Wicomico County Landfill Operations and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Update

Introduction

Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano announced a forthcoming news conference scheduled for Monday, June 30th at 11:00 am in Salisbury. The conference will address potential changes and regulations concerning the Wicomico County Landfill. This report outlines the legislative actions and strategic plans related to landfill operations, emphasizing alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those targeting sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.

Legislative Proposal on Landfill Operating Hours

The Wicomico County Council is set to introduce legislation to codify operating hours for the Newland Park Landfill, County convenience centers, and recycling centers. This initiative responds to the County Executive’s plan to phase out landfill access for commercial haulers and the potential closure of convenience centers. The legislation aims to:

• Establish permanent operating hours for all public waste facilities.
• Enhance planning capabilities for residents and businesses.
• Ensure transparent and consistent service delivery.

This approach supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting efficient waste management infrastructure and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production through regulated waste disposal practices.

County Council’s Position and Public Interest

The Council emphasizes the importance of consistent and transparent operating hours to protect public interest and maintain the functionality of waste disposal services across Wicomico County. This commitment aligns with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by fostering accountable and inclusive decision-making processes.

Tonnage Inflow Limitation Strategy

The County Executive’s phased approach to limiting commercial hauler access to the landfill is structured as follows:

1. Phase 1 (August 1, 2025): No commercial hauler waste accepted on Saturdays.
2. Phase 2 (October 1, 2025): No commercial hauler waste accepted on Saturdays and Mondays.
3. Phase 3 (February 1, 2026): No commercial hauler waste accepted on Saturdays, Mondays, and an additional day to be determined.
4. Phase 4 (July 1, 2026): Potential complete closure to commercial haulers, with exemptions for those serving municipalities.

Each phase will be evaluated for impact before proceeding, ensuring adaptive management consistent with SDG 13: Climate Action by minimizing environmental risks such as leachate production and operational strain.

Potential Impacts and Concerns

• Operational Challenges: Increased wait times and vehicle backups on days when landfill access remains open to commercial haulers.
• Environmental Risks: Higher tonnage in limited timeframes may increase leachate requiring treatment.
• Economic Effects: Possible displacement of small commercial haulers, especially those not serving municipalities, potentially reducing waste collection options for rural residents.

Addressing these concerns supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by considering the economic viability of small businesses and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by safeguarding equitable access to waste management services.

Call to Action and Public Participation

The County Council advocates for codifying operating hours to maintain service reliability, prevent unintended consequences, and ensure fairness among all residents. The Council encourages community members and commercial haulers to:

• Review the proposed legislation.
• Participate in the upcoming public hearing.
• Submit comments or concerns via email to lhurley@wiomicocounty.org.

This participatory approach reinforces SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by promoting inclusive stakeholder engagement in sustainable waste management policies.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses waste management and landfill operations in Wicomico County, which are critical for sustainable urban and rural community development.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The phased limitation on commercial hauler access and regulation of landfill hours aim to improve waste management practices and promote responsible consumption and production patterns.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article mentions concerns about increased leachate requiring treatment, which relates to protecting water quality and sanitation.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The potential economic impact on small commercial haulers and waste collection businesses relates to sustaining economic growth and decent work conditions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, and formalization of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicator for SDG 11.6
   • Volume of waste managed at the landfill (tonnage inflow), including commercial and residential waste.
   • Operational hours and accessibility of waste disposal facilities.
2. Indicator for SDG 12.5
   • Reduction in commercial hauler waste accepted at the landfill over time (phased reduction schedule).
   • Amount of waste diverted through recycling centers and convenience centers.
3. Indicator for SDG 6.3
   • Volume and treatment of leachate generated from landfill operations.
   • Incidences of water pollution related to landfill activities.
4. Indicator for SDG 8.3
   • Number of small commercial haulers operating before and after phased restrictions.
   • Economic impact assessments on waste collection businesses.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: wgmd.com