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Asset Retirement Obligations
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract]  
Asset Retirement Obligations

13.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Our asset retirement obligations relate predominantly to landfill closure, wastewater treatment pond dredging, closed-site monitoring costs, and certain leasehold improvements. In accordance with ASC 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, we recognize the fair value of these liabilities as an asset retirement obligation and capitalize that cost as part of the cost basis of the related asset in the period in which the costs are incurred if sufficient information is available to reasonably estimate the fair value of the obligation. Fair value estimates are determined using Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of our asset retirement obligations is measured using expected future cash outflows discounted using the Company's credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate. Over time, the liability is accreted to its settlement value, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. These liabilities are based on the best estimate of costs and are updated periodically to reflect current technology, laws and regulations, inflation, and other economic factors. Occasionally, we become aware of events or circumstances that require us to revise our future estimated cash flows. When revisions become necessary, we recalculate our obligation and adjust our asset and liability accounts utilizing appropriate discount rates. No assets are legally restricted for purposes of settling asset retirement obligations. Upon settlement of the liability, we will recognize a gain or loss for any difference between the settlement amount and the liability recorded.

The following table describes changes to the asset retirement obligation liability (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Asset retirement obligation at beginning of period

 

$

27.8

 

 

$

30.0

 

Accretion expense

 

 

1.3

 

 

 

1.5

 

Payments

 

 

(0.8

)

 

 

(3.5

)

Revisions in estimated cash flows (a)

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

(0.2

)

Asset retirement obligation at end of period

 

$

31.8

 

 

$

27.8

 

 

(a)

For 2020, primarily consists of an adjustment of $4.5 million related to the San Lorenzo, California facility closure.

 

We have additional asset retirement obligations with indeterminate settlement dates. The fair value of these asset retirement obligations cannot be estimated due to the lack of sufficient information to estimate the settlement dates of the obligations. These asset retirement obligations include, for example, (i) removal and disposal of potentially hazardous materials related to equipment and/or an operating facility if the equipment and/or facilities were to undergo major maintenance, renovation, or demolition and (ii) storage sites or owned facilities for which removal and/or disposal of chemicals and other related materials are required if the operating facility is closed. We will recognize a liability in the period in which sufficient information becomes available to reasonably estimate the fair value of these obligations.