The City Council natural resources committee will consider restoring the environmental standards and hear a response from the Mayor’s staff today at 2pm.
According to Councilman Carl DeMaio, “At a minimum, the city should be able to save $15 million (in 2011) from privatizing the Miramar landfill.” Chief Operating Officer Jay Goldstone estimates it would only save $10 million, but what would we lose?
The Center for Policy Initiatives, the Sierra Club and other local groups have warned of potential air and water pollution, as well as harm to sensitive habitats and endangered species, if the landfill is privatized. “The City of San Diego is quietly selling off its only landfill, a move that will impact every San Diego resident and business. Besides providing a place to put a million tons of trash a year, Miramar Landfill is a moneymaker for the City and provides many benefits that are likely to be degraded or lost under the proposed 35-year lease to a private operator.”
Will fees double? Green recycling that produces free mulch and compost for city residents, businesses and community gardens. Recycling also extends the life of the landfill. CPI analyzed the City’s description of the proposed privatization contract, and found significant omissions that will lower service levels and environmental standards, increase costs for many and decrease public accountability. One big thing missing will be the internationally certified environmental management system at Miramar. The city dropped the certification shortly before seeking bids from private operators last July. CPI, the Sierra Club and other local groups have warned of potential air and water pollution, as well as harm to sensitive habitats if the landfill is privatized. Email your council representatives or attend the meeting.
