New infrastructure for the growing green economy is on track in Staffordshire to bring savings and jobs to local residents.
The construction of the new Energy Recovery Facility at Four Ashes in the South of Staffordshire is being developed by Veolia Environmental Services in partnership with CNIM Clugston Staffordshire Ltd and is on target to be complete in December 2013 helping Staffordshire County Council to reach its target of Zero Waste to Landfill.
The 25 year PFI contract is the biggest in Staffordshire County Council’s history and is set to deliver tax savings to the residents of Staffordshire of over £250 million over its twenty-five year life.
When complete the brand new facility will generate enough power for 32,000 homes and create 40 new jobs.
Staffordshire County Council Leader Philip Atkins is due to meet Veolia on Wednesday 25 July for a site visit and update on progress.
During the visit, Cllr Philip Atkins will see how much progress on construction has been made and hear how this major project has being helping the local economy during construction by sourcing 87% of the workforce and a large proportion of the supply chain locally.
Staffordshire County Council Leader Philip Atkins said: “I am delighted with the progress so far and we are well on track to realising our £250m savings through the new facility. The site visit will give us the chance to see for ourselves the progress.
“The development of the new plant is all part of our 'Zero Waste to Landfill' strategy, which is tackling head on the growing problem of domestic waste. We are dedicated to maximising recycling first, and then recovering energy from the leftover residual waste.
“The project is also central to our drive to protect tax payers and residents from the rising environmental and financial costs of landfill. “Staffordshire really is leading the way nationally in tackling the ever increasing problem of waste. The financial and environmental costs of landfill are rising fast and we have taken firm action to put this county in the best position for the future.
Donald Macphail, Managing Director of Veolia Environmental Services in Staffrodshire added: “New infrastructure is vital if the UK is to meet landfill diversion targets and reduce carbon emissions. It can also bring significant economic benefits and by working closely with Staffordshire County Council and our construction partners we are helping stimulate economic growth and improve environmental performance”
For more information visit www.veoliaenvironmentalservices.co.uk or join in the conversation on Twitter @Veolia_ES_UK #Staffordshire