Cortina


The Cortina Band of Wintun Indians have leased a portion of the Cortina Indian Rancheria to Cortina Integrated Waste Management, Inc. (CIWMI). CIWMI is a California corporation and 50% owned subsidiary of Earthworks Industries, Inc. of Vancouver, Canada. The leased land would be developed and operated as the Cortina Integrated Waste Management Project. The initial lease term would be 25 years, renewable for an additional 25 years. Through lease revenues, tipping-fees, and resales into the recycling market, the project would provide long-term revenue to the Cortina Band that would enable them to increase funding for education, housing, health care, and other programs needed to improve tribal living conditions. In addition, the project would provide employment opportunities for Band members. The landfill will encompass approximately 200 acres of the 443 acre leased area and also allows for future material recovery composting and bio-remediation. The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, the trustees for Indian land, issued a final approval of the lease in January 2007.

The Class III facility, located approximately 85 miles Northeast of San Francisco and 50 miles North of Sacramento would increase from an initial 300 tons per day (tpd) to a maximum waste delivery of 1,500 tpd. Developed in two phases, the landfill capacity is estimated at 16 million cubic yards. This initiative is unique in North America and represents one of the first projects associated with this type of venture with native lands. CIWMI will evaluate other related projects with Native American or First Nations peoples throughout the western United States and Canada.

Federal Landfill Standards

Location restrictions ensure that landfills are built in suitable geological areas away from faults, wetlands, flood plains, or other restricted areas. Liners are geomembrane or plastic sheets reinforced with two feet of clay on the bottom and sides of landfills. Operating practices such as compacting and covering waste frequently with several inches of soil help reduce odor; control litter, insects, and rodents; and protect public health.

• Groundwater monitoring requires testing groundwater wells to determine whether waste materials have escaped from the landfill.
  


• Closure and postclosure care include covering landfills and providing long-term care of closed landfills. Corrective action controls and cleans up landfill releases and achieves groundwater protection standards.
  


• Financial assurance provides funding for environmental protection during and after landfill closure (i.e., closure and postclosure care).