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C f <br /> Mr. Cavossa suggested that Covanta walked away because they wanted everyone else's figures <br /> before making a decision. Mr. Cavossa suggested that, were it not for Cape communities <br /> providing waste to Covanta for the last 20 years, the waste--to-energy facility would not exist, <br /> adding that Covanta should be sitting at the table offering the best value. The Chair suggested <br /> that Bourne was also in a similar situation. Mr. Cavossa stated that prices 20 years ago were <br /> $20-$25 per ton when the contract was signed. Mr. Cavossa stated that in most other regions the <br /> figure had remained the same but in the northeast,where Covanta controlled the industry, the <br /> price had increased to $80 per ton. Mr. Cavossa expressed his hope that SWAC would identify <br /> competition for Covanta in order to bring prices back down. Mr. Tilton agreed that more <br /> information was needed from the private haulers to see if they could be competitive, adding that <br /> the term had been reduced to 5 years in an effort to consider newer technologies that may <br /> become available. Mr. Cavossa noted that shorter terms may open the contract up to smaller <br /> companies. <br /> Tonnage <br /> Mils. Laurent distributed a summary of commercial waste tonnage for the busiest months of 2011 <br /> and 2012. Ms. Laurent reported that the tonnage was currently down by 800 tons from last year, <br /> which could negatively impact towns' obligations to Mass Coastal. Ms. Laurent emphasized the <br /> importance of ensuring, through the Boards of Health, that tonnage was being delivered to the <br /> UCRTS. Chairman Elliott referenced the increase of 44%tonnage when Covanta reduced its <br /> commercial rates for four months and expressed concern that the tonnage was now decreasing. <br /> Mr. Cavossa suggested that the reduced rate attracted more waste from other areas. Ms. Laurent <br /> noted that the rate had been the same (reduced)for both periods but that tonnage had decreased <br /> this year. Mr. Cavossa stated that the revenue for his company was reduced by 20% from last <br /> year, suggesting it declined as a result of business reductions and/or closings, adding that Allied <br /> was also able to offer a reduced rate due to renegotiations with Covanta. Mr. Cavossa suggested <br /> opening the UCRTS to other towns and lowering rates in order to increase tonnage. Ms. Laurent <br /> stated that Mass Coastal was unwilling to forgive the 40,000 minimum and cautioned that towns <br /> needed to be aware of the expected shortfall. Ms. Laurent recommended that, with the renewal <br /> of permits, Boards of Health needed to enforce the requirement that commercial tonnage be <br /> directed to the UCRTS. <br /> Mr. Cavossa asked that the Board vote to allow waste from other communities as it would be <br /> more convenient for the commercial haulers to pick up in other areas and deliver waste to the <br /> UCRTS. Chairman Elliott expressed concern about tonnage that Mr. Cavossa had not delivered <br /> to the UCRTS. Ms. Laurent suggested discussing the possibility of amending the Memorandum <br /> of Understanding with each of the Boards of Selectmen, opening the UCRTS to receive waste <br /> from other communities. Mr. lack suggested that changes could also trigger a renegotiation with <br /> Mass Coastal and noted that Falmouth was now considering an end disposal contract. Mr. <br /> Cavossa provided specific examples about the way in which private haulers picked up and <br /> dropped off waste, adding that when prices go down, the volume increases. Ms. Laurent pointed <br /> out that tonnage was being reduced or remaining level, often due to recycling and improved <br /> buying habits. Ms. Laurent understood Mr. Cavossa's point regarding the convenience and <br /> efficiency of picking up waste in multiple communities to be disposed at the UCRTS. Mr. <br /> Cavossa offered to operate the facility, at no cost, including transloading C&D materials, <br /> transferring recycling while still operating as a transfer stations for the communities, eliminating <br /> the railroad contract, and creating more competition. Mr. Cavossa offered specific examples and <br /> recommended a two year trial period. The Chair expressed concern about permitting and Mr, <br /> 2 <br />