The Centre County Solid Waste Authority has decided to proceed with plans to create a "bi-county authority" with its Clinton County counterpart, a Centre authority executive says.

Executive Director Donald Bachman said the authority told its solicitor, John Blasko, on Wednesday night to begin preparing the necessary documents. The authority also instructed its longrange planning committee to continue investigating a merger between the authorities.

"The joint landfill would provide a long-term location for our solid waste disposal," Bachman said.

Ronald Iadorola, member of the Centre County Authority's Long-Range Planning Committee, said the committee has been meeting with members of the Clinton County Authority for about a year.

"We've done the preliminary research and we're now in the secondary stages," ladorola said, adding the authorities have also held public hearings.

The Centre County Authority currently uses the R.S. Carlin Landfill in Show Shoe Township. However, that landfill will be closed April 9, 1990, in accordance with Act 101 and Department of Environmental Resources regulations which specify landfills must have a double-lining.

Bachman said a new double-lined landfill would be opened adjacent to Clinton County's current landfill site in McElhattan if the county's authorities combine.

"The cost would be spread over two counties," Bachman said, noting the benefits of combined expertise.

Bachman said Clinton County is in the process of submitting a permit to the Department of Environmental Resources in Williamsport for the new landfill.

Centre County produces 300 tons of solid waste per day, compared to Clinton County's 150 tons, Bachman said.

"Clinton County needs to generate so much solid waste to make a landfill feasible cost-wise," Bachman said. "It would be to their benefit to combine with an adjoining county."

No set policies or rates have yet been determined Bachman said, adding that the authorities hope to reach a final decision within 90 days.

"Hopefully, within six months, we'll have the new authority formed," Bachman said.

Iadorola said he feels both areas will benefit from the merger.