CTAS recently began the administration of a new training certificate program in conjunction with the Solid Waste
Association of North America (SWANA) and the Tennessee Solid Waste Directors Association (TSWDA). The new Solid Waste Professionals Certificate Program (SWPCP) was designed to provide sound principles and practices in the planning, management and operation of an integrated solid waste system.
Participants will reap many benefits from the SWPCP, including having a comprehensive training program with courses specifically designed for their role as a solid waste professional; learning the latest approaches in the solid waste field of study; networking with leaders and innovative colleagues in solid waste management; and becoming recognized by the University of Tennessee as a Certified Solid Waste Professional. The program requires the completion of a combination of both SWANA and CTAS courses, some of which involve the participant to successfully complete a corresponding exam. Once certified, the solid waste professionals must earn 42 hours of approved training credit within a three year cycle to maintain their professional designation.
In October, CTAS presented the first SWPCP certificate to Randy Etheridge, the solid waste director from Hardin County.
For more information on the SWPCP, contact CTAS Training Manager Bob Schettler at bob.schettler@tennessee.edu.
or click here.

From– Shannon Crawford, Manager of Legislative and Regulatory Programs, SWANA

On September 30, 2009, Senators Boxer and Kerry introduced their climate change legislation, S. 1733, The American Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. This bill includes a program devoted to state recycling programs, Section 154. This section requires EPA to establish a state recycling program and develop analyses and methodologies to optimize reductions of greenhouse gas emissions through recycling. This program provides that funds distributed by States under the Act to carry out recycling programs be allocated in minimum proportions among county and municipal programs, eligible recycling facilities, and eligible manufacturing facilities.

…The localities that qualify under the eligibility requirements set forth by the draft would receive grant monies to improve their programs.

Because of amount of funding potentially available, the program requirements are fairly strict, with the intent of making the biggest impact on the national recycling rate. To be eligible, the programs must have a solid waste management plan that includes education and outreach efforts. Localities also must collect at least five recyclable materials (designated within the program rules) and within three years of receiving the funding have a collection rate either higher than thirty percent OR a ten percent increase from where they started. Localities also must have a curbside collection program, a drop-off program and a materials recycling facility and these operations must show compliance with a quality, environmental, health and safety management system.

The money allocated to county or municipal programs is intended for:
• recycling related technology that
o reduces or avoids GHG emissions
o increases collection efficiency
o improves the quality of the material collected
• energy efficiency projects for transportation fleets and equipment used to collect and sort recyclables
• recycling program related expenses including
o education and job training
o approaches for assuring compliance with recycling requirements
o development or implementation of best practices for MSW reduction programs
• to ensure that materials intended for recycling are not disposed of during fluctuating markets

The funding for this program would come from the “State Programs for Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation” outlined in Section 211 of Title II - Program Allocations. This program is set up to distribute proceeds of emission allowances for implementation of projects, programs, or measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Ten percent of these funds are allocated towards funding coastal state economic protection programs. Fifty percent of the funding is reserved for transit grant programs.

State Recycling Programs would be one of six programs receiving the remaining forty percent of the funds. These other programs include: grants to fund water systems mitigation and adaptation partnerships; flood control and response; adverse impacts on agriculture and ranching activities; and programs addressing air pollution and air quality. States that receive this funding source are required to submit Climate Change Response Plan reports biannually.

The total amount of money available has not yet been established.

Attached are copies of the sections referenced.

Sincerely,
Shannon

Shannon Crawford
Manager of Legislative and Regulatory Programs
240-494-2241 - direct

SWANA - Solid Waste Association of North America
1100 Wayne Ave., Suite 700
Silver Spring, MD 20910
1-800-GO SWANA

kerry_boxer_sect_154

kerry_boxer_sect_211-2

Landfill bans went into action today in North Carolina.  The enacting legislation and materials banned are found here.

http://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_130a/gs_130a-309.10.html

A 15-20 minute training video is available for Tennessee local governments operating Solid Waste Convenience Centers or Recycling Centers.  The video is geared toward front line staff working with the public to ensure proper disposal, recycling, safety, and community relations.  The video was produced with funding from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and with help from UT-Center for Industrial Services.

If you would like to receive this training DVD contact either  Kim Raia or Mike Stooksberry at CTAS.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will conduct a public hearing on the draft language for the proposed waste reduction rule on September 1, 2009 on the 17th floor of the L & C Tower in Nashville.  The hearing will be from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.  It will also be broadcast via GoToMeeting in a Webinar format to allow citizens Internet accessibility to the proceedings.

The public comment period is active and will end September 30, 2009.  All comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on September 30th to be considered.

Additional information can be found at:  http://state.tn.us/environment/swm/wrpublic.shtml

You can register for the Webinar by following the link below.

http://state.tn.us/environment/swm/wrpublicweb.shtml

I’m not sure how many of you are following Stormwater issues in your County, but I wanted to share this newsletter that is coming out for “MS4″ jurisdictions in Tennessee. This newsletter lists education opportunities, grants, and a host of resources for MS4 (municipal separate storm sewer system) programs in TN.

Landfills and Solid Waste Processing Facilities are required to follow State Stormwater Regulations. This newsletter may have valuable information for you or some one in your local Public Works department.
Take a look at the May MS4 issue posted here:

may2009-newsletter

The CTAS website is now posting information on American Recovery and Reinvestment Act opportunities for Tennessee County and Local Governments.  We have also added a link on the CTAS environmental blog (see the left side banner on the environmental blog website). 

Please take a look at this new web page.  These opportunities are changing daily and will be updated frequently.  The link to the CTAS site that will index Environmental Funding Opportunities for Tennessee is:

http://www.ctas.utk.edu/public/web/ctas.nsf/search/ARRAEnvironmental?opendocument

EPA has scheduled a series of web-based seminars on Recycling and Solid Waste Management.  The seminars are taking place every third Thursday of the month through October.  The topic for March 19th is “Substance Flow Analysis for Local Governments: A Tool to Help Reduce and Manage Toxics”  The Seminar is free for federal, state, local and tribal government waste management professionals.   See the link here for more information on this month’s topic and to see the remaining courses in the series.

–From Metro Beautification & Environment Commission Website–

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessees capitol will have the chance to showcase its Volunteer spirit and green initiatives this spring for Keep America Beautiful Inc.s Great American CleanupT.

Nashville is one of three U.S. cities selected by KAB to host national spotlight events this year, Mayor Karl Dean and KAB President Matt McKenna announced today. Held annually from March through May, the Great American CleanupT has become the nations largest volunteer coordination effort.

My goal is to make Nashville the greenest city in the Southeast, Mayor Dean said. As a national Spotlight City in this years Great American Cleanup, we have the opportunity to showcase to the rest of the country our commitment to clean streets and livable communities.

Nashville will host the final national event on May 14 with a day of community projects, volunteer cleanups and educational exhibits in and around the Tennessee Bicentennial Mall State Park. Planned activities include a kickoff rally, green exhibits and education programs, and community cleanups in surrounding neighborhoods.

Organizers are looking to recruit 1,000 volunteers from all 95 counties in Tennessee to demonstrate the Volunteer State moniker in action.
…
Each spring, the Great American CleanupT rallies more than 2 million volunteers in projects that engage individuals in improving their communitys environment and quality of life. Activities include beautification projects, litter cleanups, educational events, graffiti removals, recycling drives and illegal sign removals.

“The direct impact that volunteer efforts have on a community is truly inspiring, Veronica Frazier, Metro Beautification director, said, adding that in just the last six months, local volunteers have collected approximately 150 tons of trash and debris in Davidson County.
…
To learn more about Nashvilles Great American Cleanup Party, or to volunteer for an event on May 14, please contact Vickie Ingram at Metro Beautification and Environment, (615) 862-8418. Or visit HYPERLINK http://www.nashville.gov/beautification/

–Forwarded by Larry Christley, TDEC–

PAYT is the SMART (Save Money And Reduce Trash) solution that entrepreneurial cities around the country and the world are using to provide the ” 3 Es ” (i.e., Environmental Sustainability, Economic
Stability and Equitable Services) to their citizens.

In today’s tough economic climate, U.S. cities and states are struggling to pay for vital services while also trying to create jobs and curb their Climate Footprints. But, is it possible for states to generate
environmental sustainability and economic stability in a fair and equitable way for their citizens? Good News…Yes!

Watch this short video to learn how all of us “Recovering Waste-aholics” can cost-effectively conserve both natural and fiscal resources.

Learn valuable tips about the proven formula for states to be SMART (i.e., Save Money And Reduce Trash) by employing the dynamic duo of a robust education campaign in combination with clear, market-based price signals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr_RIIb2CYg

If your city cannot politically afford to raise taxes to pay for the rising costs of municipal services… consider this successful economic incentive that has spread exponentially to over 7,000 cities nationwide.

Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) charges for garbage services like a utility rather than out of the tax base or a flat fee.
This simple program has been proven to be the most environmentally and fiscally effective way to reduce wastes, cut our greenhouse gases and save cities millions of dollars. Learn more at <www.epa.gov/payt>

Please forward the video to your city officials and environmental organizations for distribution.

Enjoy and All the Best,

Jan Canterbury, PAYT Project Manager
Resource Conservation and Sustainability Division
USEPA