Date: October 3, 2007
Source: Veolia Environmental Services
Veolia Environmental Services Awarded 10-Year Operations Contract with Dow Corning
Innovative Gasification Project to Recycle Hazardous Waste
Veolia Environmental Services is pleased to announce it has been awarded a 10-year contract to operate a gasification unit at Dow Corning's Midland, Michigan plant. The gasification unit, which is owned and developed by Midland Chemical Conversion, L.L.C., a subsidiary of Integrated Environmental Technologies, L.L.C., will recycle the plant's hazardous waste into reusable commodities. Veolia Environmental Services (Veolia ES) Technical Solutions will operate the unit. A groundbreaking ceremony for this innovative conversion project took place on October 1, 2007.
The gasification process will convert hazardous chlorinated organic liquids produced at the Dow Corning plant into two usable products – aqueous hydrochloric acid (HCL) and synthetic natural gas (Syngas). The project will remove the need for the transportation and disposal of hazardous waste off-site, and will aid in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the plant.
"This is a very cutting-edge process. It is the first time that the gasification process will be used commercially to recycle chlorinated organic liquids in the US," said Philippe Martin, President and CEO of Veolia ES Technical Solutions. "We are pleased to be part of such a revolutionary process that aids in the conservation of our environment and promotes recycling."
George Martin, Vice President Technology Development of Veolia Environmental Services North America Corp. adds, "Veolia ES Technical Solutions has a program to evaluate and bring to market reuse and recycling technologies that are environmentally sustainable."
During the gasification process, the hazardous waste is converted into HCL and Syngas. The Syngas will then be used as an alternative energy source, and the HCL will be reused as part of Dow Corning's manufacturing process. By processing the waste on-site, the need for traditional off-site hazardous waste transportation and disposal will be eliminated. In addition, carbon dioxide emissions that would have been present if the waste had been transported and incinerated are also greatly reduced.
"We realize the best way to advance our vision of sustainability is through eagerness to change and a willingness to invest in the best technology available," said Peter Cartwright, Dow Corning executive director for environment, health and safety. "This is an opportunity for Dow Corning to test this innovative and environmentally sound manufacturing technology and see if it has application in our other facilities."
"Veolia's onsite expertise with Dow Corning and our technology made for a natural partnership between IET and Veolia," said Jeff Surma, CEO of Integrated Environmental Technologies, LLC and the inventor of the PEM technology, "We look forward to many years of collaboration that will serve to enhance the environmental and economic savings we can offer our clients."
The project is estimated to capture and refine more than 660 tons per year of liquid hazardous waste and produce 200 lbs/hr of HCL and 10.5 MM BTU/hr of Syngas. Design and procurement for the gasification facility began in the summer of 2007 and completion is scheduled for the third quarter of 2008
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ABOUT VEOLIA ES TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
Veolia ES Technical Solutions provides a complete range of services for industrial and municipal customers needing to dispose of hazardous and regulated waste. Veolia ES Technical Solutions, L.L.C. has more than 45 sales, service and treatment and disposal facilities conveniently located throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Capabilities include labor services on customer's sites, permitted incineration, fuels blending, recycling of solvents and acids, lighting and electronic waste recycling, 14 permitted Treatment Storage Disposal Facilities and 38 10-day in transit locations.
About Veolia Environmental Services in North America
Veolia Environmental Services North America Corp., headquartered in Lombard, IL, offers fully integrated environmental solutions to virtually all industrial, commercial, municipal and residential sectors. It is part of the Veolia Environmental Services (VES) group, the only global manager of liquid, solid, non-hazardous and hazardous waste; on-site waste processing, industrial cleaning and process maintenance; and recycling, recovery and disposal for both the public and private sectors. VES has over 80,000 employees in 35 countries and posted revenues of $9.8 billion in 2006. Veolia Environnement (NYSE:VE), the parent of VES, with operations in water, waste, energy and transportation management, has more than 300,000 employees in 67 countries and recorded revenues of $37.7 billion in 2006. For more information, please visit www.VeoliaES.com.
ABOUT DOW CORNING
Dow Corning (www.dowcorning.com) provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicon-based technology and innovation, offering more than 7,000 products and services. Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the United States.
PRESS CONTACTS:
Jim Dykhuis
Veolia ES Technical Solutions
630 218 1763
Jim.dykhuis@veoliaes.com
Denisse Ike
Veolia Environmental Services North America
Tel. 630-218-1751
denisse.ike@veoliaes.com
Denise Graham, On Ideas
Tel. 904-354-2600
denisegraham@onideas.com
Laura Jones
Assistant Account Executive
On Ideas
6 E. Bay Street, Suite 100
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Office Phone: 904.354.2600 x1216
Fax: 904.354.7226
laurajones@onideas.com
www.onideas.com
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