TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to work with the Energy Resources Department to schedule a study session for the City Council to review the operation of the Southeast Resource Recovery Facility (SERRF). The scope of the study session should include reviews of SERRF’s incineration process, operational costs, energy production, recycling capabilities, greenhouse gas emissions, and possible alternatives.
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach's (City’s) residential refuse is taken to the Southeast Resource Recovery Facility (SERRF), where it is burned to generate electricity. SERRF handles approximately 275,000 tons of municipal solid waste each year. The City’s current agreement with Covanta, which provides for the operation of the facility, will expire on June 30, 2024.
In recent years, State legislation aimed at waste and emissions reductions has outlined specific goals which the City must work toward achieving. A recently proposed bill, AB 1857, intends to disincentivize the use of incinerators for waste management by eliminating the diversion credit for landfill avoidance. As the City nears the 2024 expiration of the operational agreement, it is imperative that the Council is well-informed on SERRF’s environmental impact, operational costs, and effectiveness when compared to alternate forms of waste management as the future of the facility continues to be considered. Therefore, I would like to request a study session to provide the Council with relevant information on SERRF.
This matter has been reviewed by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on March 3, 2022.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation requests the City Manager to work with the Energy Resources Department to schedule a study session for the City Council to review the operation of the Southeast Resource Recovery Facility (SERRF). The requested action is anticipated to have a moderate impact on staff hours beyond the budgeted scope of duties and is expected to have a moderate impact on existing City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
AL AUSTIN COUNCILMAN,
EIGHTH DISTRICT
ROBERTO URANGA COUNCILMEMBER,
SEVENTH DISTRICT