We are sharing as this is one on those things that really, ALL the citizens of the city & county of Santa Barbara,  should take time to review and be informed about:

From the Gaviota Coast Conservancy:

For almost 20 years Gaviota Coast Conservancy (GCC) has held the line on many significant development threats and worked to preserve Gaviota from industrial development. Today, one of the biggest threats to the Gaviota Coast is a proposed industrial-scale trash processing facility on top of the Tajiguas Landfill. 

The County’s effort to extend the life and intensify the use of the landfill at Tajiguas hit a roadblock early this year when they discovered that a portion of the trash processing facility was in the coastal zone, necessitating additional permits. The County is now scrambling to revise the project to avoid the coastal zone by digging deeper into the hills of Gaviota. We see this as a moment to stop this boondoggle.

GCC believes that the Gaviota Coast is not appropriate for expanded and extended landfill operations. The massive trash processing facility would cost ratepayers $200,000,000 for an anaerobic digester and sorting machine located on top of the Tajiguas Landfill just north of Refugio State Beach. There are better alternatives that are cheaper, less damaging, and will protect the Gaviota Coast... starting with enhanced curbside efforts to separate recyclable materials and organic waste.

Not only is it wrong to prolong use of the Landfill, THE COUNTY'S SCHEME REQUIRES MASSIVE RATE INCREASES. Based on the original design, financing the TRRP requires an immediate 10% rate increase, and continuing future increases totaling at least 40% over the life of the project. But now, with interest rates rising and the project costs increasing, future rate increases could soar further. It is reckless for the City to proceed with rate increases until the costs of the project can be predicted.

On June 13, the Santa Barbara City Council will set trash rates for the next year. The County wants the City to increase trash rates by 15% or more, largely to pay for the TRRP. Meanwhile, City Staff has recommended trash rates for residents and businesses be kept lower – 5.3% increase – and not include the additional 10% rate increase needed to fund the TRRP.




Attend the City Council Hearing

WHERE: Santa Barbara City Hall on the Second Floor, Council Chambers
WHEN: Tuesday, June 13
TIME: 2:30 pm for the hearing
CONTACT: Janet Koed for more information