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City weighs higher-cost landfill option for wastewater solids to avoid permit risks
Summary
City staff and EMI reported Habersham County landfill wet-site restrictions sometimes prevent disposal of dewatered solids. EMI proposes using the Waste Management landfill in Homer on days the county site is unavailable, which could raise disposal costs by an estimated $10,000–$15,000.
Wastewater operations staff and representatives from EMI told the Demorest council they have faced repeated days when the Habersham County landfill could not accept dewatered solids from the city's wastewater treatment facility because of rain and wet-site restrictions. That inability to dispose of solids has caused accumulation at the plant and could threaten permit compliance and operations.
EMI reported it has contacted the Waste Management landfill in Homer, which has agreed to accept the solids without the same site-condition restrictions but at a materially higher disposal cost. EMI estimated the change could increase the solids-disposal budget line by about $10,000 to $15,000. City staff said the solids-disposal budget remains below its allocated amount at present but asked council to authorize using Homer on days Habersham is unavailable to avoid noncompliance and operational impacts.
Council discussion at the work session did not record a formal vote; staff will pursue the option and return with any necessary budget adjustments for formal action as needed.
