New director for Covanta Energy
Peter Wright joins the firm from SITA UK, where he was appointed as head of development in August 2004, and brings with him a wealth of 37 years' experience in waste management, including seven years in the renewable energy industry. Mr Wright has been brought in to head the company's development following Covanta's bids to build EfW across the UK. He will be based at Covanta's headquarters in Kingswinford, near Dudley.
Covanta Energy's UK managing director, Malcolm Chilton said: “Peter is a vital addition to the UK team. His vast knowledge and industry expertise will be paramount in driving the growth of Covanta Energy in the UK.”
Veolia scoops employer award
The French parent company of Veolia Environmental Services -Veolia Environnement – has been named Employer of the Year at the UK's 2008 National Employer Service (NES) Learners First Awards.
Veolia Environnement was singled out for its contribution to workplace learning, beating off fierce competition from the other finalist employers, who included TUI Travel and the Royal Navy.
Ronnie Bennett, Managing Director, Campus Veolia Environnement, said: “This recognition means so much to all of us here at Veolia. Development of our people is crucial to the long term advancement of our company as it not only helps create excellence in the service we offer to our clients but also it acts as powerful motivator and reward to our employees.”
Permission granted for Cheshire energy facility
A joint venture between energy firm Bedminster International and Organic Waste Management (OWM) has secured planning permission to establish a Bedminster BioEnergy Facility in Northwich, Cheshire.
The plant is expected to cost £35 million and Bedminster and OWM expect it to have a processing capacity of 150,000 tonnes of waste per year. The Bedminster technology will be used to separate the biodegrabale fraction from waste for conversion into green renewable energy.
Mike Brookes, of OWM, said: “We look forward to discussing the project with the many waste producers and local authorities in the North of England to help them meet their obligations and to treat their waste at competitive rates. I believe that this will be the first of many such facilities in the UK.”
Matlock waste cheat gets curfew and tag
A Derbyshire skip company boss has been ordered to wear an electronic tag and observe a curfew order after being found guilty of keeping waste illegally.
Martin John Hudson aged 34 of Wirksworth, Matlock, Derbyshire was sentenced at Derby Magistrates' Court in relation to four charges of keeping waste illegally due to not having a waste management licence. The charges were brought by the Environment Agency under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The case is part of the Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) campaign targeting Derby and South Derbyshire.
Environment Officer, Damien Ashby, said: “Martin Hudson continued to operate Cheap Skips illegally, deceiving customers and undercutting legitimate businesses. This is not his first offence and the sentence imposed, including a suspended prison sentence, community service, compensation payable to the Environment Agency and an electronic tag reflects this. We hope this sends a clear message that businesses must operate within the law in order to protect the local environment.”
Alloy analyser helps scrap metal company
It is important for the firm to identify nickel content quickly and accurately because the value of stainless steel depends crucially on its nickel content, and two pieces that look almost identical can have values varying by GBP 1000s per tonne.
Director James Varley said: “The Niton is an essential piece of equipment for us. It enables us to give our customers the best possible price, since we know exactly what grade of alloy we are dealing with.”
Subscribe for free