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Yakima County staff propose multi-part rate increases to cover landfill closure and compliance costs
Summary
County staff reported landfill closure and compliance cost increases that raise projected Terrace Heights liabilities to about $37 million by 2030 and proposed two temporary per-ton surcharges plus a two-stage tipping-fee increase and annual inflation adjustments to fund work and closure obligations.
Public Services Director David Haws and Solid Waste Manager Scott Davis told the Board that projected costs for Terrace Heights landfill have increased substantially since the last review, driven by higher construction and materials costs and evolving Department of Ecology requirements. Scott Davis said the estimated cost to expand the landfill gas collection system rose from $3 million to $4.3 million and that projected closure costs increased from $15.4 million to $24.3 million after including a composite liner; combined obligations and inflation raise the countys liability to about $37 million by 2030.
To cover those costs, staff proposed two temporary project-specific surcharges an environmental compliance surcharge of $4.75 per ton and a landfill closure fee of $9.60 per ton plus a 35% increase in tipping fees initially, followed by a 10% increase in 2027 and annual 4% inflationary adjustments through 2035. Commissioners acknowledged the burden to residents but directed staff to take the proposal to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for input and to hold the statutorily required public hearing before returning with a final recommendation.
