City of New Orleans-Auditing Solid Waste Collection

One of the many consequences of Hurricane Katrina in the City of New Orleans is the transformation of the solid waste collection landscape. Given the shift and movement of population, the City needs to get a verified house count to ensure accurate and fair invoicing and payment for residential and small business solid waste collection. With that in mind, the City hired GBB, as a subcontractor to the PFM Group, to perform a house count audit under an aggressive schedule.

Project Underway - Information Technology Talking Trash!
Over the years, GBB has conducted numerous collection routing analyses, both manually and using computer routing software models. For this New Orleans assignment, two things are critical: first, the house count must be transparent and fully defendable; second, because the house count is changing rapidly due to return of residents, it must be easily and economically updated. GBB is using Global Positioning System (GPS) units to produce an audit trail that documents visual inspection of every residence and small business.

GBB, in association with GCR & Associates of New Orleans, developed a master refuse collection database, which will be referenced for house counts in the field. Postal, condemned property, energy meter, and water meter databases were utilized to ultimately generate a GIS database of prospective refuse collection points.

GBB Team members next collected GPS coordinates to be spatially joined to the prospective refuse collection points. The vehicle of each field surveyor has a GPS with an external antenna mounted on the outside of the vehicle and a dashboard interface for triggering the marking of XY coordinates for each refuse collection point.

GBB will then develop an accurate, verifiable, and transparent "Update Procedure" methodology for the master collection database that the City can use in the future to update the waste set-out database.

Finally, GBB will produce a report including descriptions of the survey and verification methodologies, the number of residences and small businesses in each contract area that require service, and instructions for updating the electronic database. The end result for New Orleans will be an accurate, updatable database of locations receiving waste collection services that will ensure fair and proper billing.

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Updates from the Guam Receiver

In a Court Order dated March 17, 2008, U.S. District Court Judge Frances M. Tydingco-Gatewood appointed GBB to be Receiver with full responsibility for bringing the Guam Solid Waste Management Division into compliance with the 2004 Consent Decree for violation of the Clean Water Act. The latest information about the receivership is available at:
www.GuamSolidWasteReceiver.org

Guam Recycles!
As of September 15, 2008, Guam residents are able to recycle cardboard, mixed paper and glass at three convenient locations, thereby extending the life of the Ordot Dump until a new lined landfill is constructed. The new recycling containers are part of a pilot program made possible through an Executive Order signed by Governor Felix P. Camacho, authorizing an emergency procurement for the purchase of solid waste equipment.

The launch of Guam's recycling program was celebrated at a special event on September 15. First Lady Joann Camacho noted that "The governor and I have great hope for this project, as it will lead to widespread recycling on the island. This is an opportunity for all of us to do our part." In her remarks, Dededo Mayor Melissa Savares commented, "Our community has always accepted green waste, cardboard, paper, plastic, and now we're excited because we can accept glass as well in these areas." After addressing the audience, the officials placed the first recyclable materials in the new containers.

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GBB Makes Guam Team Feel at Home at 2008 Little League World Series

Representatives from GBB were in the stands cheering for the team from Yona representing Southern Guam Little League during the 2008 Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, PA. The Guam team participated in the 62nd edition of the famed tournament for 11-12-year-olds, which features 16 teams from around the world.

Congratulations to the Guam team for making it to the Little League World Series and going 1-2!

GBBers with the banner in front of GBB's office.

Annual NRC "Duck Soup" Softball Game a Great Success in Pittsburgh!

The annual "Duck Soup" softball game was held Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at Mt. Washington Park, in Pittsburgh, PA, during the National Recycling Coalition's 27th Congress and Expo.

The event, sponsored by GBB and Covanta Energy, was once again a great success and highly appreciated by all involved. Spectators and players alike got the opportunity to take a break and join in this networking and social opportunity. The friendly competition was played in the fun "Duck Soup" format, where the rules change from inning to inning. Pictures and "Duck Soup" rules are available at: www.gbbinc.com/news/nrc08-softball.htm .

Thanks to all the participants! We hope to see you at next year's event!

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