May 11, 2006

Kent County’s Waste-to-Energy facility has earned the distinction of becoming Michigan’s first municipal facility to be designated as a Clean Corporate Citizen (C3), and the 121st overall member of the program. Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester met with local officials today at the site to officially welcome them to the program.

“Joining the Clean Corporate Citizen program is a tremendous accomplishment for this facility, and is something to be proud of for the Grand Rapids community,” said Director Chester. “They are providing an efficient and reliable alternative energy source that results in better air quality and improved health for Michigan’s residents.”

The Kent County Waste-to-Energy facility accepts non-hazardous wastes from municipal and commercial operations which are combusted in water-cooled furnaces to produce up to 18 megawatts of electricity. The electricity is first used onsite to power the facility, with the balance being sold to Consumers Energy for use on the state’s electric grid. The facility employs an advanced air pollution control system and expects to process its 3 millionth ton of municipal solid waste by June, 2006.

“Kent County is proud to receive this significant recognition,” said Tom Postmus, Chairman of the Kent County Board of Public Works. “Kent County staff have worked diligently to ensure a strong environmental performance as well as a commitment to continued improvements in the years to come.”

The Waste-to-Energy facility allows Grand Rapids to send less solid waste to landfills, and is part of a larger effort in the community to effectively manage their waste stream.

“It is a great honor to be part of the team receiving such a prestigious award,” said Anthony Orlando President and CEO of Covanta Energy, operators of the Waste-to-Energy facility. “I am proud of our employees and of our long-standing partnership with Kent County. This honor is certainly a recognition of past efforts, but it also represents to Covanta a commitment to continually strive for environmental excellence in the future.”

The Clean Corporate Citizen program is open to establishments regulated under any of Michigan’s environmental statutes. Designations are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. More information on Clean Corporate Citizen program is available on the DEQ’s website at www.michigan.gov/deqc3.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised May 11, 2006 by Pat Watson