The focus of the MWMA Operations Committee Workshop was twofold: The Impact of The New OSHA Regulations; and Landfill Methane gas - An Alternative Energy Source.

Susan Eppes, Director of Safety & Compliance for Waste Management Recycle America presented a "train the trainer" workshop to provide members with an overview of the steps needed to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and a process for analyzing the risk factors involving repetition, force, awkward postures, contact stress and vibration at work sites as a prevention measure for many musculoskeletal disorders.

Eppes discussed the measures Compliance Coordinators can take to analyze working conditions and implement ergonomically adaptive features to lower or eliminate MSDs. Ms Eppes stressed that the step-by-step procedure analysis of a job enables a Compliance Coordinator to determine if corrective actions are needed. She also stressed the importance of management being kept informed of potential job hazards and involved planning and setting priorities to address possible risk factors. An effective action plan , according to Eppes, establishes priorities, selects the right team, seeks outside assistance and sets realistic goals to create a sound ergonomic policy within the workplace. To view the complete presentation please visit the MWMA website at www.usmayors.org/mwma

Landfill Methane Gas as an Alternative Fuel

Shelley Cohen, Territory 1 Program Manager for the Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, also addressed the MWMA Operations Committee in Washington DC.. Ms. Cohen provided background on the LMOP which was established as a voluntary public/private outreach program to build alliances between states, energy users, communities and the landfill gas industry for building projects which utilize landfill methane gas as an alternative energy source. She provided an overview of the myriad of ways that landfill methane gas can be used including such applications as boiler fuel, electricity, leachate evaporation and in niche applications such as heat for greenhouses, vehicle fuel (compressed natural gas (CNG)), or to upgrade an existing natural gas pipeline.

She explained that, although there are barriers to capturing landfill methane gas, these barriers can be overcame by choosing site specific technologies which cater to low and high volumes of landfill gas production. Among the benefits of using landfill methane gas are improving landfill management, reducing local air pollution and odors, creating jobs and improving economic development near landfills.

Ms Cohen concluded by reporting on the number of landfill gas recovery projects in the United States. There are currently 318 operational and successful landfill gas to energy projects, 56 projects under construction, and 118 projects in the planning stages. To find out more, visit the LMOP website at www.epa.gov/lmop or to view the complete presentation visit the MWMA website at www.usmayors.org/mwma