Mulcahy Reports on County’s Solid Waste Program

Frank Mulcahy
San Juan County Public Works Director

I’d like to let you know of some recent developments in the County’s Solid Waste Transition.

First, I’d like to introduce Ms. Sam Gibboney as our new Solid Waste Program Administrator. Sam comes to us from Port Townsend, WA where she has worked with local governments and non-profit organizations for nearly 20 years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from San Diego State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington. Her areas of expertise include engineering project management, water resources and stormwater management, organizational development and communications.

Sam is excited about completing the transition of the solid waste program early this year and working with the new site operators to ensure that the public is well served. She is also eager to implement the County’s new Solid and Hazardous Waste Plan in achieving key goals like waste reduction and product stewardship.

Personally, Sam’s husband Lowell Jons is a school teacher on Shaw Island and her family is looking forward to becoming part of the San Juan Island community.

Secondly, all systems are GO on Lopez Island where they are off to a great start operating the Lopez Transfer Station under local control. Between a highly effective management team and a passionate workforce of both employees and volunteers, the operation is going smoothly.

Finally, contract negotiations continue for the operation of the San Juan and Orcas facilities. Though going a little slower than expected, we are taking a deliberate approach to ensure success out of the gate on this very unique and unprecedented change in operations. We will be careful to make it as seamless as possible from the customer’s perspective.

Sam is interested in hearing what’s on your mind regarding Soild Waste. Please feel free to email her at samg@sanjuanco.com and let her know what you think.