Landfill Pact Is Appalling
On Dec. 17, 1992, the county staff made public the proposed contract between the county and Waste Management Inc. for the development and operation of the Weldon Canyon Landfill. The press followed the announcement with stories extolling the high level of profit (reported at $156 million or 35%) apparently being extracted by Waste Management for the privilege of disposing the county’s garbage.
To say the least, we at the Ventura Regional Sanitation District (VRSD) are appalled at the proposal that Waste Management Inc. be permitted a reported 35% profit--over $156 million over the life of the contract. Adding insult to injury, the landowner will receive another $5.63 per ton, or over $67 million for renting out his goat pasture. Combined, these figures represent nearly 50%--$224 million--going directly into the pockets of Waste Management Inc. and the landowner. This is privateering, not negotiation. Has the county government lost its senses?
The proposed Weldon Canyon contract is the best argument for public ownership and operation we have seen. The Ventura Regional Sanitation District is now operating two landfills at half the cost proposed by Waste Management Inc. when compared on even terms. The proposed Weldon contract clearly demonstrates that the county is no negotiating match for Waste Management Inc. Further, the proposed Weldon Canyon contract puts to rest the notion, frequently put forth by county officials, that the waste disposal industry can be adequately regulated through franchise agreements and contracts.
The County Board of Supervisors should reject the proposed Weldon Canyon contract. Instead, the county should support the district’s effort to find and develop an alternative landfill to Weldon Canyon, which will be publicly owned and operated. VRSD has an experienced and effective work force that stands ready to assume responsibility for giving the public value for its ratepayer dollar and service inferior to none.
CLINT WHITNEY
General Manager
Ventura Regional
Sanitation District
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