Tim Judge, project manager for Masada OxyNol LLC of Birmingham, AL says the project has received all the necessary approvals from federal and state regulatory agencies. However, he confirms that an Article 78 proceeding is pending in New York State Supreme Court in Albany against the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The suit, filed by a neighboring property owner, seeks to have the DEC permits for the plant overturned.

Ruling on that case is expected shortly. Richard Guertin, corporation counsel and Commissioner of Public Works for the city says that at a hearing on Feb. 2 the court seemed "to be leaning toward the DEC's position." Barring an unfavorable ruling in state court, Masada's Judge said "We thoroughly expect to break ground later this spring."

Guerin says some contractual issues between the city and the Middletown Industrial Development Agency still remain to be finalized. He adds that if all issues are addressed somewhat quickly, construction could commence sometime later this year.

The plant will be located at the site of the former city landfill off of Dolson Avenue. The property, owned by the city, will be leased to Masada. Bonds issued by the Middletown Industrial Development Agency will finance the venture.

Masada Oxynol announced earlier this week (Feb. 5) an agreement with Kvaerner Process Services Inc., which is headquartered in the United Kingdom, to provide engineering, procurement and construction services for the waste-to-ethanol conversion facility in Middletown. Commenting on the project at that time, Masada's CEO Daryl Harms noted, "Prior to issuing the environmental air and solid waste permits, the USEPA and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation gave this project the most thorough environmental permit review of which we know."

During construction of the facility, 350 to 800 union construction workers will be employed, and the project is expected to contribute to an estimated $38 million annually to the local economy. He facility will create 200 new permanent jobs once it is in operation. Masada and Kvaerner representatives are holding talks with area building trades labor unions and hope to finalize an agreement soon.

The facility will be a state of the art waste management plant capable of beneficially re-using and recycling more than 90% of municipal solid waste and municipal solid waste and municipal sewage sludge. The primary product from the waste conversion process is ethanol, a renewable, clean-burning vehicle fuel, company officials said.

Masada officials add that its "propriety" process promoted a high rate of recycling and reuse of waste, provides a local waste disposal option, and helps municipalities avoid the legal liabilities associated with land-filling. They also noted the facility will also help reduce the exportation of large amounts of waste to other states, a growing problem particularly in the region surrounding New York.

Instant Insights /

Construction Could Begin This Spring on $100-Mil Garbage-to-Ethanol Plant

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