Newsworthy

Mass burn/incineration

Energy Capital closes Wheelabrator deal

Energy Capital Partners (ECP), with offices in Short Hills, New Jersey; Houston and San Diego, has closed its $1.94 billion acquisition of Wheelabrator Technologies Inc., headquartered in Hampton, New Hampshire, from Houston-based Waste Management Inc. (WM).

Wheelabrator, which utilizes residential and business wastes for renewable energy, will operate as a stand-alone company. The company currently has 15 energy-from-waste facilities, four independent power-producing facilities, four ash monofills and three waste transfer stations. Following the completion of the deal, WM will continue to supply Wheelabrator with material under long-term waste supply agreements.

Wheelabrator has an annual waste processing capacity of more than 7.4 million tons, and a total combined electric generating capacity of 768 megawatts. The company’s facilities also recover metals from ash for recycling into commercial products. Additionally, the company is building an energy-from-waste facility in the U.K.

“We are pleased to join forces with Energy Capital Partners and benefit from their team’s substantial capital base, power generation expertise and experience in clean energy and environmental infrastructure,” says Mark Weidman, president and CEO of Wheelabrator. “We look forward to continued growth, and remain committed to maintaining the world-class operations and environmental services that we have provided our customers for more than 39 years.”

 

Legislation and regulations

EPA finalizes recycling safeguards for hazardous secondary materials

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized new safeguards that it says promote responsible recycling of hazardous secondary materials and demonstrate a significant step forward in promoting recycling innovation. The agency adds that the new safeguards also will result in resource conservation and economic benefits while strengthening protections for environmental justice in communities throughout the country.

The EPA’s Definition of Solid Waste (DSW) final rule modifies the EPA’s 2008 DSW rule to protect human health and the environment from the mismanagement of hazardous secondary material while promoting sustainability through the encouragement of safe and environmentally responsible recycling of the materials.

The EPA says it conducted a rigorous environmental justice analysis of the DSW rule that examined the location of recycling facilities and their proximity and potential impact to adjacent residents. The analysis identified significant regulatory gaps in the 2008 rule, which could negatively affect communities adjacent to third-party recyclers, including disproportionately impacting minority and low-income populations. It includes several provisions that result in resource conservation and economic benefits by encouraging certain types of in-process recycling and remanufacturing, including:

• The rule addresses significant regulatory gaps in the 2008 rule by requiring off-site recycling at a facility with a RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) permit or verified recycler variance, which will allow EPA and the states to verify that a facility has the equipment and trained personnel to safely manage the material, adequate financial assurance, is prepared to respond in case of an emergency and can demonstrate that the recycling is not disposal in the guise of recycling. The new verified recycler exclusion includes a public participation requirement for recyclers seeking variances so that communities are notified prior to the start of recycling operations.
• The rule affirms the legitimacy of the pre-2008 DSW exclusions, such as the scrap metal exclusion, and does not change the regulatory status of material legitimately recycled under these long-standing exclusions.
• The final rule includes a revised definition of legitimate recycling that reaffirms the legitimacy of in-process recycling and of commodity-grade recycled products, such as metals. The rule retains the exclusion for recycling under the control of the generator, including recycling on site, within the same company and through certain types of toll manufacturing agreements, which recognizes those generators that follow good business practices by taking responsibility for their recycling and maintaining control of their hazardous secondary materials.
• The final rule includes a targeted remanufacturing exclusion for certain higher-value hazardous spent solvents, which are being remanufactured into commercial-grade products. This allows manufacturers to reduce the use of virgin solvents, resulting in economic and environmental benefits, including energy conservation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
   

Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, says, “This important rule gives communities a voice in the decisions that impact them, promotes safe and responsible recycling of hazardous secondary materials and conserves vital resources while protecting those most at risk from the dangers of hazardous secondary materials mismanagement.”

More information about this rulemaking can be found on EPA’s website at: www.epa.gov/waste/hazard/dsw/rulemaking.htm.

 

Municipal

Seattle food waste ordinance takes effect

New food waste requirements for the city of Seattle took effect Jan. 1, 2015. According to a city-issued news advisory, it will no longer allow food or compostable paper, including pizza boxes, paper napkins and paper towels, to be placed in the garbage.

The food waste requirements, part of the city’s solid waste comprehensive plan, were passed in 2014 by the Seattle City Council and signed into law by Mayor Ed Murray. The ordinance is projected to divert as much as 38,000 more tons of food scraps from the landfill each year, helping Seattle achieve its goal to recycle or compost 60 percent of its waste by 2015.

“Seattle is a national leader in recycling,” says Tim Croll, solid waste director of Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). “Most of our city’s businesses and residents are already composting. This requirement is a progression of our collective efforts that help our city become even greener.”

Seattle’s recyclables and yard waste have been prohibited from the garbage for more than a decade. Prior to submitting the food waste legislation, SPU polled businesses and residents and found widespread support for the measure.

Organics — food, paper napkins, cardboard pizza boxes, leaves and grass — make up the largest component of Seattle’s waste. SPU estimates that 30 percent of the 317,000 tons of trash disposed of in the landfill in 2013 was compostable.

Seattle began biweekly curbside residential vegetative food waste collection in 2005. In 2009 Seattle required all residents to participate in food waste collection or backyard composting and started collecting food and yard waste every week, including meat, fish and dairy. SPU estimates that businesses and residents have diverted nearly 400,000 tons of food from the landfill since 2005.

Today, more than 300,000 single family, multifamily and commercial properties participate in food and yard waste collection. Seattleites divert more than 125,000 tons of food and yard waste from the landfill each year.

 

Anaerobic digestion

Anaerobic Digester planned for Napa Valley winery waste

A $15 million anaerobic digester that can recycle 100 million gallons of winery and vineyard waste is headed for American Canyon, California.

The project is backed by an environmental investment group focusing on Napa Valley and its entrepreneurs. The system developed by Veolia Waters North America, Chicago, is specifically designed to recycle winery and vineyard waste streams. The biodigester uses anaerobic bacteria to break down grape skins and other matter within the wastewater, ridding it of much of its wastes within 24 hours. The treated water may be used in vineyard irrigation.

Items such as wine and juice, barrel wash, wine lees, wastewater screenings, pond sludge, cooling tower blowdown, water softener concentrate, ion exchange rejects, boiler blowdown, acid caustic rinse water and high salinity waste will be eliminated from landfills and instead be converted into clean energy.

Wineries, vineyards and wastewater generators interested in learning more should contact Stuart Garret by phone at 760-272-6377 or by email at sfgume@aol.com.

 

Mass burn/incineration

Covanta names new CEO

Covanta Holding Corp., a global owner and operator of energy from waste projects based in Morristown, New Jersey, has announced a leadership succession plan.

Anthony J. Orlando, who has served as Covanta’s president and CEO since 2004 and as a director since 2005, has announced his intention to transition from his role as CEO in March 2015. Orlando will remain on the company’s board of directors.

Stephen J. Jones, who most recently served as senior vice president and general manager at Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, will become Covanta’s president and CEO and a member of the board of directors at that time. Jones joined the company Jan. 5, 2015, and will work closely with Orlando for a transition period.

“We are thrilled to welcome Steve to Covanta, and we are confident in his ability to lead the company as its new CEO,” says Samuel Zell, chairman of the board. “Steve has deep experience in operating and growing complex industrial businesses, and is committed to continuing our program of disciplined growth with a focus on maximizing shareholder returns. Having played a major role in key strategy and growth initiatives, Steve is the ideal candidate to serve as Covanta’s next CEO.”

Zell adds, “On behalf of Covanta and its directors, I would like to sincerely thank Tony for all he has done for the company. Tony has been instrumental in building Covanta, providing outstanding service to our customers, and driving value for shareholders. We are very pleased that he will continue to provide his strategic insights and leadership as CEO through March, and after that as a Board member, to ensure a smooth transition.”

Orlando states, “I have had a great experience during my 25 years at Covanta, including the past 10 in the role of CEO, and I am proud of the value that we have created for all our stakeholders. I would especially like to thank Covanta’s dedicated and talented team, with whom I have greatly enjoyed working and who have been key to our success. I am confident that the company is well-positioned for future growth, and that Steve has the experience, dedication, and understanding of our industry to work with our leadership team to help realize Covanta’s full potential.”

Jones says, “I’m honored by the board’s confidence in me and I am looking forward to working closely with the board, the rest of Covanta’s outstanding leadership team and the entire organization to take this company to the next level. Covanta is the industry-leader in sustainable waste and renewable energy solutions, with an unmatched asset base and a track record of providing best-in-class service for its clients. While Tony has set a high bar for leadership at the company, this is an exciting time to join Covanta and I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead this outstanding organization.”

 

Association news

SWANA executive director and CEO to retire

John Skinner, Ph.D., has announced his retirement as executive director and CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Maryland, effective April 30, 2015.

“I have truly enjoyed working with SWANA’s members and staff throughout the years and believe we have taken the association to new heights together,” says Skinner. “I am stepping down from SWANA to focus my future activities on efforts to advance solid waste programs internationally.”

Skinner joined SWANA as CEO in 1996, following a career at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the United Nations Environment Programme.

“John has been a great asset to SWANA and will continue to lead the organization well through his retirement date,” says SWANA President Brian Tippetts. “Under his leadership, SWANA has grown in both number and stature and we thank him for his service and dedication for the past 18 years.”

Tippetts cited several examples of SWANA’s accomplishments under Skinner’s leadership, including:

• the highest membership level in the history of the association — 8,300 members and growing;
• members in every state of the U.S., every province of Canada and a Caribbean chapter;
• a strong balance sheet and excellent financial reserves;
• a wide range of educational offerings ranging from classroom to online programs;
• a proactive advocacy program which is influencing national policy; and
• SWANA’s Applied Research Program, which provides valuable studies for SWANA members and industry professionals everywhere.

My hat is off to John and I thank him for his service and dedication,” Tippetts says.

Tippetts says SWANA will seek an experienced leader and manager with a background in the solid waste industry and the ability to build and grow working relationships for the association and the industry.

 

Landfill gas

Republic starts up Indiana landfill gas-to-energy project

Republic Services, headquartered in Phoenix, has started operations at its latest gas-to-energy project in Argos, Indiana.

The 6-megawatt project at Republic’s County Line Landfill involves four engines operating at one energy generation facility. The facility is capable of generating enough energy to power more than 3,200 area homes.

“We are serious about developing innovative uses for landfill gas whenever possible,” says Mark Watson, area president of Republic Services. “Any time a waste byproduct can be harnessed into renewable energy, it’s an incredible opportunity. Our employees are particularly proud to be part of this project and doing their part to leave a cleaner and healthier northern Indiana for future generations.”

Republic Services partnered with Aria Energy on the design, development and management of the new project.

The two companies have partnered on four projects to date with a combined generation capacity of more than 39.6 megawatts of electrical power. Republic and Aria are currently working on two additional projects, which combined are expected to create another 15 megawatts of electrical power.

Republic Services has implemented 73 landfill gas-to-energy projects nationwide. Together, these projects harness enough electricity to power or heat about 400,000 households.

 

Landfill gas

Waste Management opens renewable gas facility

Waste Management (WM), Houston, has opened a renewable natural gas facility that uses pipeline-ready natural gas from landfill gas produced at the company’s Milam Landfill in Fairmont City, Illinois.

The processed renewable natural gas (RNG) will be injected into Ameren Illinois’ pipeline for withdrawal at other locations, including some Waste Management facilities.

Ameren Illinois is a regulated electric and gas delivery company based in Collinsville, Illinois. The natural gas produced will be used to heat homes or fuel truck fleets and other equipment that run on compressed natural gas (CNG).

The newly opened facility is designed to process about 3,500 standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) of incoming landfill gas, which will be enough to fuel about 200 Waste Management CNG collection trucks per day. The gas produced represents more than 5 percent of the natural gas that is used in WM’s entire CNG fleet per day, the company says.

“The Milam Renewable Natural Gas Facility is the first facility of its kind we’ve actually built from the ground up,” says Jim Trevathan, executive vice president and COO of WM. “This innovative facility utilizes renewable landfill gas, and purifies it to a high-quality natural gas that in turn feeds into the adjacent pipeline to fuel our growing fleet of CNG trucks. This truly maximizes available resources while creating a new and beneficial use.”

“At Ameren Illinois, we are investing in new technology upgrades to our natural gas delivery system, so when we were approached by Waste Management for this first-of-its-kind collaboration, it made perfect sense to us,” says Richard Mark, president and CEO of Ameren Illinois.

The existing Milam Landfill-Gas-to-Energy facility produces 2.4 megawatts of renewable energy. The output from the power plant is directly connected to the new renewable natural gas facility, which provides the power needed to run the new facility.

The $19 million Renewable Gas Facility was partially funded by a $2.4 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Energy Office.

The Milam renewable natural gas facility is the company’s third plant to convert landfill gas to natural gas. In California, WM collaborated in what it says is the world’s largest plant to convert landfill gas to ultra-low-carbon liquefied natural gas (LNG). The facility produces up to 13,000 gallons of LNG per day and helps to power the company’s fleet in California. In Ohio, the company processes about 3,000 SCFM of landfill gas and delivers it to a natural gas pipeline.

 

Gasification

PVT Land Co. to turn C&D debris into renewable fuel

PVT Land Co., a landfill based in Nanakuli, Hawaii, has dedicated a new reclamation and recycling system for construction & demolition (C&D) debris. The system, designed and installed by San Diego-based CP Group, was introduced to state and city dignitaries and community leaders in November 2014.

Each day, roughly 1,775 tons of debris enters the 135-acre facility. Up to 80 percent is recycled, with more than 50 percent of the debris now being converted into feedstock for future use in renewable energy production. Instead of being buried in the landfill, the debris is being transformed into a renewable fuel that can be burned to create steam, produce power or be used in a manufacturing process that burns the feedstock to produce synthetic natural gas. This gas then could be used to power generators to produce electricity for Hawaiian Electric Co. to distribute through its power grid.

“Today marks an important step in our evolution from a landfill to a world-class integrated waste management facility for construction and demolition materials to one of the top recycling operations of its kind in the nation,” says PVT President Albert Shigemura.”

Operating at full capacity, the PVT recycling system can process up to 900 tons of feedstock per day. When converted through gasification, that much feedstock would fuel the production of enough energy to power 12,000 homes.

In addition to the debris that is transformed into feedstock, the majority of the remaining 50 percent of materials entering the PVT facility are also recycled, including 42 tons of metals every day. As a result, less than 20 percent of the debris brought to the landfill is actually buried in the landfill, the company says.

The PVT Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility is Oahu’s only C&D landfill.

The company has also invested $3.5 million on dust mitigation, a high-capacity storm water management system, and a network of paved roads with drainage ports that prevent erosion and manage water run-off.

A video tour of the facility is available at www.rewmag.com/pvt-land-rew-cdr-opening.aspx.

Anaerobic digestion

Quality Farms to convert wine and beer waste into ethanol

Quality Farms, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, has announced plans to invest $1.9 million to build a project in Mullins, South Carolina, which will convert wine and beer waste into fuel-grade ethanol and livestock feed.

Founded in 2011, Quality Farms was established to provide beer, wine and spirit product destruction and recycling services to the beverage industry.

Quality Farms’ existing Ohio operations have processed more than 12.4 million pounds of product. The company expects its South Carolina operations to yield similar results. The new operation will locate in a 300,000 square-foot building that will house equipment to break glass, crush aluminum and bale the packaging materials.

The company says it reclaims and recycles more than 90 percent of the unusable total beverage product it takes in. South Carolina’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $75,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund Grant to be used as reimbursement for the cost of property improvements.

“South Carolina has all of the ingredients for small businesses to be successful, and I look forward to watching Quality Farms thrive in our state,” says South Carolina’s Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt.

Plastics to oil

Pyrolysis company fined by Oregon DEQ

Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued Agilyx Corp. a $49,700 penalty for hazardous waste violations at its Tigard, Oregon, research facility, which converts scrap plastic into synthetic crude oil.

The DEQ fined the company for improper management of hazardous waste, failure to maintain an up-to-date contingency plan and failure to properly train employees who would be responsible for managing hazardous waste. Agilyx has appealed the fine and says it will have meetings with DEQ staff to discuss points of contention and steps to resolve the issue.

 

Mass burn/incineration

Covanta assumes operations at Florida WTE plant

Covanta, based in Morristown, New Jersey, has announced it has assumed operations of the Pinellas County Resource Recovery Facility located in St. Petersburg, Florida. The company was selected to operate the facility for a 10-year term after a competitive procurement process. In addition to operations, Covanta says it has also commenced a number of capital projects to improve operations of the facility.

The facility was previously operated by Green Conversion Systems, based in St. Petersburg.

“We are extremely pleased to have been chosen by Pinellas County to be the new operator of the Pinellas County Resource Recovery Facility,” says Anthony Orlando, Covanta president and chief executive officer. “We have a strong track record of successfully integrating and restoring facilities and we look forward to welcoming our new client and employees into the Covanta family.”

Covanta says it brings unique experience to this new operating agreement. As the Martin GmbH technology licensee for North America, Covanta has a 30-year track record designing, constructing, operating and maintaining waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities using the Martin GmbH technology employed at the Pinellas facility. The Martin technology is also used in 23 of Covanta’s facilities in North America.

In addition, Covanta has more than 25 years of expertise in taking over the operations of WTE facilities built and operated by others. Of the 42 WTE facilities Covanta operates in North America, 22 were transitioned from another company.

The Pinellas County Resource Recovery Facility provides sustainable waste management services to residents of Pinellas County by processing approximately 3,150 tons of solid waste per day into enough energy to power approximately 40,000 homes.