“POLICY DILEMMAS AT THE SEATTLE SOLID WASTE UTILITY” AND “DOWNSIZING AT THE DODGE CLINIC”

“Policy Dilemmas at the Seattle Solid Waste Utility” and “Downsizing at the Dodge Clinic”



“Policy Dilemmas at the Seattle Solid Waste Utility” and “Downsizing at the Dodge Clinic”

Policy Dilemmas at the Seattle Solid Waste Utility

Diana Gale suggests Directorate troubled city utility in the midst of a stormy period during which a landfill full trials, starting, and new solid waste management policy is necessary. It should bring this to the politically messy business choosing long-term policy of garbage for the city. Garbage collection - previously taken for granted - is becoming a hot political issue because of the combination spiral rate increases on residential garbage collection and environmental catastrophe in one of the local landfills, which are discussed in detail in the press. But before Gail can refer policy decisions, it must come to grips with municipal policy, some serious problems of staff, as well as outdated and inefficient organizational structure. Thus, the case allows the discussion of policy development in conjunction with the assessment of institutional weakness and political (to allow) the environment. In the case of a short summary of the recommendations Gayle eventually made to the Mayor, who was running one of the first programs of the country side processing.

Although incineration is likely the choice of the utility because the cost of using County landfill was high and there was no way to site a new landfill in the county, some citizens and environmental groups in Seattle against this option. They argued that the incinerator would release unacceptable levels of nitrogen oxides, which have been linked to respiratory diseases. Although some environmental engineers refute these allegations, the press picked up on the fears voiced by environmentalists. State support for burning began to wane.

In addition, citizens want to know what should be done with the ashes a fire that will contain hazardous metals and organic compounds. There are two types of ash: fly ash, which is less than 1 percent of the incoming waste stream by weight, bottom ash, and sometimes weighs a quarter as much as the original collector, and is considered less dangerous. State Department of Ecology testing of fly ash from three incinerators in other states, and all three were considered "extremely dangerous" because of toxicity to fish, the presence of heavy metals or the presence of carcinogenic chemicals. These results confirmed the fears of critics. EPP was also concerned and believe the best method for ash disposal.

In deciding on policy, the case demonstrates how the manager successfully balances opposing pressures from the mayor, city council, public interest groups, and the press, as well as to restore confidence to the agency in the eyes of politicians and demoralized staff. Students will see how strong leadership qualities were used to turn the crisis into an opportunity to redirect policy and structural changes in the organization.

Opponents also argue that the incinerator would cost too much. Burning in Marion County Oregon, one-third the size of that ...