Archives: May 2011
Councilmembers demand answers before outsourcing Miramar Landfill
By | May 18, 2011 |
Saying serious questions haven’t been answered, a San Diego City Council committee put the brakes on the Mayor’s plan to put Miramar Landfill out to bid. The Rules committee voted 4-1 to send the outsourcing plan back for revision.
Read CPI’s memo to the committee
Before the vote, the committee heard testimony from dozens of community leaders, students, city residents, neighborhood associations and environmental organizations. Every speaker opposed outsourcing landfill operations, at least until more information and safeguards are provided.
Councilmember Sherri Lightner said she is concerned the landfill operation may be “inherently governmental” – and not appropriate for outsourcing at all – because of the risks to public health and safety. Among those risks are potential methane gas buildup and toxic fluid leakage into canyons and Mission Bay.
“CPI had found that the proposal lacked critical protections for citizens and the environment,” said CPI Executive Director Clare Crawford. “We’re glad to see the Rules committee took its role very seriously, and that these councilmembers will make sure we maintain the same high standards and service levels now in effect at Miramar Landfill.”
