(BIVN) – The process to finally close the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill has begun.

The Hawaii County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday advanced a bill authorizing issuance of $20 million in general obligation bonds to pay for the project. The final design for the closure is anticipated to be complete
by the end of 2017.

Councilmembers spent an hour questioning Solid Waste Division Chief Greg Goodale on the massive project, which will have to done in accordance with strict environmental regulations.