The Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) has scheduled a meeting of the statewide LB1101 Solid Waste Management Study Advisory Committee on October 27th at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the public is welcome to attend.

The Nebraska Legislature authorized creation of the advisory committee in LB 1101 enacted in 2016. The purpose of the advisory committee is to advise NDEQ in conducting a study to examine the status of solid waste management programs operated by the NDEQ including grant programs that promote alternatives to landfill disposal, such as recycling, composting, and waste reduction. After completion of the study, NDEQ must submit a report to the Legislature by December 15, 2017 making recommendations on modernizing these programs. LB 1101 also authorized the NDEQ to hire a consultant to assist with the study.

The advisory committee represents a broad cross-section of individuals who are experienced in a variety of solid waste management activities and issues (see related Sept. 29 press release). The agenda for the October 27 meeting will include a brief examination of the history of solid waste management in Nebraska, and a review of existing systems. NDEQ will also seek input from the advisory committee on selection criteria for a consultant to assist in the study.

The meeting agenda, a copy of LB1101, and a list of members of the committee will be available on NDEQ’s Solid Waste Management Study web page, at https://dee.nebraska.gov/forms/publications-grants-forms/was072. In the future, the web page will also include additional information related to the study, activities of the committee, and future meetings.

“This study will provide the Legislature and NDEQ with a critical evaluation of our solid waste programs,” Macy said. “I’m looking forward to finding ways our solid waste programs can be more effective and efficient and better serve the State of Nebraska.”