Oregon Public Broadcasting

Federal officials have cleared the way for Honolulu's garbage to be shipped to the Columbia River Gorge. 

The disposal plan had been mired in red tape for months.  However, it is unclear when the Seattle-based trash hauler might actually begin shipments.  Correspondent Tom Banse reports.

Since last September, garbage has piled up near Honolulu's port.  It awaits shipment to a landfill in Klickitat County, Washington. 

Last week, the U.S. Agriculture Department determined the tropical trash would have no significant environmental impact if disposed in the Northwest. 

Critic Judith Johnson of Walla Walla greets that finding with disbelief.

Judith Johnson: "They have a big invasive species problem in the islands. It would seem like they would be more sensitive than they seem to be about perhaps transmitting some of those insects to the mainland."

A Seattle-based company, Hawaiian Waste Systems, is in charge of hauling the trash.  Its president declined to be interviewed. 

But planning documents describe pest control measures including putting plastic shrink-wrap around each garbage bale. 

Some Northwest residents welcome Hawaii's trash because it secures Columbia River port jobs and generates tipping fees that keep other taxes low.