2.37.030 Compost procurement policy.

General Policy. The county shall develop a procurement policy and plan for the purchase and use of compost materials.

(1)    Before issuance of a solicitation for bids or proposals departments shall consider whether compost can be utilized in a county project as required in RCW 43.19A.120. In the event that a department identifies that compost can be utilized, compost shall be specified for use on the project.

(2)    Departments shall plan for the use of compost in any of the following categories that are applicable to the departments’ operations and project types:

(a)    Landscaping projects;

(b)    Construction and post construction soil amendments;

(c)    To prevent erosion, filter stormwater runoff, promote vegetative growth, or improve the stability and longevity of roadways in accordance with Title 40; and

(d)    Low-impact development and green infrastructure either to filter pollutants or keep water on site, or both in accordance with the Clark County Stormwater Manual, Section 40.386.020.

(3)    Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2) of this section, departments are not required to use compost products if:

(a)    Compost products are not available within a reasonable time or distance from the project;

(b)    Compost products that are available do not comply with existing purchasing standards;

(c)    Compost products that are available do not comply with federal, state, or local health, quality and safety standards;

(d)    Compost purchase prices are not reasonable or competitive; or

(e)     The terms of this section are in conflict with current state or federal regulatory guidance.

(4)    Departments that use compost shall report the following information to the Clark County public health solid waste program by each December 15th:

(a)    The volume and cost of compost purchased by the department or awarded contractor in that year; and

(b)    The source or sources of the compost purchased by the department in that year. (Sec. 2 of Ord. 2023-03-06)