Kuskokwim River Solid Waste Backhaul Questionnaire …uaf.edu/files/ces/ruraldevelopment/publications/KuskokwimSolid... · Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report • Page 15 Results compiled

Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report • Page 15Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report • Page 15

Results compiled by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service for Kuskokwim River Watershed Council

By Daniel E. Lung, Extension Program Assistant

Solid Waste Backhaul Questionnaire Report

Kuskokwim River

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service programs are available to all without regard to race, color, age, sex, creed, national origin, or disability and in accordance with all applicable federal laws. Provided in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Pete Pinney, Office of Interim Vice Provost for Outreach and Director of Cooperative Extension Service, University of Alaska Fairbanks.

America’s Arctic University

“We should backhaul so trash can be properly disposed, not kept in the village, so our water resources and subsistence resources areas can be protected.”

Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report • Page 16

Introduction ............................................................1Background Contacts Additional Outcomes

Results .....................................................................2I. Community Outreach and

Interest Level ............................................ 21.1 Community Outreach ......................3

II. Local Handling of Waste Materials ........32.1 Recycling vs. Backhauling ..............32.1.1 Recycling .........................................32.1.2 Backhauling ......................................42.2 Electronics Waste (e-waste) ............42.3 Lead-acid Batteries ..........................52.4 Fluorescent Lamps/Compact

Fluorescent Light Bulbs ..................52.5 55 Gallon Metal Drums ...................62.6 Waste-Oil ..........................................62.7 Electrical Transformers (and

Electrical Lighting Ballasts) ............72.8 White Appliances ............................82.9 Vehicles/Heavy Equipment/

Scrap Metals ....................................8

III. Backhaul Planning and Coordination .....83.1 Backhaul Inventory .........................83.2 Heavy Equipment ............................93.3 Summer 2009 Backhaul ..................93.4 EPA IGAP Funding .........................93.5 Partnering Villages ........................103.6 Backhaul Coordination ..................10

IV. Training and Information Needs ..........104.1 HAZWOPPER Training ................104.2 Appliance Freon Removal

Training .........................................104.3 Recycling and Backhaul

Training .........................................10

Conclusions ...........................................................11Questionnaire limitations .................................11

Recommendations ...............................................13Backhaul “To do” Summary ..............................13

References ............................................................14

AppendicesA. KRWC Backhaul Phone Questionnaire (blank)B. Interview Contacts TableC. Questionnaire Comments Summary D. YRITWC Backhaul Inventory sheetE. Quick reference Summary Table

Project FundingFunding came from the University of Alaska Fair-banks Cooperative Extension Service through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cooperative State Research, Education and Exten-sion Service (CSREES) Award No. 2005-45046-02323, under supervision of Bob Gorman, Exten-sion resource development agent.

Contents

Acknowledgements: Editing: Mark Dudick, Media Services Editorial

Assistant, UAF Extension Layout: Susan Bybee, Administrative Assistant,

UAF Extension

To read or print a copy of this report, go to www.uaf.edu/ces/ruraldevelopment/publications.html

Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report • Page 1

During June 2008, the UAF Cooperative Extension Service (Extension), and the Kuskokwim River Wa-tershed Council (KRWC) surveyed communities along the Kuskokwim River to assess the potential to backhaul solid waste on the river. This (unscientific) questionnaire will determine recycling tendencies and interest in backhaul.

The goals of this questionnaire include:

Allow village-based environmental planners to • share concerns and knowledge on this topic.Inform tribes about recycling and backhaul ef-• forts elsewhere in the state.Identify training, information and outreach needs • to help communities prepare for this project.Encourage communities to begin inventorying • waste materials for backhaul.Determine next steps for a comprehensive river-• wide backhaul planning process.

i. Background

For the past three years, the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC) has been coordinat-ing backhaul efforts of various solid and hazardous wastes out of communities along the Yukon River. In May 2008, YRITWC invited 15 participants from around the state, who deal with solid waste issues, to a backhaul seminar. This three-day training included topics on backhaul planning, transportation, funding, logistics and safety. Attendees were to contact com-munities in their regions to determine interest level in backhauling (short of an actual waste inventory). In response, David Griso, director of Kuskokwim River Watershed Council, and Dan Lung, Extension Rural Development Projects program assistant, put together a questionnaire (see Appendix A) to contact villag-es and gather that information through a 45-minute phone interview. ii. Contacts The 15 participating communities are: Aniak, Up-per Kalskag, Lower Kalskag, Chuathbaluk, Takotna, Akiak, Akiachak, Kwethluk, Kwigillingok, Kongigi-nak, Napakiak, Napaskiak, Eek, Quinhagak and Nu-napitchuk. Interviewees included 17 village-based tribal EPA Indian General Assistance Program (IGAP)

environmental coordinators and assistants, one tribal administrator, one tribal council member, one city clerk and one village based AVCP Housing Authority coordinator (see list of participants in Appendix B).

Larson King, U.S. EPA Tribal Solid Waste liaison, and Joe Sarcone, US EPA rural sanitation coordina-tor, provided input during three separate community interviews. Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) EPA IGAP director Roberta Chavez and EPA circuit rider Minnie Fritz provided general feedback and correspondence via e-mail, while Rosalie Kali-stook, EPA IGAP director from Orutsaramiut Native Council (ONC) in Bethel also gave general feed-back.

Afterward, interviewees received an e-mail or Faxed copy of their survey responses and a backhaul inven-tory sheet developed by Yukon River Inter-Tribal Wa-tershed Council.

iii. Additional Outcomes

Along with gathering information, this questionnaire begins a planning process and encourages future par-ticipation in this important effort.

“This will take a lot of coordination before this can happen. For some communities, this will be down the line to determine how they want to backhaul and what they want to backhaul. I recommend an MOA between city and tribal governments to decide matters associated with the dump and for projects like backhaul.”

– Larson King, US EPA Tribal Solid Waste liaison

Introduction

Vehicles, scrapmetal and large appliances in a rural dump.

Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report • Page 3Page 2 • Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report • Page 3

The following tables and charts summarize responses from 15 community interviews. Find summary of com-ments in the Comments Summary in Appendix C.

I. Community Outreach and Interest Level

These questions give a general idea of existing recy-cling, backhaul and outreach efforts and over-all in-terest.

Chart 1 ranks priorities for solid waste backhaul.

ObservationsConserving landfill space was the primary reason to participate in large-scale backhaul, especially consid-ering the high costs of closing a landfill and construct-ing a new site. Further questioning sparked discussion about future intentions (if any) to expand recycling and backhaul efforts. Thirteen out of 15 villages plan to expand, while most respondents acknowledged the importance to reducing health hazards.

“To free up and make more space available at the new landfill, so we don’t need to seek funds to create new site. We are on our third dumpsite so the landfill would have more longevity. This (backhaul) would save on construction and engineering fees to build a new landfill and would save on management and maintenance. Metals etc can be reused. Instead of a throw away society we can inform people about what other options are available as far as recycling and alternatives to dumping, “

“We should backhaul so trash can be prop-erly disposed, not kept in the village, so our water resources and subsistence resources areas can be protected.”

Note: Responses to this question were often combined with other answers.

Reasons for solid waste backhaul program

Results

Rural communities face challenges with basic solid waste disposal.

Chart 1: Reason to get invloved in backhaulingList main reasons why your community is involved or might want to get involved in a solid waste backhauling plan Extend life of landfill

10


1.1 Community OutreachChart 2 shows the most effective methods to inform the public about backhaul planning.

Note: Responses to this question were often combined with other

answers.

“Education is what we are working on first, some of the Elders are reluctant to change old ways to let go of things they think are ‘useful’ but they are working toward it.”

II. Local Handling of Waste Materials

2.1 Recycling vs. BackhaulingRecycling (Chart 3) and backhauling (Chart 4) differs since some communities “recycle” (divert from the waste stream) but are not backhauling those materi-als. “Backhauling” refers only to materials actually shipped out of the community.

2.1.1 RecyclingChart 3 reports the materials recycled by responding communities.


Observations“Separating from the waste stream” involves door-to-door pick up, a designated collection point or stor-age in various locations throughout the community. Separation of larger items such as trucks, snow ma-chines, four-wheelers, heavy equipment, scrap metals and white appliances meant that there is a designated (or undesignated) location either at the dump or else-where in the community which enables separation of these items from general waste entering the dump-site.

“We have snow machines ATVs, freezers re-frigerators in one section and used vehicles in another section. Everyday waste is in differ-ent section for burning or compacting. Most vehicles were brought up to the landfill with tractor maybe 4-5 years ago, problem: many

Chart 2:Community Outreach

Posting fliers7

Posting fliers7

Chart 2:Community Outreach

Posting fliers7

Posting fliers7

Community Outreach Activities

no chart Is your community currently involved in backhauling or recycling any of any kind? Recycling Recycling and backhaul (not aNeither note difference between recycling (collec

9 5 2

Chart 3 What are currently you recycling ( separating from your waste stream)?

aluminum cans hicles/ h-equipment/ scrap met lead-acid batteries white appliances13 9 7 7

Chart 41b.What are you currently backhauling (shipping out of your community)?

aluminum cans lead-acid batteries fluorescent lamps electronics waste9 3 3 3



9 5 2







9 5 2






Materials recycled (separated) from waste stream

Vehicle salvage area.


houses are too close and so vehicles in those areas need to be dismantled before moving.”

“Separation at the dumpsite can start at any-time; getting stuff to the staging area is the hang up.”

— Joe Sarcone, US EPA rural sanitation coor-dinator, Region 10 Alaska Operations Office

2.1.2 BackhaulingChart 4 reports materials backhauled by responding communities.


Observations“Right now we do not have a backhauling sys-tem, just doing aluminum cans. We’re in the first stages of developing our recycling program.”

“(Challenges are) air cargo backhaul rates and having the nearest hub in Anchorage, whereas,


ObservationsNine villages separate electronics waste from their waste stream. Of those, few had actual des-

people living in the Interior on the road system can just drop off. We have to find air carriers that are cheaper.”

“There’s an increase in office equipment like computers in the village, especially after satel-lite dishes came, more people have computers at home.”

2.2 Electronics Waste (e-waste) Chart 5 reports the challenges to manage electron-ics waste. Materials backhauled from community

4. What are the challenges you are experiencing to manage or recycle your e-waste? Cost/lack of funding

8

4. What are the challenges you are having to manage your lead acid batteries?Cost/lack of funding

4

4. What are the challenges you are having to manage your fluorescent lamps and CFLs? Need "How to" information/training

6


8


4


6

Challenges to manage or recycle electronics waste

Typical electronics or e-waste in a village dump. E-waste palletized for backhaul.


ignated drop-off points and often stored old comput-ers in various office spaces or other locations until a recycling program is in place. Three villages actually backhaul e-waste.

“Looking into e-waste recycling and talked to Lynden air cargo for a quote... always hard for communities along the coast since (there are) limited places to recycle....”

2.3 Lead-acid Batteries Chart 6 reports the challenges to manage lead-acid batteries.

lect batteries and heavy equipment to move them and loading full pallets onto smaller planes due to their weight and size. Because of weight, freight costs can be extremely high depending whether batteries go by barge or plane. Of the three communities that back-haul batteries, two shipped by air cargo and the other by barge.

“Need info to learn how to ship out, need more fish totes donated or container specific for that or work with recycler that would send totes back to the village.”

“Probably how they will get it on the plane & how to palletize and shrink-wrap. Don’t know where to get pallets, packaging materials, etc., not sure how to get a pallet or tote in a smaller plane.”

2.4 Fluorescent Lamps/Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)Chart 7 reports the challenges to manage old fluores-cent lamps.


ObservationsSeven villages separate lead-acid batteries from their waste stream and three villages actually ship them out. Shipping challenges involve locating fish totes, packaging materials and proper labeling. Other prob-lems include identifying local storage areas to col- Note: Responses to this question were often combined with other answers.


8


4


6

Challenges to manage or recycle lead-acid batteries


8


4


6 Challenges to recycle fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent bulbs

Lead acid battery in the dump. Fish tote used to backhaul lead acid batteries.


Observations Most villages burn off waste oil from the generator plant, while three communities have a designated waste-oil drop-off point for residents. Backhaul ex-perts suggest using waste-oil as a heating source rath-er than paying to ship drums out of the community (Waterhouse, YRITWC Backhaul Strategic Planning Seminar, May 14-16, 2008). With the cost of heating oil on the rise, investing in a waste-oil burner to heat

ObservationsFive villages separate fluorescent lamps from their waste stream and three of those villages actually send them out. In most cases, people know that fluorescent lamps contain mercury, but are unaware of how to handle these lamps for shipping and backhauling.

“Compact fluorescent bulbs are becoming more available, therefore there will be more of that type of waste. Need containers to recycle these and inform the community.”

2.5 55 Gallon Metal Drums Chart 8 Reports the presence of metal drums with un-known liquids.

oil, glycol, solvents or a combination of unknowns, often contaminated with water and sometimes leak-ing. Drums with unknown liquids require testing by trained individuals to identify the contents which re-quire proper handling and labeling prior to removal, often as hazardous waste (Gay, YRITWC Backhaul Strategic Planning Seminar, May 14-16, 2008). Emp-ty drums or drums that contained strictly waste-oil are not counted.

“A model demonstration project to remove abandoned drums in villages in Russia, and in Sand Point, Alaska resulted in development of two (educational) films, curriculum, work-shop, and other training materials that are use-ful for Alaska Tribes in their clean up activi-ties.” - Santina Gay, US EPA tribal coordinator (Region 10 Alaska Operations Office).

“Yes we have metal 55 gallon drums at the dump that are old and rusty. There are three contaminated sites that belong to the old school that are still standing (old tank farms). There are two old fuel tanks at the river from old fueling station & two other old tank farms from the power plant.” Observations

Most villages reported metal drums with unknown liquid contents either at the dump or throughout the community. These drums generally contain waste-

2.6 Waste-OilChart 9 reports the use of waste-oil burners.

Metal drums in community with unknown liquids

Villages with waste-oil burner heating system

Metal (55 gal) drums chart 81. Do you have metal drums in your community (of knosummarize this in a table"Yes" "No" don't know No answer

11 41a. If yes where are they?dump dump& elseelsewhere No answer

6 2 2 3

Waste Oil chart 91. Do you have a waste oil burner heating system in thesummarize this in a table"Yes" "No" No answer note: some may or may not be avilable for publi

11 3 1

designated waste oil drop-off point fo summarize this in a table"Yes" "No" don't know No answer

3 6 1 2

Electrical Transformers chart 101. Do you have old transformers in your community? "Yes" "No" don't know

8 4 3

2. If so, are you currently backhauling them?"Yes" "No" No answer yes=AVEC or utility does

3 8 4



6 2 2 3


11 3 1


3 6 1 2


8 4 3


3 8 4



6 2 2 3


11 3 1


3 6 1 2


8 4 3


3 8 4



6 2 2 3


11 3 1


3 6 1 2


8 4 3


3 8 4

Waste-oil storage tank supplies heating fuel for city shop.




6 2 2 3


11 3 1


3 6 1 2


8 4 3


3 8 4

ObservationsMore than half of the villages have old electrical trans-formers (removed from electric utility power poles). Three communities will ship them out through the electrical utility company, while the remaining five have no plan. Old transformers contain Polychlori-nated biphenyls (PCBs), a cancer-causing chemical compound used in manufacturing of electrical compo-nents through early 1979. Similarly, electrical ballasts to power fluorescent light fixtures manufactured prior (or during) 1979 contain PCBs. These items require special handling since they are considered hazardous waste and should be dealt with accordingly.

“We’re asking around where transformers can be properly disposed or how to have them shipped out. They are not contained-need information.”

a public building space makes economic sense. Fur-thermore, residents should have access to a collection point to dispose of waste oil from privately owned vehicles and four-cycle outboard motors.

“Needs to be a way to dispose of used oil, people are dumping oil on the river bank, especially with four-strokes. No used old col-lection point in community although used to be at city shop until burner quit”.

2.7 Electrical Transformers (and Electrical Lighting Ballasts).Chart 10 reports on old electrical transformers.

Presence of old electrical transformers



6 2 2 3


11 3 1


3 6 1 2


8 4 3


3 8 4

Electrical lighting ballasts and transformers containing Polychlorinated biphenyls must be handled and dis-posed of properly.

Fiber drum used to backhaul fluorescent lamps.

Un-spec steel drum used for hazardous waste disposal.


2.8 White AppliancesObservationsEight out of 15 villages designate a location at the dump or elsewhere in the community to separate re-frigerators, freezers or other larger appliances from general waste. None of the communities have suc-ceeded in backhauling large appliances.

hicles (trucks, cars, snow-machines, four-wheelers, etc.), heavy equipment or scrap metal. None of the communities have successfully backhauled these items.

“…there is a need out here, something that should be planned on especially since ATVs end up at the dump. More cars and trucks are being bought in the village; vehicles last about 5 years then end up in the dump. Past vehicles were disposed of (buried) during old dump closure.”

III. Backhaul Planning and Coordination

3.1 Backhaul InventoryTwo out of 15 villages have inventoried various waste items, including snow machines, refrigerators and scrap metals, to eventually remove from the commu-nity. The remaining communities recognized the need for an inventory. All communities (and organizations) received a digital or Faxed copy of the Backhaul In-ventory Sheet developed by Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (See Appendix D).

“Inventoried old snow machines, refrigerators, did survey to find out how many fluorescent lamps in community to throw away. I’ve talked to Northland to get estimate of removal of old snow machines, scrap metals-we would need to find money to get it done.”

“. . . this is a priority and a good project for our (RurAL CAP) RAVEN AmeriCorps pro-gram.”

2.9 Vehicles/Heavy Equipment/Scrap MetalsObservationsNine out of 15 villages designate a location at the dump or elsewhere in the community to separate ve-

Large items often require heavy equipment for transport to staging area.

Refrigerator in the dump.

Refigerator palletized for backhaul.


Would your village be ready or willing to participate in large-scale summarize comments"Yes" Uncertain important: being realistic about this,

10 5

Heavy Equipment/Staging

Will you have access to heavy equipment to move materials in cassummarize in a table summarize"Yes" "No" Uncertain

10 1 4 etc.-(whether have equip or not).

Do you expect to encounter any problems in moving large equipment to a staging area (such as bar"Yes" "No" Uncertain summarize in a table

2 7 6

3.2 Heavy EquipmentChart 11 reports local access to heavy equipment.

ObservationsDue to limited road access, heavy equipment use in some communities is often seasonal, requiring frozen rivers, lakes and tundra to effectively move materi-als.

ObservationsMost communities with access to heavy equipment have at least a bulldozer to skid larger items to a stag-ing area (airstrip or barge landing), while few com-munities have a front-end (bucket) loader to actually lift and move materials. Respondents recognized the advantage of having either a fork lift, small skid-steer (Bobcat) or bucket loader to transport materials. The “uncertain” category means heavy equipment might be available. Costs associated with this equipment in-clude rental, operation and fuel costs.

Chart 12 reports ability to move large items to back-haul staging area.

Available Heavy Equipment

“Without a barge landing site this would be impossible and also need heavy equipment (which is) currently not written in our budget for equipment rental, therefore applying for heavy equipment grant. Also need grant for lining the staging site; first need to have all of these things in place. Were at the early stage to try to get things done…filling out grants to try to meet the demands and waiting for grants.”

3.3 Summer 2009 BackhaulObservationsTen villages are “ready or willing” to begin backhaul of large items (by barge or air cargo) in 2009, while five are uncertain.

“Yes, but would also have to coordinate with city since they own the dump, we can’t just go in the dump and take all this because there would liability.”

“It all comes down to accessing heavy equip-ment and establishing staging area at barge landing… (we) want it to be sustainable.

3.4 EPA IGAP FundingThirteen out of the 15 communities receive IGAP funding. Seven of those communities have recycling and/or backhaul activities written into their work plans.

“The most logical way to coordinate backhaul locally (is through IGAP) working with public works to tie into existing programs, must build this into existing Public Works programs.”


10 5





2 7 6

Problems moving large equipment to a staging area (barge landing or air strip)


10 5





2 7 6


10 5





2 7 6

“Discussion in villages should be that contractors should be required to hall out and dispose of own waste, rather than disposing of them in our landfill, including chemicals. Waste removal should be viewed as part of project instead of community needing to find ways to get rid of it.


3.6 Backhaul CoordinationChart 13 reports anticipated agency training support and coordination.

IV. Training and Information Needs

4.1 HAZWOPPER TrainingTen out of the 15 villages report individuals with previous HAZWOPPER training. However many individuals need full recertification or an eight-hour refresher course. Respondents recognize the need for proper training to process and handle materials for backhaul.

4.2 Appliance Freon Removal TrainingOne out of 15 villages report someone with Freon (re-frigerant) removal training. Most respondents were not aware of such training, but recognized the need to remove refrigerants prior to shipping old refrigerators and freezers.

4.3 Recycling and Backhaul TrainingAll communities need specific information and train-ing to package, palletize, shrink wrap and label ma-terials to ship out. They also need to know where to purchase packaging materials, such as fish totes, pal-lets, absorbents, waffle-board, shrink-wrap and where to get required placards, freight manifests and bill of lading information for various items. In addition, they will need contact information for barge and air cargo companies who transport, as well as recyclers who

3.5 Partnering VillagesTable 1 lists communities most likely to coordinate backhaul efforts.

Community Partnering communitiesAniak Upper/Lower Kalskag, ChuathbalukUpper Kalskag Lower Kalskag, AniakLower Kalskag Upper Kalskag, AniakChuathbaluk Any villages working on backhaul projects.Takotna Nikolai, McGrath Akiak Akiachak, Tuluksak, KwethlukAkiachak Akiak and TuluksakKwethluk Akiachak, Akiak, Tuluksak, Kalskag Napakiak Napaskiak, Oscarville, Bethel, Kasigluk, Nunapitchuk, AtmautluakNapaskiak Napakiak, Kwethluk, OscarvilleNunapitchuk Kasigluk (Atmautluak has different barge routing)Kwigillingok Kongiginak, TuntutuliakKongiginak Tuntutuliak, Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, Eek, QuinhagakEek Tuntutuliak, Kongiginak, Atmautluak, Quinhagak, Nunapitchuk, BethelQuinhagak Eek, Goodnews Bay, Platinum

ObservationsRespondents generally prefer local agency providers to coordinate backhaul projects. Almost all respon-dents report close working relationships with both AVCP and KRWC, while looking to both organiza-tions for help with backhaul planning and coordina-tion.

“AVCP works good with us, financially stable & know how to communicate with them... will work with KRWC also.”

Partnering communitiesUpper/Lower Kalskag, ChuathbalukLower Kalskag, AniakUpper Kalskag, AniakAny villages working on backhaul projects.Nikolai, McGrath Akiachak, Tuluksak, KwethlukAkiak and TuluksakAkiachak, Akiak, Tuluksak, Kalskag Napaskiak, Oscarville, Bethel, Kasigluk, Nunapitchuk, AtmautluakNapakiak, Kwethluk, OscarvilleKasigluk (Atmautluak has different barge routing)Kongiginak, TuntutuliakTuntutuliak, Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, Eek, QuinhagakTuntutuliak, Kongiginak, Atmautluak, Quinhagak, Nunapitchuk, BethelEek, Goodnews Bay, Platinum

ate in a multi-village large-scale backhauling operation, who or what organization would you think would be best ab

Local Tribal Council1

villages most likely to coordinate backhaul efforts.

Partnering communitiesUpper/Lower Kalskag, ChuathbalukLower Kalskag, AniakUpper Kalskag, AniakAny villages working on backhaul projects.Nikolai, McGrath Akiachak, Tuluksak, KwethlukAkiak and TuluksakAkiachak, Akiak, Tuluksak, Kalskag Napaskiak, Oscarville, Bethel, Kasigluk, Nunapitchuk, AtmautluakNapakiak, Kwethluk, OscarvilleKasigluk (Atmautluak has different barge routing)Kongiginak, TuntutuliakTuntutuliak, Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, Eek, QuinhagakTuntutuliak, Kongiginak, Atmautluak, Quinhagak, Nunapitchuk, BethelEek, Goodnews Bay, Platinum

ate in a multi-village large-scale backhauling operation, who or what organization would you think would be best ab

Local Tribal Council1

villages most likely to coordinate backhaul efforts.

Organization able to coordinate backhaul efforts

Table 1: Nearby villages most likely to coordinate backhaul efforts.

“It will work best to coordinate efforts with all villages along the river.”


receive these materials. Training will also be required to process vehicles and heavy equipment to remove fuels, oils and antifreeze and other necessary prepara-tions prior to backhaul.

“Right now we’re just maxed out. Mostly need training, need to know how to get stuff out, need safety equipment, we’re brand-new at this….need Freon removal training, need heavy equipment operator training & training how to ship out.”

“My main thing that I need is training on the Freon removal, and to be well trained as far as safety. I need HAZWOPPER training. For safety and liability concerns, need to hire people that are trained whoever is working on this. Also would need information on prepping items.”

“We’re at step- one so need information and training.”

The questionnaire sparked discussion about backhaul. If nothing else, it created a venue to share concerns and laid the groundwork to begin a river-wide back-haul planning process. Participants offered detailed information about recycling and backhauling in their communities and the challenges they face with basic solid waste disposal. This non-scientific survey, also represents a wide variety of communities. Valuable feedback came from upriver as far as Takotna down to Quinhagak on the lower river near the coast and villages in between. The resonating themes are:

• Villagers favor backhauling but recognize the challenges.

• Villages need to prepare/train for this pro-cess.

• Communities need to work together and com-bine resources.

• Villages need funding to cover heavy equip-ment use (or purchase) and worker costs.

• Villages look to KRWC and AVCP for techni-cal assistance and support.

• Communities expect agencies serving the re-gion to coordinate efforts on this project.

• Villagers recognize the huge undertaking in-volved.

This survey also provided an opportunity for villages along the Kuskokwim River to inform agencies about information, training and resources needed to support backhaul. Respondents generally reported comfort-able working relationships with AVCP and KRWC, and they recognize the need for both organizations to work together and coordinate efforts.

Questionnaire Limitations Time restraints prohibited an actual scientific sur-vey. This “quick and dirty” effort gathered general information, but proved difficult to summarize and quantify.

Also, lack of time limited efforts to contact all of the 30 or so communities directly on the river, as well as coastal and inland communities outside of the imme-diate Kuskokwim River watershed.

ConclusionsVillages require training to handle and package hazardous and non-hazardous materials for backhaul.


Mainly, tribal EPA IGAP workers responded to the questionnaire. Their feedback was valuable, but com-ments from city office personnel, since public works (dump) oversight is generally run out of the city of-fice, would have been beneficial. After each inter-view, interviewees received an e-mail or Faxed copy of their survey responses and a backhaul inventory sheet developed by Yukon River Inter-Tribal Water-shed Council for their reference.

In summary, many communities are at the very early stages of developing their recycling programs and face challenges with basic solid waste disposal. Sev-eral villages reported difficulty simply separating re-cyclable items out of their dumps, while others are already backhauling items such as lead-acid batteries and e-waste. This disparity makes it critical to bring challenged communities up to speed with systems in place to collect and store materials. Villages will respond better to local recycling efforts once they have a plan in place to remove materials. The success of backhauling will rely on local ability to separate wastes, but that process will require significant out-reach and training.

To that extent, Jon Waterhouse, director of the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council, describes the backhauling process as a “Successful military opera-tion.” He adds that it’s often necessary to combine and coordinate efforts with other communities that have close working relationships and to share knowledge and resources. This project will therefore rely heavily on local coordination, manpower and heavy equip-ment, often on an In-kind basis. Villages will need to step up efforts on their end to provide available re-sources to make this happen (Waterhouse, YRITWC Backhaul Strategic Planning Seminar, May 14-16, 2008).

“This (backhauling) is a big need in our region, and communities because most of the time things get buried or covered…could extend the life of the landfill with simple backhaul of materials. (We need) man power, timing commitment and funding-who’s gonna pay for it?”

“Need a plan, means and way to get the stuff out first before developing community recycling program.”

Separation of materials at the dump supports backhaul efforts while improving overall dump organization, operations and maintenance.

• Lead Acid Batteries• Snow Machines/ATVs• Cars/Trucks/Bicycles• Washers/Dryers• Refrigerators/Freezers• Furnaces/boilers/water

heaters

• Computers/monitors/hard drives• Televisions• Stoves/Ovens• 55 and 300-gallon metal drums• Hazardous waste drums• Heavy Equipment (forklifts,

dozers, etc)

SuggestedBackhaul

Items

• Propane Bottles• Scrap Metals• Aluminum/steel cans • #1 PET/#2 HDPE plastic bottles• Fluorescent lamps/compact

fluorescent light bulbs• Electrical transformers/lighting

ballasts


This report recommends the following to initiate/enhance future backhaul planning efforts.

Communities can begin air freighting items that don’t necessarily require a barge, such as fluorescent lamps, electronics waste, alkaline (household) batteries and other smaller hazardous and non-hazardous wastes (Waterhouse, YRITWC Backhaul Strategic Planning Seminar, May 14-16, 2008). These items pose the highest threat to humans and the environment and are relatively easier to remove than vehicles, scrap metal and other large metal items.

In the meantime, communities can begin inventory-ing larger items, like vehicles heavy equipment and scrap metals. Agency providers have the resources to help communities with this process but should lim-it committing to large-scale backhaul until they are ready to support it. Villages must also be aware that this program is a work-in-progress and some materi-als may not go out right away. Some large items may require a storage or staging area often for extended periods of time.

Villages will also need technical assistance to set up these staging areas (at the barge landing, airstrip or elsewhere) to process vehicles, refrigerators and oth-er large items. Similarly, some materials will require proper containment, packaging and labeling accord-ing to state and federal regulations, especially hazard-ous materials. Many of these activities will require properly trained individuals.

The following suggestions will improve backhaul planning and coordination on the Kuskokwim River.

Community buy-in. Establish a regularly sched-• uled forum with villages along the river to be-gin discussing backhaul (i.e. audio conference, e-mail or web-based). Develop an informational website for relevant • information, progress and updates.Provide a backhaul “how-to” manual.• Begin backhaul inventory. It is essential for ne-• gotiations with barge/air cargo companies to let them know quantities in each community.Provide HAZWOPPER and Freon removal • training for villagers.

Start shipping “smaller” items, such as fluo-• rescent lamps, compact fluorescent light bulbs, electronics waste and other items, by air cargo.Hire a “Backhaul Coordinator” as a contact • point for information. This person will com-municate (on behalf of villages) with barge and air cargo companies, local and out-of-state re-cycling businesses and other agencies and orga-nizations supporting this effort. Organize a river wide backhaul planning meet-• ing to include agency providers, stakeholders, barge/air cargo companies and recycling busi-nesses. Seek guidance and support from Yukon River • Inter-Tribal Watershed Council to develop a backhaul program on the Kuskokwim that will include all communities inland and on the coast.Distribute copies of this report to all villages in • or near the Kuskokwim River Watershed and other interested parties.

Begin immediately:1) Establish transportation partners.2) Establish End Game. Find out: What do you

need to get out? Where does it go? How does it get there?

3) Get community buy-in.4) Get initial inventory. 5) Begin negotiating with barge and recycling com-

panies before barge season starts.6) Establish accountablility in each community

i) Identify village-based contacts.ii) Get municipalities and tribes to agree and

work together. iii) Identify In-kind that communities will pro-

vide (i.e. maintenance worker hours, heavy equipment and local staff who will coordi-nate the project).

iv) Inventory and gather materials in one loca-tion in village (establish staging area).

v) Recognize that materials might not go out right away since barges will backhaul based on space available. (Waterhouse, YRITWC Backhaul Strategic Planning Seminar, May 14-16, 2008)

Recommendations

Backhaul “To do” Summary


References

Gay, Santina (2008), US EPA tribal coordinator (Region 10 Alaska Operations Office).Information received from the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council Backhaul Strategic Planning Seminar, Anchorage, Alaska, May 14–16, 2008.

Waterhouse, Jon (2008), director Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council. Information received from the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council Backhaul Strategic Planning Seminar, Anchorage, Alaska, May 14–16, 2008.

Appendices

A. KRWC Backhaul Phone Questionnaire B. Interview Contacts TableC. Questionnaire Comments Summary D. YRITWC Backhaul Inventory sheetE. Quick Reference Summary Table

“Need to have a river-wide meeting to determine who would be a good coordinator for that project and for each village.”

“Information needs to be distributed by organizations coordinating efforts. This type of approach would cut down on costs to get stuff out to staging areas. Each (local) entity would be responsible for getting their stuff to the barge. There needs to be enough lead time by giving the school for example, sufficient time to clean out their storage area (sufficient notice) so each organization would be responsible for getting their stuff together, and moving as needed... this would cut down on costs”.

Appendix A

KRWC Backhaul Phone Questionnaire Date:

Community: Ph: Fax:

Names of those participating/job title (if IGAP how long?):

(Interview should include IGAP workers and others making decisions on solid waste

management issues)

Introduction:

The UAF Cooperative Extension Service is assisting the Kuskokwim River Watershed

Council (KRWC) to gather information to assess backhaul potential of solid waste

through phone interviews with communities on the Kuskokwim. KRWC is currently

exploring options for backhaul of various solid and hazardous wastes similar to the

backhaul program being coordinated on the Yukon River by Yukon River Inter-Tribal

Watershed Council. The goal of this interview is to basically find out where communities

are at and what the interest level is for this kind of project. Q: Are you aware of these

efforts on the Yukon and know why this is being done?

(read this if not aware)

There are many reasons why backhauling is of great importance for your community.

They include: i). Improving the health conditions of the community by taking toxic

pollutants and hazardous materials out of your village including lead acid batteries,

electronic computer waste (E-waste), fluorescent lamps, etc. ii). Extending the life of

your landfill by taking out metals that can be then sold to recyclers in-state and in the

Lower 48 such as snow machines, 4-wheelers, boat motors, big appliances, cars and

heavy equipment. iii). Other benefits include the beautification of the village and

reducing potential injuries to children caused by abandoned vehicles, used metal drums,

etc. Another benefit involves economic development, since some villages are

backhauling in their communities so that tourists can appreciate the beauty of the place

and increasing the over-all well being of the community.

I. General Questions: To gather this information, I have a handful of prepared questions that I would like to ask

you:

1. Is your community currently involved in recycling any of any kind? Yes/no

If so, what are currently you recycling (or separating from the waste

stream)?

2. Is your community currently involved in backhauling waste of any of any

kind? Yes/no If so what are you currently backhauling (shipping out of

your community)?

3. Is your community planning to get involved with (or expand upon) current

recycling or backhaul efforts? Yes/no If so, what?

4. Please tell us which one do you think are the main reason(s) why your

community is involved (or might want to get involved) in a backhauling

plan:

a. Take pollutants out of the community/reducing health hazards.

b. Remove junk vehicles and other materials so to extend life of landfill

c. Make the village look nicer/beautification.

d. Reduce the risk of injury to children and adults.

e. Other (please explain what)

Community Outreach

The most successful recycling and backhauling experiences in rural Alaska have begun

with intensive community outreach.

1. Please name what community outreach activities you are currently performing

in your village to increase awareness why it is important to separate

hazardous and undesirable waste from your waste stream (such as):

a) Classroom presentation at the school.

b) Organizing community events/meetings

c) Posting fliers

d) Signs at the dump

e) Creating/distributing educational brochures

f) Home visits

g) VHF announcements

h) IGAP Newsletter

I) City/tribal council meetings presentations

j) Community clean-up activities

k) nothing currently

l) no answer

Backhaul Inventory

One goal of this program will be to estimate the total amount of items by category that

need to be backhauled from the Kuskokwim region, in coordination with a statewide

backhauling effort to be designed. This may include a door-by-door questionnaire in your

community, inventory of materials at the dump, or count of those materials already being

stored for recycling. This information will enable KRWC to coordinate backhaul

scheduling with barge and air carriers who serve the Kuskokwim region. (for schedule

and rates)

2. Have you performed an inventory of materials intended for backhaul in your

community? (either door to door, the dump or elsewhere in the community)

Yes/no if yes, would you be willing to share that information?

3. (If not) Would you be willing to conduct an inventory of backhaul materials

in your community? Yes/no

EPA IGAP Funding

1. Do you currently receive and IGAP grant? yes/no Are submitting a new

work plan for 2009/2010?

2. Are any recycling projects written into your work plan? yes/no If so, what

kind of recycling?

3. Are any backhaul projects written into your work plan? yes/no If so, what?

4. If not, would you consider including recycling backhauling into your work

plan? yes/no

II. Questions about handling specific waste items: Some items may be expensive to backhaul like junk vehicles, large appliances and heavy

equipment. Other stuff can be taken out with relatively less cost, like electronic waste,

lead-acid batteries, fluorescent lamps, while some items can be done for almost no money

like pop cans. The following are specific questions to find out how you deal with each of

these waste items.

Vehicles/Heavy Equipment/Scrap Metals

1. Has your village had any successful previous experience backhauling

vehicles, scrap metal or other large heavy equipment? Yes/no

2. Do you have a separate location for these items such as a salvage area at the

dump or elsewhere in the community? Yes/no

Refrigerators/Freezers also take up space and require special preparations prior to

backhaul by removing Freon, which requires proper training and equipment.

1. Do you have any successful previous experience backhauling refrigerators,

freezers or other large appliances? Yes/no

2. Do you have a separate location for these items such as a storage area at the

dump or elsewhere in the community? Yes/no

3. Has anyone in the village received Freon removal training? Yes/no If so

how many?

4. Has anyone in the village received Hazwopper training? Yes/no If so how

many?

Electronics Waste or “E-Waste” is one of the most polluting and dangerous types of

waste to have around your village. These include computer monitors, CPU’s, keyboards,

copiers, fax machines, etc. There are various businesses organizations and cargo

companies assisting villages in rural Alaska to get rid of them.

1. Are you aware of services that are available to recycle electronics waste?

Yes/no

2. Are you currently separating computers and other electronic wastes from

your waste stream for recycling? Yes/no (if so is there a designated collection

point)?

3. Are you currently backhauling electronic waste out of your village? Yes/no If

yes, could you give us an estimate of how many pounds of this waste you have

you backhauled up to date?

4. What are the challenges you are experiencing to manage or recycle your e-

waste? (Such as):

a) Lack of knowledge of best practices

b) Need “How to” information/training

c) Lack of storage space

d) Cost/ lack of funding

e) Where to get packaging materials?

f) Lack of heavy equipment (to move materials)

g) No problems

h) Other? please explain

Lead-acid Batteries are very toxic for various reasons and are one of the priority items

your community should consider backhauling instead of landfilling.

1. Are you currently separating lead-acid batteries from your waste stream for

recycling? Yes/no (if so is there a designated collection point)?

2. Are you currently backhauling lead-acid batteries out of the village? Yes/no

If so, what method-barge or plane?

3. How many lead acid batteries have you backhauled so far? (lbs.)

4. What are the challenges you are experiencing to manage or recycle your

lead-acid batteries?







g) No problems


Fluorescent Lamps/Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) contain mercury, and

should not be disposed of in your dump.

1. Are you currently separating fluorescent lights from your waste stream and

storing for recycling? Yes/no (if so is there a designated collection point in

the community)?

2. Are you currently backhauling them out of your village? If so, what method

are you using?

3. How many fluorescent lights have you backhauled so far?

4. What are the challenges you are experiencing to manage or recycle your

fluorescent lamps?







g) No problems


55 gal Metal Drums often contain unknown liquids such as Glycol, used oil, solvents or

other unknown potentially hazardous liquids. These liquids must be properly identified

and processed and labeled accordingly prior to removal from the community. Similarly,

empty drums must be properly rinsed and processed according to standards identified by

the EPA prior to removal or recycling.

1. Do you have metal drums in your community (of known or unknown

contents) yes/no If yes, where are they?

2. Do you know what’s in them?

Waste-Oil

1. Do you have a waste-oil burner heating system in the community? yes/no If

so, is there a designated waste oil drop-off point for residents?

Old Electrical Transformers from power poles often contain Polychlorinated biphenyls

(PCBs), which are a chemical compound know to cause cancer. (Similarly, Electrical

Lighting Ballasts manufactured prior or during 1979 can often contain PCBs) These are

considered hazardous wastes which should be properly handled, stored and back hauled

according to strict federal and state laws.

1. Do you have old transformers in your community? yes/no If so where are

they?

2. Are you currently backhauling them? yes/no If so, what method are you

using?

III. Backhaul Planning:

The goal is to begin backhauling larger items starting in summer 2009. In order to do

that, it will be necessary to have an accurate inventory of vehicles, appliances and other

large metal items to be backhauled by the end of this summer (2008).

1. Would your village be ready or willing to participate in large-scale

backhauling for 2009? yes/no/uncertain

2. If yes, who would be the person to contact in this matter and their title?

3. What type of materials are you considering to backhaul from your village

during THIS summer?


Some villages rely on their city governments for the use of heavy equipment, which is

very much needed for backhauling large items.

1. Will you have access to heavy equipment in case it is needed?

yes/no/uncertain

2. Do you expect to encounter any type of problems in moving large items to the

staging area (such as the barge landing)? yes/no/uncertain

Preparation

Many of the items need to be staged, sorted, processed and packaged in preparation for

back haul in specific ways before they are delivered to the transportation company.

1. Do you have any training or knowledge about how to properly package and

label these materials or prepare vehicles for backhaul? yes/no (If so please

explain)

Partnering Villages

According to the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council, the backhauling process

has been described as a “successful military operation”. Often it’s necessary to combine

and coordinate efforts with other communities that have close working relationships

among their environmental workers and organize regional backhauling events so they

share knowledge and combine resources

1. If you were to do a similar cooperative work with other villages, what nearby

communities would you most likely work with?

2. In case your village would participate in a multi-village large-scale

backhauling operation, who or what organization would you think would be

best able to coordinate the efforts from your area? (AVCP, KRWC, TCC,

etc.)

KRWC Role

There are several resources available in the Kuskokwim region to help you with the

planning of backhauling items from your village, such as the Kuskokwim River

Watershed Council. Cooperation between the villages, the watershed council and other

organizations is extremely important.

1. In general, how do you think would your community respond to a

backhauling program?

2. Would you be comfortable contacting KRWC to help you out with backhaul

planning? yes/no

3. What other information would be helpful to you to help meet your backhaul

needs?

Closing Comments?

Appendix B

Interview Contacts Table

GRANTEE NAME Contact Phone/Fax Email Status Akiachak Eric Phillip, IGAP Dir.

825-4615/4664

[email protected] Done

Akiak Nettie Beatty, IGAP Stephanie Ivan, Asst.

765-7118

[email protected]

Done

Aniak Dwayne Hoffman, IGAP

675-4507


Association of Village Council Presidents

Roberta Chavez (IGAP) Minnie Fritts (Circuit)

543-7362 543-7373

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Received general e-mail feedback from Roberta Chavez and Minnie Fritz.

Chuathbaluk Abe Rose, IGAP 467-4113 Done Eek Janet McIntyre, IGAP

Nick Carter-TA Fritz Petluska-City Clerk Larson King-EPA Tribal Liason (visiting)

536-5210


Kalskag Billy Jean Stewart, IGAP

471-2322

[email protected]

Done

Kongiganak Deloras Lozano, IGAP Dir. Betty Phillip, Asst. Peter Daniel, Sr. TC member.

557-5223

[email protected]

Done

Kwethluk Jim George, IGAP Joe Sarcone-EPA(visiting)

757-6030 [email protected] Done

Quinhagak Willard Church, IGAP

556-8167 ext. 412

[email protected]

Done

Kwigillingok

Emma Kiunya, IGAP

588-8116

[email protected]

Done

Lower Kalskag Anna Morgan, IGAP Dunia Morgan, Tribal grant writer. Joe Sarcone-EPA (visiting)

471-2246

[email protected] [email protected]

Done

Napakiak Walter Nelson-AVCP Housing Authority

589-2135


Done

Napaskiak Ross Nicholas-IGAP .

737-7364

[email protected]

Done

Nunapitchuk Sophie Chaliak, IGAP Peter Nicholai

527-5730


Done

Orutsararmiut (Bethel) ONC ONonkkkkkkk

Rosalie Kalistook, IGAP

543-2608

[email protected]

Received general feedback from Rosalie who recommends contacting City of Bethel Public Works Dept. and Jack Heraldson-ONC Council member at 543-0504 (not cantacted).

Takotna Nell Huffman 298-2211 [email protected]

Done

Appendix C

Backhaul Questionnaire Comments Summary

General Questions

Is your community currently involved in backhauling or recycling any of any kind?

If so, what?

• Looking into e-waste recycling and talked to Lynden air cargo for a quote… always

hard for communities along the coast since limited places to recycle. Bethel only

takes pop cans and Napa in Bethel takes lead-acid batteries.

• Waiting for the city to approve a sight by the barge landing for staging larger stuff

like white appliances and big equipment.

• Right now we do not have a backhauling system, just doing aluminum cans. We’re in

the first stages of developing our recycling program.

Is your community planning to get involved with (or expand upon) current recycling or

backhaul efforts?

• Yes, we formed an environmental planning committee to discuss urgencies. We’re

very interested in backhauling activities-we are also in the process of prioritizing

projects with council on solid waste activities.

• Yes would like to, there is a need out here, something that should be planned on

especially since ATVs end up at the dump. More cars and trucks are being bought in

the village; vehicles last about 5 years then end up in the dump. Past vehicles were

disposed of during old dump closure. There’s an increase in office equipment like

computers in the village, especially after satellite dishes came, more people have

computers at home.

Please tell us which one do you think are the main reason(s) why your community is

involved (or might want to get involved) in a backhauling plan:

• Our landfill is gonna fill up; sending those (materials) out to recycle and reuse is

essential.

• We should backhaul so trash can be properly disposed, not kept in the village, so our

water resources and subsistence resources areas can be protected.

• We have an uncontrolled open dump sight, everything going in there including

hazardous waste and vehicles (that caught on fire), refrigerators, etc. Closest house

is 50 feet away from dump. Need to get control of what’s going in there. Also there

are four-wheelers, snow machines and etc. by every house, there is junk all over the

place.

• Main reason is our landfill is very unmanageable right now, local entities and

households are bringing their trash to the landfill including abandoned vehicles, etc.,

and dealing with prior waste from projects left by construction companies.

• Given the study that was done (by UAF Cooperative Extension Service); the study of

the land, there is real bad stuff going on. The SWM plan calls for reuse and recycling.

There are fish tenders that can backhaul, which could be coordinated with Coastal

Villages Region Fund CDQ. We are a member village, tenders can get around to

several rivers and should be able to arrange backhaul, should be able to get some

help from them.

• One of the main reasons is the lifespan of the landfill to save space; any recyclables

in the village we want to ship out. The community cares about there environment

where they live. At the school they are learning about recycling and it continues to

take a life of its own. They are interested in backhaul, looking at abandoned vehicles,

white goods, old four-wheeler frames, bicycles because they are taking up space at

the landfill and want to extend the life of it because it’s beyond its capacity. We’re

worried about the health of the people since there are four old dump sites.

• We had a community meeting with IRA Council, they wanted to see less waste in the

community for health for our children

• To free up and make more space available at the new landfill, so we don’t need to

seek funds to create new site. We are on our third dumpsite so the landfill would have

more longevity. This (backhaul) would save on construction and engineering fees to

build a new landfill and would save on management and maintenance. Metals etc can

be reused. Instead of a throw away society we can inform people about what other

options are available as far as recycling and alternatives to dumping,

Community Outreach

Please name what community outreach activities you are currently performing in your

village to increase awareness why it is important to separate hazardous and undesirable

waste from your waste stream:

• RAVEN AmeriCorps will go house-to-house in the community and provide different

colored trash cans to begin separating in house for recycling such as alkaline

batteries, and etc. We’re in early stages; this effort begins from one household at a

time.

• Education is what we are working on first, some of the Elders are reluctant to change

old ways to let go of things they think are ‘useful’ but they are working toward it.

Backhaul Inventory

Have you performed a door-to-door questionnaire or inventory?

• Inventoried old snow machines, refrigerators, did survey to find out how many

fluorescent lamps in community to throw away. I’ve talked to Northland to get

estimate of removal of old snow machines, scrap metals-we would need to find money

to get it done.

• Not yet, this is a priority and a good project for our (RurAL CAP) RAVEN

AmeriCorps program.

(If not) Would you be willing to conduct an inventory of backhaul materials in your

community?

• We can-as far as businesses, (but) if community has wastes that they want to recycle

or backhaul we could let them know, then they can drop off at staging areas, although

not sure how to organize that…pretty sure if we hung up signs and spread the word

then people would know…could stop by landfill or peoples houses that have vehicles

to inventory.

Vehicles/Heavy Equipment/Scrap Metals

Has your village had any successful previous experience backhauling vehicles, scrap

metal or other large heavy equipment?

• No, looking into asking for price quotes from barge services & have already done

inventory. Right now biggest problem is limited barge services, whereas upper

Kuskokwim has daily service.

• “…there is a need out here, something that should be planned on especially since

ATVs end up at the dump. More cars and trucks are being bought in the village;

vehicles last about 5 years then end up in the dump. Past vehicles were disposed of

(buried) during old dump closure.”

Do you have a separate location for these items such as a salvage area at the dump or

elsewhere in the community?

• Four- wheelers and snow machine are piled up at dump in one area. In 2006 they did

a summer clean-up and separated metals, refrigerators, metal tanks, aluminum boats

etc. Each is stored in generally separate areas.

• We have a temp site for old refrigerators, 4-wheelers, old bikes, old washers, people

salvage what they can. Workers are hired to move stuff there from the community.

• Yes the scrap yard, which is located outside the dump and is only for metal.

• Tried to separate at the dump but now being mixed with everyday trash. Some people

put stuff to the side at dump but right now it’s hit or miss.

• There’s a location on one side of the dump for people to put refrigerators/freezers but

not anymore. Cars, trucks and refrigerators all go in the same place at the dump.

• We have snow machines ATVs, freezers refrigerators in one section and used vehicles

in another section. Everyday waste is in different section for burning or compacting.

Most vehicles were brought up to the landfill with tractor maybe 4-5 years ago,

problem: many houses are too close and so vehicles in those areas need to be

dismantled before moving.

Electronics Waste (e-waste)

Are you currently backhauling electronic waste from your village?

• Yes, Arctic Transportation Service is backhauling for free, but trying to find better

rate from Bethel to Anchorage. In past, received some funding from American

Seafoods and Best Buy to help with fees.

What are the challenges you are experiencing to manage or recycle your e-waste?

• Cost, coordination, just having a staging area

• No problems, we were provided with those packing boxes that we could use till we

were able to ship them out.

• No designated collection site-although trying and writing letters to local agencies

and households about this stuff…also, trying to get households to separate

recyclables and burnable waste from non-burnable waste.

• (Challenges are) air cargo backhaul rates and having the nearest hub in Anchorage,

whereas, people living in the Interior on the road system can just drop off. We have to

find air carriers that are cheaper.

• Probably how they will get it on the plane & how to palletize and shrink-wrap. Don’t

know where to get pallets, packaging materials, etc. Not sure how to get a pallet or

tote in a smaller plane.

• Last year shipped out two pallets, the airline company stopped picking up because

they were too heavy and we had no equipment available locally to lift pallets. We

need a forklift. Freight cost and lack of storage are also problems, we need connexes.

• Just started our (IGAP) program and just learning about all of this. Just trying to

communicate the serious health risks to the community.

• Getting info to people as far as what’s recyclable as (such as) e-waste & how to

locate funding to get a program started and find out what resources available to

begin backhaul.

• There’s an increase in office equipment like computers in the village, especially after

satellite dishes came, more people have computers at home.

Lead-acid Batteries

What are the challenges you are experiencing to manage or recycle your lead-acid

batteries?

• Having heavy equipment to load on plane and someone who would be able to operate

the landfill could take care of that as well.

• Not sure yet whatever method is cheapest (barge or plane). Need info on whatever is

cheapest, can’t get pallet of batteries on small plane. Maybe need to go by barge?

• Need to contact NAPA auto parts in Bethel, transportation to airstrip was problem

(now have four-wheeler and trailer). People are generally interested in bringing

batteries to us.

• Wanted to see if we can get fish totes for lead-acid batteries but don’t have totes or

money to ship out by barge.

• Challenges with how to get those out from the village; need funding and packaging

materials, (absorbents, DOT placards etc.)

• Need info to learn how to ship out, need more fish totes donated or container specific

for that or work with recycler that would send totes back to the village.

Fluorescent Lamps/Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

What are the challenges you are experiencing to manage or recycle your fluorescent

lamps?

• Don’t have the space and facility to have collection site.

• Recycling cost per pound+ freight cost.

• Dangerous to handle for residents and for those shipping.

• Compact fluorescent bulbs are becoming more available, therefore there will be more

of that type of waste. Need containers to recycle these and inform the community.

55 Gallon Metal drums

Do you have metal drums in your community If yes, where are they?

• Some at dump… also a lot of old propane tanks that could be backhauled.

• Empty ones are used for burn barrels. There’s a couple gathered together at a temp

site-some might have unknown liquids. Currently asking people to store and contain

antifreeze and oil, looking for safe disposal of antifreeze of used oil.

• Yes we have metal 55 gallon drums at the dump that are old and rusty. There are

three contaminated sites that belong to the old school that are still standing (old tank

farms). There are two old fuel tanks at the river from old fueling station & two other

old tank farms from the power plant.

Waste-Oil

• Needs to be a way to dispose of used oil, people are dumping oil on the river bank,

especially with four-strokes. No used old collection point in community although used

to be at city shop until burner quit.

Electrical Transformers (and Electrical Lighting Ballasts)

Are you currently backhauling them? If so, what method are you using?

• We’re asking around where transformers can be properly disposed or how to have

them shipped out. They are not contained-need information.

Backhaul Planning

How do you think would your community respond to a backhauling program?

• The (City/Tribal) Council’s are going for it. This is one thing that we would like to

really see happen. This is a priority and is a 10 (on a scale of 1-10). The store and

village corporation is interested in this happening and would support a backhaul

program to help the community. We will provide anything that would help such as

supporting documents, resolutions and etc.

Would your village be ready or willing to participate in large-scale backhauling for

2009?

• Yes, would also have to coordinate with city since they own the dump, we can’t just

go in the dump and take all this because there would liability.

• Yes, it would be another step to get it going, and would take getting help from other

sources (to do so).

• Yes, this is the first priority.

• Yes, for those metals, vehicles, ATVs-maybe not for the refrigerators/freezers since

need to Freon removal training first.

• The inventory would take a month or at least a couple weeks. If we got inventory, we

would need permission from homeowners to move stuff, but first need to get approval

on backhaul staging site... would be a lot of work to go house-to--house. Not ready to

do this w/o planning and let people know ahead of time.

• W/o barge landing site this would be impossible and also need heavy equipment

(which is) currently not written in our budget for equipment rental, therefore

applying for heavy equipment grant. Also need grant for lining the staging site; first

need to have all of these things in place. Were at the early stage to try to get things

done…filling out grants to try to meet the demands and waiting for grants.

Do you expect to encounter any type of problems in moving large items to the staging

area?

• I think if we requested for use of local equipment and have money to pay for the fuel

we would be able to do that.

• Could do it with four wheelers and trailer in summer.

• Need laborers, and boss to oversee crews moving items. Have dozer but need bobcat

forklift to lift and move stuff.

• We are applying for funding for heavy equipment including a bobcat to move metal

stuff around at the dump and lead-acid batteries as needed.

In case your village would participate in a multi-village large-scale backhauling

operation, who or what organization would you think would be best able to coordinate

the efforts from your area?

• AVCP, (we) work closely with AVCP Environmental Department, also work closely

with KRWC David Griso and keep in contact.

• AVCP works good with us, financially stable & know how to communicate with

them... will work with KRWC also.

• AVCP for downriver villages, KNA for upriver.

KRWC Role

What other information would be helpful to you to help meet your backhaul needs?

• Where to get funding for staging area and where will that come from? The city, TC or

KRWC? Also need communication & training such as dealing w/ automotives and

how they want vehicles prepared.

• Funding information, better barge service, proper training.

• Training, get people qualified and trained ahead of time in proper areas where they

would be needed.

• Right now we’re just maxed out. Mostly need training, need to know how to get stuff

out, need safety equipment, we’re brand-new at this…need Freon removal training,

need heavy equipment operator training & training how to ship out.

How do you think would your community respond to a backhauling program?

• Good. We did soil and water sampling at dump, and community leaders and people

from school district were pretty concerned. We found lead, zinc copper, nickel, and

creek along landfill.

• The residents want to have all that stuff gone.

Closing Comments?

• This (backhauling) is a big need in our region, and communities because most of the

time things get buried or covered…could extend the life of the landfill with simple

backhaul of materials. (Need) man power, timing commitment and funding-who’s

gonna pay for it?

• We would like to see the backhaul program; to have the recycling loop …it’s hard for

us to have the resources available. Need a full river wide system in place, more barge

services that would be available for the communities in the lower Kuskokwim areas.

We have been sharing information with other tribes as far as our information on how

to do things... would like to hear back about this summary if available.

• We’re at step one so need information and training.

• Biggest challenges because we are so far up river it’s hard to get barges up there for

the really large backhauling projects.

• I’m glad that they (KRWC) are helping us try to solve our backhauling problem. Need

to get information for setting up backhauling staging site, fences, liner, etc.-and what

are the regulations for such a site.

• Need an Inventory sheet, conference calls and updates on this project. “My main

thing that I need is a training on the Freon removal, and to be well trained as far as

safety. I need HAZWOPPER training. For safety and liability concerns, need to hire

people that are trained whoever is working on this. Also would need information on

prepping items.”

• When city has meetings, I communicate that we can’t keep doing what is currently

going on at dump. I also remind them that stuff coming in from contractors needs to

be dealt with since it’s not re-useable.

• Need to have a river wide meeting to determine who would be a good coordinator for

that project and for each village.

• It all comes down to accessing heavy equipment and establishing staging area at

barge landing…. (we) want it to be sustainable.

• We are gonna do an assessment from each household to see what they have.

• We’ve been working with the environmental planning committee to deal with this

issue; we get more support and direction. It’s important that we work with the

committee and work with other communities to work together to take care of our

environmental issues.

• Need a plan, means and way to get the stuff out first before developing community

recycling program.

• Getting info to people as far as what’s recyclable as (such as) e-waste & how to

locate funding to get a program started and find out what resources available to

begin backhaul.

• The most logical way to coordinate backhaul locally (is through IGAP) working with

public works to tie into existing programs. Must build this into existing Public Works

programs.

• Discussion in villages should be that contractors should be required to hall out and

dispose of own waste, rather than disposing of them in our landfill, including

chemicals. Waste removal should be viewed as part of project instead of community

needing to find ways to get rid of it. Power lines and ground lines end up in landfill.

Left over paint, adhesive, flooring, construction crews bring in and don’t haul out.

• Information needs to be distributed by organizations coordinating efforts. This type of

approach would cut down on costs to get stuff out to staging areas. Each (local)

entity would be responsible for getting there stuff to the barge. There needs to be

enough lead time by giving the school for example, sufficient time to clean out their

storage area (sufficient notice) so each organization would be responsible for getting

there stuff together, and moving as needed... this would cut down on costs.

Items Amount

Vehicles (total)

Cars

Trucks

Heavy equipment

Batteries (total)

Vehicle

Household (# of containers full)

Computers (monitors, CPUs, keyboards, etc)

Office equipment (copiers, fax machines, etc)

Refrigerators/Freezers

Boats (metal only)\

Outboard motors

Snowmachines

ATVs

Generators**

Fuel Tanks*

Tires*

Tire rims

Drums* (total)

Empty

Glycol

Used oil

Other (specify if possible)

Electrical transformers**

Miscellaneous (please describe

*These are items that we cannot take yet but need to know about for our records

**Contact us about these items. We need more information before they can be backhauled

Backhaul inventory - Season 2008

Appendix D

YRITWC Backhaul Inventory Sheet

Sample backhaul inventory sheet developed by Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council

Appendix E

Survey Quick Reference Summary Table

(Provided to Kuskokwim River Watershed Council)

Table summarizes detailed information provided by each participating village

intended for specific backhaul planning purposes.

Documents

Kuskokwim River Solid Waste Backhaul Questionnaire …uaf.edu/files/ces/ruraldevelopment/publications/KuskokwimSolid... · Kuskokwim River Backhaul Report • Page 15 Results compiled