.
Republic said its expansion submittal included a third‑party fire‑risk report that concluded a minimal overall fire risk. Brett said Republic maintains on‑site resources (a water truck and soil for smothering hotspots) and had installed an enclosed flare to address prior flare‑related issues. He said a recently discussed remote “fire rover” style detector would cost roughly $75,000–$100,000 for the device plus roughly $1,500–$2,000 a month for remote monitoring and that cellular connectivity at the site is unreliable; such systems may require satellite communications (e.g., Starlink) to function reliably.
Committee members urged Republic to explore lower‑cost, locally feasible options and asked that local fire department representatives participate in technical discussions. DSAC member David Heckleman volunteered to work with Republic and the county to develop a scope and cost estimate of feasible fire‑safety measures; members requested the operator and county staff set meeting times for the workgroup.
Separately, DSAC members reiterated interest in emissions monitoring for methane capture performance. David Hackleman (committee member) offered to work with Republic on calculating how much methane the gas collection system captures versus how much might be released; Republic said the person best able to provide detailed calculations (Paul) is transitioning into a new role and will coordinate availability for site meetings. DSAC members also noted Valley Neighbors for Environmental Quality and Safety has compiled methane data and spreadsheets that the committee can review alongside EPA models.
Ending: Committee members agreed to schedule follow‑up meetings including Republic, DSAC technical volunteers, a local fire department representative and county staff to develop fire‑safety options and to set up a plan to calculate emissions capture and release estimates.
