Funding for solid waste enforcement activities is primarily via three revenue streams: annual operating permits for solid waste handling facilities, the Local Solid Waste Funding Assistance (LSWFA) contract with the Washington State Department of Ecology, and an interlocal agreement with Snohomish County. This staff report relates to the LSWFA contract.
The purpose of Local Solid Waste Financial Assistance:
- Provide financial assistance for local solid and hazardous waste planning
- Promote regional solutions and intergovernmental cooperation for eligible projects
- Promote efficient implementation of programs contained in local solid and hazardous waste management plans
- Help local governments prevent or minimize environmental contamination through compliance with state and local solid and hazardous waste laws and rules
SHD generally utilizes these funds for responding to solid waste complaints and enforcement, including staff time and legal fees. This funding is non-competitive and recurs on the biennium. The funding award is for $300,000 for two years. Funds are remitted to the Health District quarterly through reimbursement. Progress reports are submitted quarterly through Ecology’s online portal. No matching funds are required but the indirect rate is capped at 30%.
This grant application was due on June 22, 2021. The Environmental Health Assistant Director would typically have been responsible for applying for these funds. With that position being open, the contract expiration date and grant application date were lost. Ecology contacted the Health District on 6/18/21, which initiated action toward this application, and the Health District was granted an extension to 6/25/21. The application was submitted on 6/24/21 and the Executive Committee approved applying for the grant at its meeting on 6/25/21. Since that briefing, staff have been notified that the program has been funded.