New Era Park Neighborhood Association

Board Meeting Byline

Mar 06, 2000

February 9, 2000

Gary Van Dorst and Michael Hill of the Department of Public Works spoke about the landfill. The current site began operation in 1947 and ceased taking in waste in 1994. The compost program begun in 1977 will stop after the next leaf fall.


The landfill was capped with clay to prevent water from migrating below. Methane gas emitted from the landfill is captured by a series of wells, and then pumped to a flare station. The gas is burned off at 1400 - 1600 degrees. Gary stated the landfill is not a health or safety problem, but that the negative effects are dust, traffic, and foul odor.


In July, the corporation yard at the site will be used for city park vehicles. No more garbage trucks will be going to the site. Only small trucks and pickups will be maintained there.


Jim Sequeira of the Department of Utilities
spoke about the filtration plant to be built in the Sacramento River. In order to pay for the facility, water rates will be increased by a few dollars. The increase equates to 3% to 6% or from $14.99 to $17.04 a month.
Currently, water meters are not required by city charter. Upon request, the city will install a water meter at no charge, consumers can opt to pay for the amount of water used rather than a set fee.